Presenting Slovakia House Feb 9, 2010

Located at the site of the Vancouver International film center in the 1200 Block Seymour St is the Representative house of the Slovak Republic. It is not opened to the public or at least it has no free events - this is mostly serving as an economic development and trade office - there are events for the public but they are charging to attend.

Here's a link to their web site:

http://www.repredom.sk/en/

I spent some time this morning talking to a cousin who learned Slovak as a youth in the hope that she might to be to mentor me with a few words but she informed me that Grandma spoke in what is referred to as OLD Slovak which is apparently different from what is use nowadays so that lead frizzled out - guess I am just joining to have to bear down and learn some on-line - might also pick up a English - Slovak dictionary if such as thing exists - time to check Chapters and see what they have.

The Torch relay is to the south of us today - it briefly crossed the border at the Peace Arch before heading to New Westminister and ending the night in Richmond - tomorrow it is in Burnaby - about a blockfrom my cousins so they will view it there and then onto the North Shore before coming into Vancouver on Thursday.

More later

Cheers

Dennis

A little about the country that I am assigned to - Slovakia

Learn more about the flag and symbol here:

http://www.slovakia.org/sk-flag.htm

Above is the national symbol and flag of Slovakia - I will be assisting there chef de mission at the Paralympic Games from March 12 - 21 as a National Paralympic Committee assistant.

While I didn't apply to be with this great central European nation I am more than happy to have this assignment.

Normally to get a country like this you need to be able to speak the language but I don't but first some history.

The reason that I am happy is that Slovakia and a small town in the north central part of the country called Liesek is the hometown of my paternal grandparents. The town boasts a population of around 3,000 and is located in the foothills of the lower Tarta mountains - it is also only a small distance from the Polish border - while I don't know allot about the family tree I know that the grandparents left there - it would have been part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire at the time and headed for the US and Pennsylvania where over 60% of all Slovaks who came to America reside and where there are string of cousins on my Grandmother's side - other family members have never been able to find any serious leads to more on my Grandfather's side.

So while I don't speak the language - Dad insisted when we were young that we are Canadians and should learn to speak English and later French - nowadays young people are encouraged to learn their ancestors native tongue - I view this as a great opportunity to learn about the workings of my homeland.

I have been thinking about a European vacation in a couple of years when I turn 65 and this will be a great chance to learn more.

As for not speaking the language and the volunteering - this is how it was explained to me during the training - the larger delegations either have or are given interpreters so we don't need to worry about language - most of the European countries participants speak a little to a lot of English or else some of the other volunteers in our delegation can speak the language.

The Slovaks do have a pavilion at the Games so I am going to wander over there and see if I can pick up some further information - also found a free web site where I can learn some key words and phrases.

To find our more about Slovakia visit this web site: http://visitslovakia.com/slovakia-slovakia/

If you want to learn a lit bit more about the Slovakia Paralympic team - here is a link - FYI - most of the site is in Slovak and I don't have a translation service available but it appears that they will have about 16 - 20 athletes in the Whistler events:

http://www.spv.sk/projekt-vancouver-2010/uvodne-informacie

More later

Cheers

Olympic mascots on ice Feb 8, 2010

Today as I was walking by the GE Plaza at Robson Square I came upon a little skating show staring the three Olympics mascots - Sumi, Quatchi and Miga - they joined some other skaters on about a 15 minute performance - it was designed to entertain the kids in attendance and visitors as well.

The image are from my Blackberry so the quality isn't the greatest.

Miga is the official mascot for the Paralympic Games so I will see lots of her during my volunteer stint.

Once again the downtown was busy and the new temporary home of the Irish - a tent was packed with parties and the band had the corner of Seymour and Nelson rocking.

Sumi started the show

Then joined by Quatchi

Quatchi playing goal - he made a spectacular glove save

Sumi and Quatchi wooing the crowd.

Miga takes to the ice.

Miga being Miga

Welcoming the crowd near the end of the performance.

Quatchi close at hand.

Sumi shakes hands with some of the kids that were in attendance

The three amigos at the end of the performance.

