Dear Whistler,

Even 2,010 “thank-yous” would not be enough to express the appreciation that VANOC feels toward Whistler. Virtually everyone in this community played a role in the remarkable success of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Thank you to our brilliant blue “Smurf” volunteers, our Homestay hosts, information providers, hospitality and hotel sector, the Whistler Chamber, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb and our truly wonderful partner in this adventure, the RMOW and all the great people who work there.

Together, we experienced a tragic start to these Games with the loss of Georgian luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili. But the compassion of this community was demonstrated by the constant presence of flowers, candles and words of condolence left at the memorial created in his honour.

We went on to share golden moments at the Whistler Sliding Centre, spectacular finishes at Whistler Olympic Park and thrills at Whistler Creekside. We rocked Whistler like it has never quite been rocked through the incredible programs of Whistler Live! The joy and energy that was present in Village Square every day will be my most fond memory of these Games — that and the storybook ending that none of us could have written better than it actually played out. What a day!

On a personal note, as a 20-year resident of Sea to Sky and a “VANOCian” for the past eight years, thank you to all the friends, neighbours and colleagues who have supported me through this extraordinary journey. The support, enthusiasm and hugs that I received throughout the Games were so appreciated and proved to me yet again just how lucky we all are to live here.

Thank you Whistler. Together we delivered Canada’s Games and it truly was our time to shine. I look forward to living the dream with you again in just a few short days when we host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
With a glowing heart,
Maureen (Mo) Douglas
Director, Operations Communications, Sea to Sky

VANOC