Let the Games begin!

According to vancouver2010.com, "The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games provide an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our unique Canadian identity to the world."

They have a plan to make sure that bilingualism is present during the Olympic Games in Vancouver.  Check out their page on the 2010 Winter Games Bilingual Experience
for more information.


Did you know that Team Canada is full of bilingual athletes?

CBC's Scott Russell noted that Clara Hughes, Team Canada's opening ceremonies flag bearer, is "a senior athlete who goes beyond sport. She's won medals at both Summer and Winter Olympics, and she's bilingual."

In fact, during a press conference, Hughes said (with a slight smile), that "My English is a little better than my French," quickly adding, "Mais j’essaie toujours."  What an inspiration!

Check out footage of the press conference here.


Some of our bilingual athletes:


Jasey-Jay Anderson Snowboard Mont Tremblant, QC

Jennifer Botterill Hockey (Forward) Winnipeg, MB

Patrick Chan Figure Skating Toronto, ON

Chandra Crawford  Cross-Country Skiing Canmore, AB

Jenn Heil Freestyle Skiing Spruce Grove, AB

Britt Janyk Alpine Skiing Whistler, BC

Olivier Jean Short Track Speed Skating Lachenaie, QC

Paul Poirier Figure Skating Unionville, ON

Stefan Read Ski Jumping Edmonton, AB

Kalyna Roberge Short Track Speed Skating St-Étienne de Lauzon, QC

Shawn Sawyer Figure Skating Edmunston, NB