Cheers

Dennis

Olympic Journey - Feb 8, 2010

4 DAYS TO GO !!!

The city is alive with people starting to enjoy the Olympic spirit - the above photos taken on the Blackberry show some of the ways the City is trying to ensure that the visitors are welcomed and can find there way around the downtown core.

Over at the official Olympic store located in the downtown Bay building - it was a mad boxing day scene almost the entire weekend - they had 22 payment stations going full bore the entire time and there were long line-ups at all of them.

They have now sold over 2 million of the red mittens and the last large shipment has arrived and they are selling fast - suspect they will bring in stock from other stores across the country if the demand keeps up.

When the Bay won the contract away from the "Roots" chain there was a lot of skeptics who didn't think the Bay could deliver on its promises and financial commitment - at last report VANOC expects to exceed both there revenue and profit targets from the merchandising.

The Bay has also opened a new international mall up on the five floor where a number of other countries are selling their official merchandise - while not busy there was a steady stream of customers looking over the goods - there is a very large display of Russian goods for sale.

I looked for some Slovakian goods - all they had were a hat and a hockey jersey - both well priced for me not to buy - gonna check some of the other discount stores to see if they have anything - think it would be nice an proper to wear the colors of the country that I will be assisting.

Last night while watching the Super Bowl I got the next email that I was expecting for my volunteer assignment - it was details of when, where and how to get my accreditation and uniform and it confirmed what I was told at training - just needed to go to the web site and pick a time - unfortunately I was hoping for a morning time but could only get an afternoon one - there is however some short term free parking across the street from the venue for us to use if necessary but I will probably bus out since the ride back will be free - once we have our documents all transit in the region is free to use.

Over dinner after the Game a good friends partner who is also an Olympic volunteer and I compared some training thoughts etc. Her job will be more of a meet, greet and seat volunteer at the Pacific Coliseum - home of figure skating and short track speed skating.

Next up for me on the journey - the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremonies on Wednesday - then watching the Olympic torch relay as it goes through the West End and down Davie street early Friday morning and then watching the opening ceremonies - I won't be near BC Place stadium - between 50, 000 and 100,000 are expected in the area for the ceremony as well as about 1500 militant demonstrators who are counter marching along the route and while I hope that all will be peaceful I wouldn't bet on it considering some of the comments the organizers have been saying publicly on TV and posting on their web sites.

If the weather is dry I might head down to the Live event site at David Lam Park in Yaletown and watch the proceedings from there - it is also the site of the nightly fireworks and water spectacular - I can see some of the site from the condo and they have been practising the last few nights. It looks like it will be quite the show.

Well that's all for today.

Cheers

Dennis

Olympic pins etc Feb 4, 2010

While standing in line yesterday a gentlemen in front of me was wearing his lanyard with lots of Olympic theme pins on it - as volunteers we are allowed to display our collection on the lanyard but not elsewhere on our uniforms.

This got to to thinking - don't have have some Olympic pins from when the bid was being made etc so today I remember that I had a hat - it's in pretty sad shape with some pins on it - sure enough there it was in the closet - the CTV pin I got from a CTV staffer that I know who I managed to pigeon hole one night - he was very kind to give it to me.

Now to find the white towel that we also got - it around here some where.

I am told that those Vancouver 2010 candidate city pins are fetching around $40.00 on the net - will keep mine for the time being.

More later

More of my Olympic dream Feb 3, 2010

Today mark another milestone on the road to my Olympic Dream - I finally after a couple of reminder phone calls got the official email offering me my post as a National Paralympic Committee Assistants for the Slovakia delegation - while I had the offer from my trainers last week I hadn't gotten the follow up email from the volunteer office which was brought to my attention when I went to get my free ticket to the dress rehearsal for the Opening ceremonies of the regular Games - they didn't have me listed but allowed me to get the tickets today - and after an almost two hour wait in line -I wouldn't have been a happy camper if I was told to come back another day - so when I got home I phoned the volunteer hot line first and then my trainers who confirmed that yes I had the position but because of the delegations for the regular games arriving were swamped with problems and were behind on emails - so it arrived in the inbox this evening.

