Monday, 17 March 2014

And that Is it!

Well last night the games came to and end. With the idea that "Impossible" really means "I'm Possible"

The games have been amazing learning experience. The good and the bad.

One closing thought on the games is:

You will never question how little you have done with your life when you see a person ski at 120km an hour blind.

I hope you all got a chance to watch the games.

Go Canada Go

Friday, 14 March 2014

I love the Dutch!

The last couple days have been spend working with families of Athletes in the Canadian Paralympic House.

We have had many athletes come into the house which has given me a rare glimpse into the lives of these world class elite athletes. I have held medals of many different colours and talked to all the athletes. Some of the most inspiring people I have ever met in my life.

Today was a special day, our next door neighbours have been the Dutch who have been nothing but amazing and friendly to us. Today they won there first ever Winter Paralympic medal (a gold no less) and we got to enjoy part of the celebration. In that I was given from one of the coaches a bib that all the Snowboard athletes signed for me. A truly Paralympic moment.

Only 2 more days of competition to go!

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Medals Medals Medals

Canada has had a successful game so far with 7 Medals in the first couple days.

The Hockey team finished the first in its group with 3 wins including a huge win last night vs the Czech.
At Canadian Paralympic House I came up with the idea of having "Hockey Night in Sochi". We had a large group of Canadians Friends and Family watching the game on the big screen and it created a truly Canadian experience.

I have been able to attend an event at ever venue, all of which have been amazing.

The people of Russia are so warm and welcoming and love taking photos with me.

Saturday, 8 March 2014

Let the Games Begin!

Last night we kicked off the 2014 Winter Paralympics with an amazing show! The Russians have been amazing hosts and they did an amazing job with the Opening Ceremony and the house was packed!

Most of the Canadians sat together so it made for an amazing experience and loud when the Canadians entered the stadium. 

It took us a good 2 hours to walk from the park to the Stadium because every 10 steps a Russian would want to take a photo with me (they love Canadians)

Today I was able to go to see the Downhill Skiing (Men's and Women's in Sitting, Standing and Visually Impaired) Canada won 2 medals there and I was fortunate enough to sit next to a Mother of one of the medalists and I have to say it was the most amazing sight I have ever seen in sports.


Tonight we will have an event at the Canadian Paralympic House for the Canadians who won medals today and then who knows what tomorrow has in store! 

Thursday, 6 March 2014

Calm Before the Storm

Today is the last day before the games kick off with the Opening Ceremony.

There is a calm in the city before it all starts.

I set up Canadian Paralympic House in the mountains today and was able to walk around the new city up here.

Tomorrow the real fun begins!

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Arrived!

I arrived yesterday after a long trip but it was fun.

Yesterday I was in the city but today i ventured up into my permanent location in the Mountains.

We had the torch relay come by and ever child wanted to take a photo with me because I am Canadian!

We had dinner in a pub and ended up meeting some athletes and coaches from the Italian team and shared a table with them. Had some drinks and enjoyed talking soccer.

Later I had some drinks with the Chef de Mission for Australia.

One more day till the Opening Ceremonies.

Monday, 3 March 2014

Travel Probelms

It has been a long 3 days.

My flight from Ottawa onto Toronto was delayed just enough to miss my connection to Turkey. Since I needed to get on a new flight I had a change of plans and ended up going from Toronto to Germany and now onto Sochi.

With all those issues I have had a really good time. For my flight to Germany I was pumped up to first Class and that was an amazing experience. I had a 27 hour layover in Germany but luckily I was given a Hotel so I was able to visit some of the city. The food and the Beer has been amazing and for the most part free.

I am currently in the Air Canada lounge waiting for my final flight to Sochi and the 2014 Paralympic Games!