The Power of $10 Red Mittens

As I sit at my desk decked out in my Team Canada jersey, nervously looking forward to tonight’s battle with our rivals to the south, I am pondering what it is about these Winter Games that has fostered such a passionate outpouring of national pride, despite early concern over our lack of medals.  I don’t know about you but I actually find myself getting down right angst ridden when I read about and hear stories of those who feel our athletes have disappointed us by not “owning the podium.”  They are missing the point.  And it is THE point about our Vancouver games.  Canadians across the country are celebrating dedicated athletes who believe that anything is possible.  So often this generation is portrayed as either numbed by apathy or a disillusioned by a false sense of entitlement.  This generalization has been debunked by the often heart-wrenching stories of young Canadians who have dedicated their lives, their passion, to becoming the best.  Through this relentless pursuit, they have restored in us a sense of national pride, which thousands of us now wear, not only on our sleeves, but also at the end of our sleeves on our cherished $10 red mittens.  Even better, they have challenged us to believe in them.  And to believe in ourselves.  Anything is possible if you have the courage to try.

If you have the time, check out this stirring video  by Stephen Brunt of the Globe and Mail that prompted my post today. It is truly inspiring!

Go Canada!