So now I can quit worrying and start planning things like what to pack for my three week stay - whether to come into Vancouver on my days off - there are few items that I need to buy - a proper alarm clock in case I have a 6AM start and yes we are expecting to star that early on some days.

I will be part of a team of Assistants - how many I don't know yet as I don't know how large the delegation is - there is a formula that is used for determining this and also determining how many cars each delegation has access too. Some delegations will also be asking for extra cars which they pay for. We will have each other email addresses so we can chat it up and get to know each other. I am planning on trying to try and learn a few words of Slovakia - found a free web site with a lesson or two on learning Slovakian

I also purchased one extra ticket and decided to treat my God Mother - MaryRosie to the event - she is a spry 81 year old and was very good to me when Mother was going through her final journey in life. When I called her and asked what she was doing next Wednesday - she hesitated but once I told her about the ticket I couldn't get her off the phone - mind you that often happens when I phone her.

Everyone who got a ticket today also got a bottle of wine - it was a funny sight of many of us volunteers who didn't bring a bag or backpack walking through downtown Vancouver at 10:30AM with bottles of wine in our hands or stuffed in a jacket pocket.

In concluding today - I intend to start posting a little more often about the Games and more about my job etc over the next month because exactly one month from today I will head up to Whistler and take up residence in the Athlete's Village for three weeks.

Cheers

Dennis

SSome more looks at the Olympic sites Jan 267, 2010

Today's report centers around my bike ride from earlier today and is a copy of what I posted on Facebook.

The images are in reverse order of my ride only because that is the way that I uploaded them.

Wanting to see how bike traffic is affected along the Olympic village site I proceeded down Ontario to 3rd where the detour sign has you turning right to Quebec and down to 2nd - Quebec St is closed to traffic at 2nd but there is a wide pathway on the east side for bike and foot traffic which provides foot traffic for the fast food restaurants there.

You are starting to notice the Security presence near the Village - a large group of peace officers from various forces were having lunch at the Burger King - after lunch it's into the Science World Parking Lot - but wait it's not Science World anymore - but the Russian Pavilion featuring the City of Sochi who are the host for the 2014 Games.

Then its along the Seawall and pass the Saskatchewan and Quebec Pavilions and into the Plaza of Nations where the caberet is being converted into a Chinese Pavilion and the Edgewater Casino is putting up a large food fair.

Next at the Cambie Bridge there are now pontoons and buoys restricting the flow of traffic towards the Village - gone also are the cheapos who live year round on their boats - pay no taxes etc.

Cheers and have a great day and GO CANADA GO !!!

An update about this blog and all things Olympic Jan 25, 2010

Over the course of the next two months most of the posts on this blog will be about the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games - the City of Vancouver and its involvement as well as my volunteer involvement to the Games. For my regular rants go to my Facebook page - there is a link on the right hand side of this blog to it.

It's eighteen days to start - as the Flame will be lit at 6PM PST that is the turnover time on the Games clock located on the north side of Vancouver Art Gallery.

For me there a few days of interest.

Later this week the official offer of a position as a assistant to a National Paralympic Committee - I will be one of a number of volunteers assigned to a delegation to assist their Chef DE Mission in helping their team and athletes have a safe and winning Games. The number of assistants assigned to a delegation depends on the size of the delegation - the smallest delegations get three assistants - one of whom is likely to be commuting back and forth from Vancouver - as we are a 24/7 operation - albeit the overnight is more a standby than anything else - we get one day off in 6 and will either work a AM or a PM shift of around 10 hours - yes there is an overlap - each delegation receives the keys to a certain number of vehicles which are at the disposal of the Chef to use as he sees fit - for the most part - we will be driving those cars BUT as long as the delegation officials are over 21 and have a valid driver license in their home country they are free to drive within the Olympic zone - we would just provide them with directions.

Because the number of athletes for the Para Games is about half of the number of the main Games all delegation assistants will be housed with the delegations in the Whistler Olympic Village.

