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There we had it! The 2010 Winter Games came and gone in a blink of an eye, but the memories and the goodies will be with us for decades. Before the games started, I wrote up a post saying how the “Winter Olympics suck!”. Although I still stand by a lot of the things I said, I shall make one correction: The Winter Olympics Don’t Suck. As a matter of fact, they are awesome, or at least this one was!
You see, the whole thing about how we spent a lot of money and wouldn’t have enough visitors was all true. Also the fact that winter games are limited to a few nations and few athletes, again true. But what I forgot to look at, was how the games would affect us? The host nation, and her beautiful citizens.
Over the past 17 days, we showcased to the world ( or at least those who followed the games ) our hospitality, energy and enthusiasm. Sure there were not a lot of visitors, and the arenas were mostly packed with Canadian supporters, but boy did we cheer loud and clear. I know too many people around me who didn’t care much for the winter games, but are just as sad and hung-over as I am today, when it all ended. So what was so awesome about the games? Let’s have a look:
People were ecstatic. In a time of such economic difficulties and people feeling down and unhappy, the games came to rescue. With streets of downtown Vancouver packed with thousands and thousands of people every night, there was nothing to be seen but smiles and laughter. People cheered for their favorite athletes, celebrated wins and mocked the malfunctions, all in good fun!
People were unified. I think I got more hugs and high fives during the games that I had in my life before! I mean really, we didn’t care. We were cheering and chanting and high-fiving anyone and everyone. Black or white, Asian or Indian, tall or short, everyone felt the love and helped spread it. After all, that’s what Canada is all about. Only now, you can look back at the Olympics and see the diversity and witness how people of all races and ages bonded with one common thought: the games.
People got to learn about the games and the athletes. We got to know winter athletes up close and learn about them. We got to learn how much effort and dedication these guys put into the sport to win an Olympic medal. Did you know that the Olympic GS Snowboarding champion is a blueberry farmer? Did you know the Freestyle skiers train in summer, jumping into a pool of water? Did you know that these guys spent every day of the past 4 years to get where they are today? I did not.
With all the malfunctions, the not-so-good opening ceremonies and the snow-less Cypress, I was very skeptical about the games; but we proved that we’re capable, and with a crowd like this, everything is possible. Now that these games are done and over with, I’m starting to get excited about the FIFA World Cup, which is only 4 months away!

Cheers,
froozle