For Brief Moment, Olympic Spirit Catches One Vancouverite

Vancouver -- I must admit that I was one of the doomsayers when I first heard the big decision nearly two years. Our B.C. government decided on the citizen's behalf that the Olympic Games were coming to Whistler/Vancouver area, in February 2010.

I was recently unemployed, with few options on the horizon, as the publishing industry was laying off employees faster than Employment Insurance could process their benefits. With the BC government spending tax dollars that they did not have, it just sounded like the proverbial recipe for disaster to me.

Life carried on for several months, until I went back to school, then out into the job market. Going into a job market where there was 100 percent employment sounded too good to be true, but luckily I was one of the 100 percent to find a job after I finished my health care program. I was too busy to pay much attention to the Olympic planning during my course of studies.

Mid-morning on Tuesday, Feb. 9, I was walking down my street to the bus stop. The torch relay team tripped me up in my negative thoughts.

Crowds grew thicker and thicker, as I walked toward Queen's Park. The Olympic flame had arrived in New Westminster, BC, and after ceremonies in the Park, the team raced down Royal Avenue, running across my path. While not entirely oblivious to the Olympic events, I was surprised that so many people came out to cheer on our Olympic Torch Relay Team.

Suddenly I was racing down the street with the crowds, cheering on Gary Hilton, as his team ran down Royal Avenue, before meeting up with the second team.

The bright flame shone with inspiration and I felt its bright flame warm my heart. A small group of daycare kids near me started blowing kisses to the flame.

Someone handed me a Canadian flag, and I waved it in the hopes that our Canadian Olympic teams would score us several gold medals, during our Winter Games.

It was difficult to see the Torchbearer's white Olympic jacket and hat with colourful official logo, but the shiny metal torch, designed by Bombardier, sparkled in the sunlight, with the flame flickering from the end. I had been expecting a stronger flame, it seemed so fragile, like a Bic lighter. Much like the fragility of the Olympic games being carried on every few years, as the host countries scramble to cover the exorbitant costs.

Too soon, the torch was gone. Some of the crowd continued following the team, but it was time for me to turn toward the bus stop, and get to work.

What remains of the Olympics today bears little resemblance to the ancient games, back when there was no commercialism or corporate sponsorship attached.

However, the spirit and excitement of the Olympic games continues to linger on, and I for one will be the first to admit that something is happening here. I'll be watching with baited breathe to see how many gold medals our Canadian Olympic teams can score.