More details on this job in later posts.

Feb 3 - I get to pick up my free ticket to the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremonies. I can purchased one additional ticket if I so please

Feb 10 - dress rehearsal

Feb 12 - the opening ceremonies - will watch on TV unless I get a volunteer assignment in which case I will be with the delegation - see Para Games opening ceremonies for more details.

Feb 22 - get my credentials and uniform for the Para Games

Feb 28 - Olympic Games end

Mar 3 - head to Whistler and take up residence prior to my delegation arriving.

Mar 4 - my delegation is expected to arrive and I get to meet the Chef DE Mission and other team members although we will have talked online prior to that - also get my proxy to pick up things like mail and guest passes for the delegation.

Mar 12 - head back down to Vancouver for the opening ceremonies for the Paralympic Games - we will march with our delegation from the staging area to the entrance of the stadium but then will stand aside as they take the floor.

March 21 - the Games end with closing ceremonies at Whistler.

March 24 - final day - all delegations will have left and I get to return home to Vancouver

April ? - wind up party for all volunteers - details to TBA later.

On my days off I am free to return to Vancouver via the Olympic Bus Network - if there is room on a team bus I can use that unless a team member arrives and needs a seat in which case I would to have to wait for a Workforce bus - Workforce is the VANOC term for all paid workers, contractors or volunteers during the Game. They will be running frequently 24/7 throughout the Games and my credentials are my ticket for a free ride on the transit system anytime during the Games.

On my time off between shifts I can take the free shuttle into Whistler and do as I please but we are cautioned that we will need our rest and not to overdo it.

It's going to be busy and fun couple of months.

As our training was for both Games there is still an outside chance that I could get a call to head to Whistler for the regular Games - if this happens my accommodation will be in a hotel, B&B or staff housing as there aren't enough beds in the Athlete's Village for all delegation assistants because there are more athletes than at the Para Games.

Cheers

Dennis

Continuing my Olympic Dream Friday Jan 23, 2010

While on the ferry over to Nanaimo yesterday I got an email on my Blackberry offering me a delegation and official posting for the Paralympics Games - they have slotted me with the Slovakian team which I was somewhat hoping for as that is the paternal homeland - don't speak the language but as this is a fairly large delegation they will have translators or the other assistants will have a knowledge. The official on-line contract will be sent in a day or two but I have already answered yes to accepting the position and letting my fellow assistants have my name and email - as I want to visit the homeland in a couple of years this will be a great opportunity to learn more about my country great heritage.

Now the next part of the process starts - during our training it was suggested that once we knew which delegation we would be assisting that we start surfing the internet and our delegation's web sites to learn about the cultures, history, tradition etc of that nation - I can probably get just as much info from a couple of cousins both of whom speak the language as well. So at least I can plan the month of March.

With this posting it is looking less likely that I will get a regular Games assignment - however during training a few of us did indicated that we are only a cell phone call away from being available.

Speaking of cell phones - time to relisten to the training video on the Samsung Omina phone which we will be using during the Games.

The other item I need to try to on bone up on is the instrument panel on the car that I will be driving as it has a lot of bells and whistles that my simple little 4 banger truck doesn't have.

Oh well I probably have a month to learn some of that.

More later.

Cheers

Dennis

Part Five - Final thougths etc Jan 15, 2010

Well with the training over it is a game of wait and see just which delegation I will be attached to and just when I will make the trek up to Whistler.

For the Paralympics Games because there are less countries and participants they can house all the NOC/NPC volunteers at the Whistler Olympic Village - they don't like using the term Athlete's Village because it house the Olympic Family which includes coaches, Chef de Mission as well.

Feb 22, 2010 is the day that I will get my accreditation and uniform if just the Paralympics Games - as soon as I have the pass I can start using public transit for free.

We will head up one day prior to the delegation arriving - we do get to help them with the opening ceremonies by escorting them from a staging location to BC Place.

For the regular Winter Games if I am at Whistler and that is the the most likely scenario I will be housed in a condo, staff housing - won't really know until I get up there - if this happens a lot will take place in the next couple of weeks - accreditation, uniform, radios etc.

