True Patriot Love

It started off with an ambitious relay across our great country and ended with a gold medal that will be cherished for generations.

Along the way we witnessed unspeakable tragedy on the Luge track and eloquent humanity during the opening ceremonies. Collectively, we held our breath when Joannie Rochette skated and triumphed under the most adverse conditions.

We watched, with jaws dropped, as Shaun White took our breath away on the half pipe and cheered wildly when Petra Majdic tenaciously skied to a bronze medal in Whistler. Canada’s athletes struck gold on home soil for the first time and then punctuated Bilodeau’s achievement with a record breaking thirteen additionally gold medals.

What a performance!

We high fived strangers on the street, hugged, hooted and hollered. “Oh Canada” poured out on every street corner like beer at Canada Hockey House. Yes, there were some glitches but, who cares! VANOC, its Volunteers and the city of Vancouver laid down a golden performance. The legacies are many: Canada Line, highways, stadiums, word class sporting facilities and Own the Podium.

But, more lasting than any is the feeling that Canada can “clutch up” on the world’s stage. I believe our country and our people have changed. Canadians are more united, more determined and more proud than before these games. This was a seminal moment for Canada.

I am so proud to be a Canadian. Go Canada Go!