Vancouver WInter Olympics 2010

Watching the opening ceremony Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010, the debuting countries such as Ghana, Pakistan and Peru show how much sport is so progressive for politics and our understanding of other cultures. All countries patriotic yet still under the Olympic umbrella, all wanting to win but most importantly playing fair.

The event has begun with a tragic start, Georgian Luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili being killed in a training accident just before the ceremony opened, aged only 21. It seemed only appropriate that during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony flags were at half mast, and I hope tributes continue long into the event. All I can do is shed a tear for Team Goergia and wish them luck throughout the event (so not much really).

Vancouver as a host has already been overshadowed, with health and safety concerns being fair objections. London should not only grieve and respect the wishes of the family, friends and colleagues of Nodar Kumaritashvili, but also support the host city with total confidence, we are only two and half years away from our own opening ceremony.

Our very own London athletes are there with Team GB:
Freestyle skier and Essex girl of winter Sarah Ainsworth. Originally from Brentwood now based in Switzerland, she is making her debut on the 20th February 2010 in the Winter Olympics.
Figure ice skater from Ascot in Berkshire Penny Coomes, our British Silver Medalist for her partnership with Nicholas Buckland 2010.
Alpine downhill skier and resident of Kingston-upon-Thames Edward Drake, like Sarah making his debut.
Cool Runnings style Bobsleigh girl and Sidcup born (like my fine self) Kelly Thomas competing in the two woman bobsleigh event.

With all things considered Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada should be proud not only of Greenpeace of their hosting skills. Canadians as a culture are inoffensive, welcoming with similarities with the UK in putting out their pop stars Nelly Furtado and Bryan Adams to display their prowess. It worked, the ceremony was a joy to watch, the whales and water (although I am always bias to these ceremony's) and the whole world did hear.