February 19, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
I had the privilege of experiencing this brand new Speed Skating facility. The building is beautifully laid out and the volunteers were very polite, and willing to help with any questions you might have. I also realized that although the speed skaters look fast on the screen, it does not compare to witnessing them in person. You can see the dedication and feel the excitement in the air. I highly reccommend this experience to anyone with a skating passion.
February 18, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
View a larger image on flickr.com
I have been living in BC for 2 years, and before I came to Canada, I had barely watched barely a few winter olympics games. However, I went to the oval to see speed skating games on tuesday. First of all, the oval is in Richmond, and it takes from, approximately, 25 min. from downtown by Canada line. The line ups are really long, but because there are an adequate number of trains, passangers don't wait so long. After getting off the train, you have to walk for about 1.5 km to get there. Secondly, on your way to walk there, everything, the accessible washrooms, different sculptures to get photos and so on, has been orginased quite well. Finally, the facility is really wonderfull. There is so many thigns to do inside of it. You can take a photo with the olympic mascots or RCMP members, if you are not from Canada. Also, the olympics souveniers are obtainable inside and outside.
To sum up, it was really different experience for me, and I firmly believe that everybody should experience these kinds of activities in his/her life. Although it is believed that the Olympics had caused a huge debt, we can also say that it brought so much fun, passion, and enthusiasm to Vancouver. Have fun during the Olympics.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
British Columbia has been engulfed in all things Winter Games this February, but with a few technical glitches and some of the warmest, wettest weather on record, it has also provided challenges for Olympic organizers. It has even drawn criticism from international media on an entire spectrum of problems that have arose, no matter how small.
On February 16th I was afforded the opportunity to attend the 500m women's speed skating at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, British Columbia. The event was utterly amazing, from tight races and amazing displays of athletic ability, to hair-raising spills while athletes push their limits.
The event was truly inspiring, but I still could not shake the thoughts of the negative press reports that were putting a focus on events that have nothing to do with the athletes or the principles the Olympic Games stand for.
I was only ever able to shake those thoughts when I stepped out of the oval during the intermission and witnessed groups of people from every different nation staring in awe of the beautiful view. The blanket sky of clouds had parted and the dense canal fog of the morning had dissolved. The fans looked out from a magnificent building onto the quiet and calm water flowing past. Not too far off in the distance was the unmistakeable North Shore mountains and in particular, Cypress Mountain, where I'm sure a few more fans were taking in an equally stunning view from above.
These people had come together to cheer on the athletes from their nation, as well as the nations of all the competitors. But the experience they are having in BC is more than they could have ever imagined. There are plenty of things that are outside of the control of any destination, regardless the time of year. But when it all comes together, it certainly puts on one stunning complimentary show.
On a sunny winter day like that, you realize why you love this place so much. Its just got it all.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
After checking out the women's 500m speed skating on Tuesday, it became obvious that the sport is much bigger in the rest of the world than it is here in Vancouver.
Most of the fans in the beautiful and new Richmond Olympic Oval were cheering for Canada, but I was still blown away by how many fans there were from the other competing countries. The two biggest and most passionate groups of spectators had to be the Dutch and the Japanese.
It was obvious after just a few minutes in the oval that the Dutch LOVE speed skating. All decked out in orange they were the most passionate and loudest fans in attendance. It was really sad to see one of their best skaters, Annette Gerritsen, fall during her first race. Hopefully she can come back strong in the 1000m and the 1500m.
The Japanese fans did not disappoint either, waving flags, holding up signs and making a ton of noise. Their skaters seemed to really appreciate the support, waving and smiling at their fans on a number of occasions during the event.
Unfortunately, neither the Dutch or the Japanese made the podium, and neither did the Canadians, with Christine Nesbitt the finishing a Canadian best 10th place.
The day belonged to Sang-Hwa Lee of South Korea, who won the gold. Silver went to Jenny Wolf of Germany and bronze to Beixing Wang of China.
In all the event was great fun and hopefully the new Richmond Olympic Oval can help to increase the popularity of speed skating in Vancouver and generate a greater interest in the sport.
What do you think the lasting legacy will be of the Olympic Oval? Post your thoughts in the comments, or if you're a BC student consider submitting them to the 2010 Learning Legacies Competition!