2010 Olympics are here, its our time to shine..

Long time coming, but the Games are finally here

Kulwinder Herar, The Times

Published: Friday, February 05, 2010

Back by popular demand on the requests of many readers, I will be using my real legal name once again as my column signature. You know the rules: Kulwinder or Ken, just not Kenny please.

I am super excited about the Olympic torch coming to Mission on Feb. 8. Yes, it's finally here folks. The time has come for everyone to get on this bandwagon and embrace the 2010 Olympics. I realize there is much opposition and rightfully so. But, there will be plenty of time after the two-week event for post-game discussions. Let's welcome the 80-plus countries competing in these Games with some Canadian style. It's for the athletes and coaches who have trained for countless years to come to Canada and hopefully earn their place on the podium. If you don't agree with the Olympics or the money spent - that's fine. Point made. Some should remember 64 per cent of Vancouver residents voted in a referendum accepting the responsibilities of host city in February of 2003. On that point, there is no better place in the world than Vancouver-Whistler to host thousands of talented Olympians

I still recall getting up that morning on July 2, 2003 to hear the International Olympic committee's decision.

It was between two cities: Vancouver and PyeongChang, South Korea. PyeongChang had the most votes on the first ballot beating Vancouver 51- 40. On the second ballot Vancouver overtook PyeongChang 56-53. I almost fell off my couch with excitement when IOC president Jacques Rogge said "Vancouver". I couldn't believe it.

Seven years have passed and final preparations are underway to make these the best Games ever. The Olympic flame is on the final leg of its 106-day journey before the Feb. 12 lighting in downtown Vancouver, visiting more than 1,030 communities over the past several months. It will be here in Abbotsford on Sunday, Feb. 7 at Rotary Stadium from 5:45- 8 p.m. and spectators will be treated to lively local entertainment that includes award-winning vocalists the Sabir Sisters, native dance groups Hannah and the Inukshuks and much more.

Local resident Gerry Swan has been named as Abbotsford's community torchbearer. He will have the honour of lighting the community cauldron during the show.

My alarm clock is ready to ring and I am planning to get up bright and early, put on my red Canada baseball hat and whatever else I can find that says Sea of Red as we welcom the torch to Mission. My huge Canadian flag sounds like a terrific patriotic symbol to wave.

The Olympic Torch Committee will be hosting a community celebration on First Avenue this Monday, Feb. 8 from 5-6:30 a.m.

"For all the kids who get out of bed bright and early we have 1,000 small torches, Coke hand flags, car flags, Olympic tattoos and buttons, Olympic torch flags, and much more. RBC bank has free handouts and Hemlock Resort will be on sight with free Olympic souvenirs," said Mission Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Wendy McCormick, who has been diligently chairing the Experience the Flame celebrations.

It's our time to shine.

Abbotsford Times 2010