[QBC]

I'm the first one to admit I was not a fan of the idea of the games in Vancouver. I thought it was too expensive and to much for the economy to handle, not to mention I thought and still do think, we could have spent the money better. You may love or hate what the Olympic games have become, but the time for debate, for or against the Olympics in Vancouver is over. We should leave it till after the games and celebrate the games for what they are intended for. The athletes that have come to Canada to compete. The dreams they have fulfilled by just becoming Olympians and the performances that will hopefully be their best ever, must take precedence now. The Georgian athletes at last nights opening ceremonies exemplify the spirit and intent of the games. The Olympics are supposed celebrate some of the best aspects of humanity, lets just do that and leave the negativity about the games at the door. Cheer for all the athletes and celebrate the world coming together in our home.

Here are a few Olympic moments that have moved me over the years and hopefully will remind everyone of the real Olympic spirit.

[QBC]

He does, doesn't he? I had forgoten about the coke bottle glasses. Calgary was a few days ago, memory fades when ya get old...

[Mockingbird]

I live in Calgary and did during the '88 games, and I remember Eddie of course and the Jamaican bobsled stories as well, good memories. It was nice to see Eddie carry the olympic torch in Winnipeg for these games.

[Yogi]

I had this very discussion with another member the other day. It's too late to protest. The games are going ahead. Might as well enjoy them , As you said Q, "in the spirit'. As much as I am not a 'sports fan', ie; sitting on my ass and watching others... I enjoy participating in sports for the fun and exercise, etc.
Sports today, as we know them, have become little more than corporate events. It's all about the money and the medals! Seems that the spirit of the athlete has been all but forgotten!

[QBC]

Yogi Yogi:

I had this very discussion with another member the other day. It's too late to protest. The games are going ahead. Might as well enjoy them , As you said Q, "in the spirit'. As much as I am not a 'sports fan', ie; sitting on my ass and watching others... I enjoy participating in sports for the fun and exercise, etc.
Sports today, as we know them, have become little more than corporate events. It's all about the money and the medals! Seems that the spirit of the athlete has been all but forgotten!

Yep, that's why we have to remember that spirit Yogi. That's why I put up the vid of the runner in Mexico City. He just puts an exclamation point to it for everyone and all athletes. "My country did not send me 5000 miles to start the race, they sent me 5000 miles to finish the race." John Steven Aquari

Good singers eh Wil?...hu...Rum is an amazing thing...

[meee223]

Just today I found out about Canada's Own the Podium policy for the Olympics and it makes me ashamed. It's one thing to give Canadian athletes everything they need so they can be the best prepared that they can be, but to restrict foreign athletes to less access use of facilities for practice than Canadians is shameful and goes against the fairness of the games. It goes to show from this policy and comments made by the Canadian Olympic committee and even from the athletes themselves that no longer are the Olympics a "friendly" competition, but a "win or else be ashamed" contest. Competing in the Olympics should make all of us proud but the results, win or lose, should still bring a smile to everyone's faces. Bring back the true spirit of the games. But, until then, I am so ashamed that I will not be watching and I simply do not care anymore.