From Vancouver to Edmonton

From February 18-22, I was in Vancouver taking in the Winter Olympic Games. I was fortunate to be with four great friends, and we had the adventure of a lifetime. We saw 2 hockey games and a curling game, live. We watched many events on TV, and went to a couple concerts. On top of this, we also enjoyed to privilege of numerous safehouses. Safehouses are retreats for competing athletes, supporters, family, and friends. Our group spent time at the PowerBar Energy House, Canada Olympic House, Alberta House, and our favourite, CANfund House. There are numerous amazing stories to share. Top of the list is the performance each Canadian athlete had while we were there. It was inspiring to be a part of their story, while in a great Canadian city. The city was filled with energy. The memories will stick with me forever. CANfund house was sponsored and hosted by the Shaw conglomerate. We met the Shaw family - great family, very supportive of sport, and very hospitable. CANfund is Canadian Athletes Now (http://www.canadianathletesnow.com/), and they are a leading private supporter of Canada's elite athletes. They are an incredible group that has championed the well-being and performance of our athletes. Check out their web page to truly understand their mission. If their impact could be summarized in one line, it would be: no group centres its energy so purely or with the level of accountability that CANfund does in terms of direct support of Canada's athletes. We had an incredible time, both volunteering and as part of the crows at CANfund house. They were situated in the Shaw tower on West Cordova directly over looking the water and the Olympic Torch Cauldron.

We drove out, so it made for a long travel. But it was so worth it as we were with great friends. In the midst of each day's travel, and late nights, we also enjoyed morning training. We usually were pretty tired, but we managed to fit in as much as we could, which is exactly what one must do on a trip like this.

After 2 days in Calgary, I am now in Edmonton for the CanWest Track Championships with the U of C Dinos team. I will race tomorrow and Saturday. We stay here Saturday night, and then on Sunday late evening, I leave for the first World Cup of the year in Mexico. Things are progressing quickly!

Finally, I have some exciting news. I've landed an incredible new sponsor for the 2010 season - AdamLabs. AdamLabs joins General Mills and Lake Bonavista Dental as leading sponsors for the season ahead. I'll share further information on this partnership as it develops.

Inset is a photo of the crew we had in Vancouver. What an incredible time we had! People in photo are: Igor Gantsevich (fencing), Melanie McCann (pentathlon), Mathew Spendiff (athletics), Shauna Koppang (supporter), me, Rebecca McConie (pentathlon), Lindsy McNicol (athletics).

Take care and thank you for following.