Women's Hockey, Cow Bells and Parties

So there I was at the Women's Gold Medal Hockey game as guest of Premier Gordon Campbell, when I decide to go get a bottle of water without disturbing any of my box mates. I climb over the seats and somehow one of my feet get stuck between the back of the chair and the floor, causing me to fall into the other seat and get my other foot stuck. So here I am, mid play, blood running down my chin, calling all the attention of disruption I have tried to avoid. Clara Hughes's husband Peter tells me whatever I do, not to panic, it just makes things worse. Wise words.
 
Women's gold in hockey made me feel so proud and fortunate to live in a country with opportunities for women in sport. Twenty years ago girls were only playing hockey on men's teams and now little girls are flooding into arenas wanting to be the next Hayley Wickenheiser. I am so glad for those little girls clamoring to the hockey rink, so glad for these strong bodied and strong willed women, so glad that the Olympics have given them an arena to show their excellence.

After the women win their medals my son and I are hanging around waiting to go to our next event when double gold medallist, Michelle Stilwell's son Kai looks like he needs an outlet for his energy, so I tell him to jump as many times as he can on one leg. Third jump in, wildly swinging a cow bell, he smashes it full force into my son Williams nose. There is a nine second pause, then my son's face crumbles. Blood, tears, but I have never quite lost the urge to laugh at the most inappropriate times. Once recovered the boys play tag all the way to the Terminal City Club while I am inspired and delighted by the company of Michelle Stilwell.

Off to the Terminal City Club where the Young Presidents' Organization hosts a reception with Premier Campbell, silver medalist Mike Robertson, and oodles of other Olympic athletes. I have a wonderful time meeting truly interesting people; my son is bored so I bribe him with a coke and chips as any advocate for healthy active kids would do. I promise him twenty minutes, and an hour and a half later we leave for The Can Fund House.  --Silken