2010 Winter Olympics: The Family Games

Image: BCfamily.ca

As the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games near, local residents are all abuzz about the changes happening in Vancouver. Venue tents are up, colourful banners and fence sidings have been mounted, Olympic transport cars are in place, large security sausages are floating below the Cambie bridge, rooms are ready in the athletes’ residences, special see-through garbage bag bins are in place, the new Skytrain has been opened, public spaces have been closed off, a free streetcar is in place, pavilions are being built, roads are closing, parking restrictions are going up and the news shows are feeding locals continuous news about Olympics prep and cultural events coming to town.

If you do not have tickets to see the games, you might be asking yourself if it is worth getting excited about the Olympics.  After all, you and your family will simply watch the games on TV like the rest of the country.  Right?

Perhaps. Of course you could go the couch route, but that does not sound terribly exciting.  For youth, in particular, a more active, engaged approach to living and learning is always preferable.  Why not make “up and out” your motto during the games?

Here are some ways that families visiting or living in the Lower Mainland can take part in the Olympic party.  The following titles, in bold, will take you to individual pop-up screens with information about what’s happening.  Please feel free to share this page address with friends who are looking for Olympic information as well.

Dress to Impress – How you look does influence how you feel.

Up and Out – Visiting Olympic Venues

You’ll want to check out the Cultural Olympiad.  A good number of the events are free.

Buying Tickets

Know the rules and take precautionary measures

Getting there and getting around

Create Olympic spirit at home

Share the Love

If you are excited about the games, expect and plan to share your enthusiasm with international visitors. The closer you are to the action, the more likely that you will cross paths with visitors.  Some will be making friendly conversation. Others will be asking for help and directions.  Either way, without cracking open your passport, you and your family will have a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

Remember that scene from the movie The Promotion?

Related articles:

I believe in the 2010  Winter Olympics .  Do you?

2010 Winter Olympics:  Taking it All in

2010 Winter Olympics:  A Virtual Introduction

2010 Winter Olympics:  Olympic Line Street Car

BC Happenings: Taking in the Pre-Olympics Vibe

Official programme guide website

Until February 11, sign up for a digital Opening Ceremony memory


Image: BCfamily.ca

Enhanced security means “sausages” to block off access to the athlete’s Olympic Village

Canadians hold a special place in their hearts for winter sports and the Winter Olympics. After all, we spend a good amount of time every year living in winter conditions and enjoying winter sports. With the increased use of computers, computer games and enhanced media rooms, children are spending less and less time outdoors engaging actively in sports. Ultimately, if the Winter Olympics can encourage our youth to try new sports and challenge themselves, that is a great accomplishment. As parents and adults in the lives of children, we can help to support their personal sporting ambitions.