Dear Editor,

Now that the closing ceremonies have wrapped up the 2010 Olympic Games, this is a good time to reflect on the past few weeks that have changed our nation.

I will never forget the incredible moments during the torch relay where thousands of Canadians came out in the early hours of Feb. 3 to kick off the torch relay in Powell River and the running of the torch through Gibsons, where hundreds of people burst into an impromptu singing of O Canada. I am proud of our First Nations and I remember the cultural event put on by the Sechelt Nation that was enjoyed by many people as the torch travelled along the Sunshine Coast. I was awed by the Sechelt torch relay celebration where over 10,000 people came out for a morning of fun and Sarah Doherty, a Paralympian and final torchbearer, who lit the cauldron on the stage. The torch snaked its way up the Sea to Sky corridor, passing through Lions Bay, Furry Creek and Britannia Beach. I was impressed by the turnout in Squamish for the evening torch relay celebration, where approximately 8,000 people watched quadriplegic Kristen McBride light the Olympic cauldron. The Crazy Canuck, Steve Podborski, dazzled the crowd in Whistler Village as he skied with the torch down the Whistler slopes.

Relationships were built, and communities came together to welcome the world to Canada. The torch relay was a humbling and unforgettable experience that touched so many Canadians across our great country. A 45,000-kilometre relay with 12,000 torchbearers, the longest relay in history, touched 90 per cent of all Canadian communities. The flame’s sacred history and symbolism of peace, brotherhood and friendship has inspired all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

I am proud to be Canadian and proud of all our volunteers who have helped make the Games a resounding success. They dedicated long hours, working all hours of the day. These Canadians served with enthusiasm and dedication. Canadian patriotism has never been so evident during the world’s largest peacetime event.

I am proud of our athletes — all of our Olympians and Paralympians who are role models for health and fitness, and who have sacrificed to be the best that they can be. I look forward to the upcoming Paralympics, mostly in our riding, where athletes will showcase athletic excellence. Go Canada Go! For 2010 Winter Games photos and info, visit www.johnweston.ca.

John Weston

Member of Parliament

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country

West Vancouver