The competition has got better and better. And old-timers tell me that the home town enthusiasm here is unprecedented compared to past Olympic Games.
As every gold medal performance builds on the previous one, you see and feel the pot-pourri of nations burst with pride. It feels very like Manchester during the Commonwealth Games 2002 but with red maple leaves.
There are also points to ponder on what I'd like to see at Live Sites or in our communities at Games time in 2012. Taking the cue from Vancouver, it's all about pride in their country; about displays and pavilions for each Canadian state; it's red mittens everywhere; it's about exhibitions from each part of British Columbia; how streets, parks, squares and live sites have overflowed with people; and, as well as the emotions displayed in ceremonies and competition by athletes & audience alike, it's about 'Go Canada Go!'
And the questions are... What will make us Brits come out and celebrate? What will we shout? What will we wear or wave? I hope that when Great Britain & Northern Ireland fill the Live Sites at Games time in 2012 we can make ourselves as proud and as engaged as the Canadians are right now in their Games.
Is great to hear that back home our Live Sites are already being brought to life, with the chance to take part in some 'winter sport activity' as well as enjoy all the action - live and in replays: no doubt audiences are enjoying watching Amy Williams and her brilliant gold!
Thanks for your comment. As you'll see from Seb's blogs from Vancouver, the perception among visitors is actually very positive - full venues, great atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, fantastic sport and more.
Seb - and indeed all London 2012 staff members out in Canada on observer programmes - have been very impressed with what they've seen.
Mike, thank you for reporting on the Vancouver Winter Games Live Sites and events. I should make a correction to your post Feb 22. You mention "pavilions for each Canadian state" in point of fact Canada has 10 Provinces and 3 territories. To quote Wikipedia, "provinces are jurisdictions that receive their power and authority directly from the Constitution Act, 1867, whereas territories derive their mandates and powers from the federal government."
Our friends to the south, the USA has states, hence "United States". As you have pointed out we take pride in who we are as Canadians. Thank you again for coming to Vancouver and sharing in everything we have to offer here.
Mike I think it was great you came to our city! and glad you had a grand experiance!
I met so many people from your region and I am excited for London 2012!
Best Laura
Mike, as a Canadian I am very proud of how Vancouver looks on the world stage and how well the Games have gone. I have heard about some bad press in the British media though, griping about the Vancouver Games being the "worst ever". Where is this coming from and is it a bone fide perception among visitors?