With the opening ceremonies taking place today (Aug. 5), the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will take centre stage in the minds of many West Shore residents.
A significant number of athletes representing Canada call the Capital Region home, were raised here or share an Island connection through the University of Victoria, so it’s not a stretch to assume many of those cheering them on locally have more than a passing interest in how our competitors fare against the best from the rest of the world.
The fact that women’s rugby is part of the first day’s events on Aug. 6 should strike a chord close to home for West Shore residents, considering that Langford is the training centre for Rugby Canada’s men’s and women’s teams.
Looking back at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the Games. That excitement doesn’t have to disappear because our athletes have crossed borders to compete - and the weather is a little warmer in summer.
Now is the time to stand behind our local and national athletes as they continue to do us proud on the international stage.
The Olympics will be playing on screens across the West Shore until the Paralympics finish on Sept. 18. Until then, spend some time supporting all of our athletes. Whether you are watching from home, your favourite local watering hole, attending a larger viewing party or rubbing elbows with former Olympians at the Fan Zone at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa in Langford, set aside some time to enjoy these Games.
Whether you are normally a sports fan or not, being part of a crowd, watching our athletes compete for medals and world records with friends and family can only ramp up the excitement and forge memories that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Who knows, this could be the Olympics that inspire some of our junior athletes towards that Olympic path. Years from now, you could be watching them compete, wearing our nation’s colours, with a proud smile on their faces.