Radical Red River of Robson

When the sixteen days the world knows as the Olympic Games dawned, nothing could have prepared me for the change of heart I experienced. In the weeks prior to the games, I was mostly uncaring about the Olympics, except for brief moments that I became decidedly sceptical. But all that changed on the night of the Opening Ceremonies in a way that can only be described as RADICAL.

The concept of the Olympics themselves is radical; a movement towards international peace through sport and culture. The Olympics bring out patriotism in individuals and bring countries together like no other event. The International Olympic Committee have even gone so far as to create the philosophy of Olympism, which “seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.” Beyond just the idea of the Olympics, everything about our city holding the Olympics is radical. Greater Vancouver has undergone radical changes in the past few years, constructing and developing to make these two weeks the absolute best that they can be. Vancouver has also been filled with unending energy; Downtown Vancouver is more like an amusement park than a city centre, filled with multicultural pavilions with numerous hour line ups, an unending number of street performers, and free concerts. Even more radical are the protesters taking violent action against the Olympics, and over-excited fans protesting against the protesters. Finally, the events themselves are incredible, and to be so near to them and to cheer in unison with the rest of the city is radical.

To me, the Olympics are not only radical in the sense of change, but also in the sense of excellent and awe-inspiring. I think it’s brilliant to be able to scream my lungs raw and sing the national anthem with riotous pride whenever Canada wins a gold medal. I think it’s incredible to see people that have travelled from all around the world to see this city that we take for granted. I think it's amazing to see that Robson Street has been transformed into a river of red and white. And I think it’s radical that the 2010 Winter Olympics are in my backyard.