The games begin

Well after we arrived yesterday we had our team meeting. I have the late start on day 1, as I have the 4:30 game between BC and Saskatchewan, and don't have a stand by game, which means I can do some walking through downtown Halifax in the morning. Lorie and I are planning on hitting the games store, as the official clothing and especially pins apparently sell out very early in the week. Ringette Canada brought the officials a Canada Games long sleve dry fit shirt which is very nice, and a pair of Canada Games mitts, which was nice of them.

After our meeting we went down to the opening ceremonies. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have been to a number of National Championships opening ceremonies, but this was certainly a much bigger scale.

There were a number musicians that played (The Trews, Jimmy Rankin, Grand Derangement, and Chantel Kreviazuk who wrote the games official song) all of which were very good. Stephen Harper was there, and gave some inspirational words to the athletes, and about how they are the future athletes who will own the podium at future olympics. Although in his thanks to everyone involved he left out the officials (as so many people do), guess I shouldn't be surprised any more, our job to is to be invisible until needed, I guess this means we are doing a good job.

It was also good to see all the athletes march in, I have some pictures, and some video, but it is all on my phone, and I didn't bring my USB cable with me so will post them when I am home.

There must have been 10,000 people there, and they all had fibre optic red lights that were being waved, which made for a cool effect.

Today the our games begin. Lorie and I went for a walk down towards the athlete village, which is where the games boutique is. I picked up a sweat shirt, hat and toque along with two pins. I figure who knows if I will make it back to another games, I don't want to get home and say, I wish I had something to remember this by. I looked at the kids stuff, but they didn't have too much and really my kids won't care what I bring back for them so will likely pick up some generic Halifax stuff, as it will be cheaper. Although Belle has requested I bring her back pot of gold chocolates, so that will need to be on the list as well. Maybe I can find some stuff after Monday they are looking to sell off for her.

I am looking forward to getting to meet some of the officials for other events, as most are staying at our hotel (really everyone other than the skiing, and snowboard events who are up in Turo). There is supposed to be an officials lounge every evening so that should be a good chance to meet some fellow officials.

Well I am off to get something to eat, and start to get into the right mental frame of mind for game number 1. Don't know if I will post again tonight, or whether it will be tomorrow, as we have the last game, and then will have our nightly meeting, so may not have the chance, but will see how it goes.