Vancouver, the place to be

These last two weeks in Vancouver have been indescribable. People from all corners of the world gathered together as one to witness the most amazing event in the world, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Walking down the streets of downtown Vancouver, you got a real sense of people. Everyone instantly became your friend if they were wearing the same Team Canada jersey as you.

A quick glance and you could tell where all of these people came from — all dressed head to toe in the colour that represented their country and supported their athletes.

Although not everyone was fortunate enough to be in this beautiful city, they were still tuned in to the games and cheered from their own hometowns.

But our home, Vancouver, was the place to be.

Stories of personal strength and courage arose when Joannie Rochette performed her routine just days after her mother’s death. Although she didn’t win gold, she still won a bronze medal and the support of people worldwide. Even Celine Dion, her mother’s favourite singer, called Joannie to commend her on the amazing and emotional performance.

The audience roared with applause when Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won gold for figure skating. They have been skating together since they were children, and proved that with determination and motivation you can succeed.

But the biggest game of all was the final hockey game: Team USA against Team Canada, one would win gold, the other silver.

It was amazing to see that people from all around the world were watching this game, from soldiers in Afghanistan holding a Canadian flag, to crowds of people downtown with a maple leaf painted on their faces.

I was overwhelmed with a feeling of joy and pride when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime. Whether you were at the game, celebrating in the streets or jumping up and down in your living room, much like I was, this was an incredible moment that we all witnessed and will remember forever.

After the game, cars were honking their horns and drivers were cheering at all of the people passing by. All were celebrating being Canadian.

The 2010 Olympic Winter games showed the world who we are. It also showed us what it means to be Canadian.