Going To The 2010 Olympics

The following post was submitted by Maria R, one of our readers who sent her daughter to the Olympics in Vancouver.

Our daughter is currently 13, almost 14, and we decided about a year ago that we might just try to get her out to Vancouver to experience just a bit of the winter Olympics. She has an aunt, my sister, who is VERY into ice skating. Lori, my sister, had been getting my daughter somewhat interested as well.

So, about a year ago, I began to look into the possibility of sending the two of them out to Vancouver to take in one of the skating events. It turned out to be a fairly significant challenge to make it all come together, but very well worth it! I first had to make sure that the two of them were actually interested in the idea at all. They most definitely were. Then, I just had to wait for the tickets to go on sale. I think it was in about June of 2009. This part was tricky, because we really could not afford to send them to more than one event, and for me to pick their event was tough. I tried to purchase tickets for one event, but by the time I got a hold of Lori to confirm she would be interested in that event, it was sold out. After that, I just picked one, and made the purchase. It was an ice dancing event, and they were getting the absolute cheapest tickets available, which still came to about $200 each.

Then, it was on to transportation. Both of them are timid fliers, but 1500 miles or so would simply take too long by car or train. Our daughter would already be missing several days of school as it was. So, I booked flights. Then, we worked out transportation from Seattle up to Vancouver with a relative who lives fairly close by out there.

So, when the Olympics finally arrived, we sent the two of them off to experience the spectacle of the 21st Winter Olypmiad! They were both a bit nervous, but everything went just as smoothly as could be. They had a fantastic time, and really got to experience a bit of the world for a short time. I had bought several pins for them to try to trade with people out there, which they did. They ran into a group of people from China, and got a very nice pin from them.

They also met people from Israel, the Netherlands, Canada (of course), and more! It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity to get them there, and actually be able to say they have gone to the Olympics! I do believe that this was just about the perfect age to send a child to something as significant as this, as long as he or she can travel with at least one very trusted person. It was a lot of work, and rather expensive, but I do not regret it one bit…and neither does my daughter!

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Winter Olympics 2010 Role Models

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics has been the best for children to watch in search of role models. No matter the delegation or the sport, the 2010 Winter Olympians have been nothing short of inspiring and outstanding.

In figure skating, 16 year-old American Olympian, Mirai Nagasu skated in her very first Olympics. Despite going last in the long program, right before the medal ceremony, she placed fourth. On an opposing team, Canada’s Joannie Rochette took to the ice to skate just days after her mother passed away. Her bravery and courage touched the hearts of people around the world, and her focus paid off. Joannie ended up placing third and winning a bronze medal, which she dedicated to her late mother. Joannie did interviews and spoke out, saying, “My mother wouldn’t have wanted me to give up.”

In Alpine skiing, American Lindsey Vonn headed into the competition as a clear favorite to win. However, after a skiing accident broke her leg, she was put on bed rest for two weeks. Many media outlets speculated that she would not recover in time to compete in the Olympics. Unafraid, Lindsey skipped the Opening Ceremonies to rest and recover in order to make it in time to her first event – in which she won gold.

American snowboarder, Shaun White, began skateboarding at the young age of six. He greatly admired skateboarder, Tony Hawk, who became his close friend and mentor. At a young age, Shaun began entering snowboarding competitions, trying to become the best in the world. However, it wasn’t until he shifted his attention to snowboarding that he gained international acclaim. Now, Shaun is one of the wealthiest athletes in the United States, as well as one of the youngest! After four years of hard work and practicing, Shaun won yet another Olympic gold at the Vancouver Winter games.

Perhaps the most inspiring story of all was that of American speed skater, Apolo Anton Ohno. Apolo grew up as an only child, brought up by his father and ignored by the mother he had never known. In order to practice speed skating as a young boy, his father had to drive from Washington into Vancouver, which provided young Apolo with the ice facilities that he needed to practice. Apolo learned how to speed skate in Vancouver, and Vancouver was where he competed in what is speculated to be his last Olympics. In many of his races, Apolo ended up at the back of the pack right off the starting line. However, he always seemed to focus and work his way to the front of the crowd to end up placing third, second, or first – all of which ended in him becoming the most decorated Winter Olympian in American history. All together, Apolo has 8 Olympic Winter medals. To think this was from a boy who didn’t even have an appropriate skating rink in his home state!

Thus, children can learn a lot about perseverance, hard work, and dedication by watching the Olympians of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

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