The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games: The Inspiration for a Better GVRD

I write this latest entry literally still spinning from what was an epic last day and night of the 2010 Winter Olympics. A day that started well before noon as Canadians around the world prepared themselves for a climactic hockey game and the post-game party that was sure to happen, win or lose (it was simply much better for society that we won as a loss would have put the ’94 “public gathering” to shame). Throughout these Olympics, I have had friends ask me when I was going to post my thoughts about the games on here but I was skeptical that I would even do so considering the vast amount of media coverage we have had to sort through. However, after last night and getting a chance to reflect on the memories, photos and stories, it certainly did not leave me with a lack of inspiration.

What I believe to be the most overwhelming notion when it came to Vancouver 2010, was how it changed the public’s attitude it held toward each other, possibly forever. At no other time could we see the comradery, friendship and love people had for their country and their fellow countrymen. At a time where Vancouver and its surrounding neighborhoods seemed laden with criminal problems, violence, gangs, shootings, etc, it seemed society took a complete 180 degree turn in the other direction. Now, it would be naive to think that this was simply because people decided they wanted to behave well; a 900 million dollar security budget and the bright neon-yellow vests of the massive VPD presence made sure the public felt as safe as possible walking downtown Vancouver well into the night. With safety no longer an issue in people’s minds, the public was free to roam the streets of Vancouver in a realm of positivity and my-oh-my was it contagious.

National pride was merely the excuse people needed to have a great time with one another, friends and strangers alike. Actions and attitudes of abnormal positivity were at the heart of the celebration and it was something the public wished it could express year-round. Displays of kindness and fellowship from a public who is otherwise quite passive, was so heartwarming that one would have to make a preemptive decision if they did not want to enjoy themselves. Vancouver 2010 showed people the utopian society local resident’s only dream of living in and more importantly, it showed how much good the community is capable of.

Now, what we as a people need to take from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games is this awe-inspiring positive feeling and run with it. The optimism we displayed in our lives for the past two weeks is the next step this great city and its surrounding district needs to take in its overall mind-set. The longer we hold onto this attitude towards ourselves and the place we live will only mean a better future for all of us. In the end and whether we think so or not, the public is the final voice when it comes to the type of life we wish to live. What I am alluding to is if we continue to hold onto these positive feelings for each other, it will only work to see our lives get better in all perspectives. It is feelings like these that lead to a society where the person is always put first before everything else, selfishness becomes taboo, and strangers are simply unacquainted friends.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games may have been the party of the century thus far, but it will hopefully been seen as the occasion we as a people used to consciously decide to even further improve on the admirable attitude we are currently known for.


With a glowing heart and seeing the rise of a better GVRD,

Matias M. Barchman