17 days to revive a country...

Although I ranted and tirade about the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, my tantrums were slowly hushed as I saw the people of this country truly glow with patriotism. They say it takes a century to build a nation, but the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver showed the world that it only takes 17 days to revive a the pride of a country. Win, lose or didn't finish, our athletes stepped up. Ten days into the Olympics, certain government officials and dignitaries spoke about how Canadian athletes wouldn't be able to catch up to the American's or "Own the Podium". What did our athlete's do in response to this? They decided to go out and fight harder than they ever have before and our proud nation, decked out in a sea of red & white, rose to our feet, jumping with joy, with our flags held high and our voices belting out "Oh Canada" at the top of our lungs, cheered as the Men's Olympic Hockey team brought home the 6th Gold medal in 4 days! In 17 days we were able to break numerous records. We surpassed our personal best by obtaining more medals than our previous record, which was achieved in Turin, Italy at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. We broke a world record by winning the most gold medals ever won by a host country. We smashed the record for the most Gold medals ever to be won by any country at the Winter Olympics too. Our athletes conquered these goals and our citizens supported them. With glowing hearts, red mittens and a rebranded patriotism, we prayed, laughed, cried and cheered for all of our athletes in ways we rarely have before. For the first time, Canadian's stepped up and claimed our heritage. In cities, towns and hamlets all across our great land, you would encounter an unfathomable mass of red and white pride. Canadians proudly donned their “Team Canada” jerseys and apparel. We sang in English and in French. We chanted our National Anthem with our hats off and our hands over our heart. We swayed to the song “I Believe”. We waved our flags and pumped our fists with those infamous red mittens. We danced with friends and strangers. We embraced our own and welcomed new friends from around the world. We applauded proudly for the athletes who won our hearts and became our heroes. We were changed. We were re-branded. We found an irrevocable love for our nation that was hand delivered by our new-found heroes. All of the athletes, from skiers and skaters to figure skaters and hockey players, did an outstanding job of restoring our people's faith in this country that had been frozen for so long. On behalf of our country, to all of the athletes and volunteers that worked tirelessly to deliver the BEST WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES that this nation has seen, with raised Red Mittens and smiles that will be embedded on us for ages to come, we Thank You.