I've always been a huge fan of the Olympics but I suppose that comes with growing up in an Olympic host city and witnessing the impact the games had on transforming this sleepy prairie city into the metropolitan it is today. An interesting fact was that I was actually absent during the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games because it was my first trip to Hong Kong. My mom said that there were so many people flying into Calgary during that time but we were the only people trying to leave, so I have never actually been present in a city when it hosted the Olympics. Fascinating, eh?
The design of the torch for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games had been released quite a while ago but when I first saw it, I was initially unimpressed and thought it was cold and bland. However, as I read more about the design, I have changed my opinion and learned to really love the simplicity and modernity. The torch was designed in collaboration between VANOC and Bombardier (very fitting), and was inspired to resemble the track marks left in snow by winter sports. The details are amazing and I expect no less from Bombardier. You cannot see this in the picture but the air intake of the torch is shaped in a maple leaf and notice that the flame is lit on the side of the torch, which will make the flame appear as a flag that flows in the air as the relayer runs across Canada. The idea is simply genius and very striking.
The uniforms of torchbearers have also been released and unfortunately they're not as inspiring as the torch. I didn't have high expectations for the uniforms since they will need to be practical because Canadian weather is notorious for being unpredictable and extremely cold during the winter. In addition, the uniforms will need to be flattering for all different body types so I understand that designs were probably limited. Thankfully, these uniforms are a huge improvement from the athlete uniforms worn during the Beijing Olympics, which were extremely garish and stereotypical. Apparently, Hudson Bay had hired the same team of designers from Roots that dressed both the Canadian and American team in earlier Olympic Games and created a sensation with their "poorboy" hats. Therefore, I don't understand why the outfits produced by the Bay look so awful but I do have high hopes that the team's uniform will be much better. I do approve of the mittens though.
Royal Bank in one of the official sponsors of the Vancouver Olympics and it will allow thousands of Canadians the opportunity to participate in the torch relay. I've always wanted to take part in the torch run and now everyone has a chance to experience the Olympic spirit by making a pledge to help make Canada a better place. You're able to select from generic pledges but I'm not one to accept mediocrity so this is my pledge:
By visiting more cities and towns in Canada, I will be able to view the many different landscapes of our nation and better understand the varying local cultures that are found throughout Canada. At times, our country can be divided by our regional sentiments but if each Canadian was able to travel throughout the country, then we will discover that we are one country. Our beautiful geography and our multicultural people help form Canada, so I pledge to continue exploring the many treasures spread across our country. Therefore, I hope my contribution will set a precedent for the future and truly make Canada a better place to live for the generations to come.Man it sounds so corny but hopefully I will get chosen!! The deadline is July 15, 2009 so remember to make your pledge but just try not to pick the Calgary route so I have less competition.
https://www.carrythetorch.com/
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