Paddle-to-the-Gold

    The 2015 PanAm and Parapan Am Games, now in full swing until mid August and hosted by Canada in Toronto, were initially washed in negativism.  A well-known American newspaper heralded the Games by reporting they landed with a thud in Toronto.  Torontonians themselves seemed less than enthusiastic.  Traffic tie-ups, cost overruns, slumping ticket sales and a plain dislike for being inconvenienced were among the complaints.
    Mention these whiners to the 23,000 volunteers, 30 of whom came from the North West Territories to lend a hand, and they wonder what you’re talking about. 

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    Negativism is gradually shifting to the positive.  As a spectator, I find the Games exciting, well worth the effort, and a super springboard for the hard working, hard training athletes of the Americas.  Not to mention the legions of fans from 41 participating countries who like what they see in Toronto, especially the multiculturism.
    Ever sit in a stand yelling at the top of your lungs as your countrymen/women paddle their hearts out trying to win?  As the finish line approaches so increases a thunderous roar from the maddening crowd.  Why isn’t our boat moving faster? Disciplined, the competitors paddle rhythmically, rapidly.  Barely breaking water, blades dig in. Up. Skim. Down. Up. Skim. Down. Repeat. Streamlined bodies strain. With a mighty last pull....Canada crosses first!  Fans explode in wild screams and cheers while competitors sag momentarily after the race in their sleek vessels before making a quick recovery. 

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    And what do our country’s winners proclaim over and over again? Energy from the crowd ignites their inner fire giving them the momentum for that final lunge.  They hear our lusty lungs screaming GO GO GO.  Canadian flags, signs, banners rip back and forth with frenzy.  Loud.  Louder.  Loudest.  On your feet in the stands, chills race up and down your back, goose bumps, moist eyes, jumping, roaring...it all happens simultaneously as our athletes respond to our cheers: hysterical screeches, pumping fists, shouting, hollering....mouths wide open with flapping epiglottises...
    We witnessed five sculling medal events at Port Dalhousie near St. Catharines, Ontario.  To our delight we experienced the thrill of our athletes winning three of those races and watched the emotional medal presentations while proudly singing O Canada. 
    Just as satisfying is the spontaneous way the crowd cheers other countries, other winners, and our athletes who didn’t place.  Participants, in the spirit of true sports professionals, congratulate each other and their competitors. 

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    What a show!  What a marvelous, foot stomping, heart bleeding show!  To those who are still skeptics and live in the area, attend a performance before it’s over.  You will emerge a believer.
    And finally, for some interesting reading, click on this link to learn all about the official PanAm games mascot, Pachi:  http://www.toronto2015.org/mascot

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