The eyes of all Canadians have been glued on television sets as the Olympic Games 2010 unfold in Vancouver.
 Although Canada does not “own the podium” as was the intention going into the games -- the very concept may be putting undue pressure on our athletes -- the country is making a fine showing in the medal count.
And, Canadian patriotism is at an all-time high. We all feel connected to these Olympics and these athletes, partially because of the torch that passed through many, many communities, including Wellington North and West Grey, on its way to Vancouver and partially because of the ‘Own the Podium’ which has resulted in Canadians knowing more about their athletes heading into these games than they’ve ever known before.
Area residents have been no doubt paying close attention to speed skater Denny Morrison. You may recall that his picture graced the front page of the Confederate back in July when he and speed skating brother Jay were home to help their grandparents, Lloyd and Velma Morrison, celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, and he’s on the front page again this week. We have taken him as our own, although some people claim his roots are more in Holstein than Mount Forest.
We have suffered disappointment with Denny as he has not done as well he was expected to do at the Olympic Games but with him still hold out hope that he will be among the medal winners in Team Pursuit this weekend.
 On Saturday evening the television cameras showed his family in the stands, cheering him on, and we’re sure sharp-eyed local residents spotted his aunt Mary Ellen van den Broek of Mount Forest in the crowd.
In a different competition completely, on Monday evening the Canadian pair of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won gold in Olympic ice dancing – and what a performance by the two Ontario residents.
If you’re getting a little bleary-eyed from watching so much television, you have the opportunity to get out and celebrate the Olympics and watch some homegrown skating this weekend.
Skate Canada – Mount Forest is inviting everyone to “come experience our Olympic journey” at the 35th annual skating carnival on Sunday afternoon. “On the Road to Glory” is the theme. See the club’s ad as part of the Olympic feature on page 2 this week.
The Durham Skating Club Carnival is has the theme “Around the World with Olympic Spirit” and people are invited to “come out and cheer on Durham and area figure skaters while they demonstrate their skills, and put on a great show that pays tribute to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.” It is also being held on Sunday afternoon.
The Arthur and Area Skating Club is also presenting its annual carnival this Sunday with the theme “A tribute to the Winter Olympics 2010”. “Prepare to be entertained and witness the hard work and accomplishments of our talented skaters!!” an ad in Friday’s Arthur Enterprise News said.
It’s just a shame that all three skating carnivals are on the same day.