I’m not much of a sports fan but I must confess the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver was a spectacle worth seeing—even on TV.
Full marks go to the ceremony organizers who rewrote their speeches and seamlessly adjusted the programme to respectfully acknowledge the tragic death of one of the athletes just hours before.
The parade of athletic teams took a while so I managed to catch a bit of ‘Coronation Street’ before returning to CTV just in time to see the three Uzbekistan team members emerge sandwiched between the mighty U S of A and 206 ‘glowing hearts’ from Canada. I immediately ‘googled’ Uzbekistan and was surprised to discover it has a population of nearly 28 million all living within an area less than 500 thousand square kilometers (compare that to Canada where 33 million share close to 10 million square kilometers).
As always, Canada dusted off and brought out her First Nations People to perform. After it is all over, presumably they will return to neglect and obscurity until another national event comes up that needs a splash of pomp and ceremonial colour.
I was a little startled by the gigantic phallic totem figures that erupted from the floor of BC Place at the beginning of the event but, from then on, remained mesmerised by the magnificence and eloquence of the programme. The flawlessly choreographed lighting, special effects and talented performers were exquisite. The Northern Lights, the Spirit Bear, the Orcas and the dangling skiers must have been breathtaking for those lucky enough to occupy a seat in the audience. I thought the great expanse of central Canada was beautifully and expediently dealt with by the delightful acrobat who spun, twirled and tiptoed his way through and over waves of golden prairie grasses.
But the highlight of the entire evening, in my opinion, was when KD Lang took centre stage. She stood solidly planted in her bare feet, draped loosely in a cumbersome white 3-piece suit and filled that huge venue, millions of living rooms and millions of hearts around the world with her confident, deep and soul-stirring voice. It was an experience I was unprepared for and one I shall never forget.
The ceremonies concluded not without difficulty but despite some erectile dysfunction at centre stage after the torch arrived, Wayne Gretzky’s perpetually worried expression and the miserable weather outside, the ‘Great One’ pulled it off, successfully lighting the magnificent Olympic flame for all to see.
The Opening Ceremonies were a delightful distraction. For a couple of hours we could all forgot about the costs, inconveniences, politics and danger that come with the dubious honour of hosting the Games in the 21st Century.
Good on ya, Canada—this peculiar country of geographical and climatic extremes, veggie bars and greasy spoons, kilts and fiddles. Apparently we’re still known for our good manners, humility and ties to the Queen. I hope none of that changes although, after this event, I suspect there may be fewer gibes and references to Canada as the great ‘white’ north.