I have been vague on some aspects of the training - all volunteers are required to sign a non-disclosure waiver. While we can blog like I am we are told to keep it plain until after the Games.

Similarly we aren't suppose to post any images from the the venues etc until after the Games.

I found the training to be very well-planned and informative and look forward to being able to carry our my Olympic Dream.

Answer to the Question in the last post.

The Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games which held one after the other are two completely different international organizations and have different logos and in some cases sponsors.

If you look closely at the backpack you will see the two logos on the same bag - what they have done is put and extra flap on the front of the pack that when unzipped and removed reveals the Paralympic logo.

A similar situation exists with the uniform where there are snaps for the other logo to be atttached etc.

Time for breakfast

Cheers

Dennis

Part 4 - the final training event - Touring the Vancouver Athlete's Village Thursday Jan 14, 2010

Thursday - it is pouring rain so my idea of biking over to the Olympic Village is down the drain so I drive and park about 2 blocks away - proceed to the entrance gate and are met by our supervisors who check us off the list - attendance is mandatory so we are tracked every step of the way - then it's into what during the Games will be the retail mall where the athletes and officials will be able to purchase necessary items etc.

After the Games it will be converted back to its built purpose - a community center for the citizens of Vancouver - if I can enjoy the views on a dark and deary night I can just try to imagine what the view will be to the athletes on a beautiful sunny day.

We have about an hour lecture on emergency procedures and safety concerns and its time to get wet with a tour of the Village - we are separated into smaller groups and are given the lowdown on what the various building will be.

We then come inside to the NOC - NPC building - this here and at Whistler is the hub for our class of volunteer - where we get our work pass stamp - pick up mail and any other matters for our delegations etc. We will have a chance to relax during down time - use the internet etc - it will be home for the Games regardless of which location we are at.

Those who are starting early also have picked up there cell phones and told to read up as apparently these Samsungs are state of the art.

This building will be converted into a London Drugs and Urban Fare after the Games.

Back outside - we see the big food tent and where we will get what ever meals we are entitled too.

Finally back inside for some final thoughts and we are then given our backpacks.

If you look at the attached pictures can you see the difference.

Hint: look closely at the logo.

Answer in a next post

Cheers

Dennis

Part Three:Training to be an Olympic volunteer Day 2 Jan 9, 2010 - A day in the Classroom

Saturday saw me heading out to the BCIT campus in Burnaby and once I located the correct parking lot and paid my $4.00 for a full day of Parking it was inside to some coffee and breakfast goodies - most of the things that I really shouldn't be having but did anyways - see some of the guys that I spent yesterday with.

Should mention before I forget just how friendly and easy going all the instructors have been so far.

As one who had to learn throughout my working career about treating all customers, staff and people in general in a positive smiling way it was good to see that is the Olympic spirit from the start.

In talking to Wes he has just found out that he has been assigned to the Polish team as one of the other NOC assistants has dropped out.

To keep it short the day was a condensed crash course in all things relating to our positions as Assistants to the National Olympic or National Paralympics teams.

Many of the volunteers have spend a couple hours a month for the past eight months learning what we have crammed into one long day.

We get a couple of short breaks and then a great lunch - good sandwiches and juice - then its back for the last two major lectures.

We get lots of chances to ask questions - some are very active in this regard - I am fairly mute - do have a few to ask.

After our lunch break we get a sterling video presentation from a person with disabilities and how we should approach them - his message is simple and to the point JUST ASK - don't push that wheelchair before you ask. It was a video re-run of a live lecture that he had given to an earlier and was very enlightening. He also used the words DON'T ASK - when you see a person with disabilities don't ask them what happened. I should note that this view wasn't shared by one of the Paralympians who was part of the presentation team. In his case he will give a short answer.

Our final presentation was from Allison Forsythe - a Canadian Olympic Alpine ski member in 2002 and 2006 who's career was ended because of an injury during a training run for the Torino Games - quiet the story and she had lots of do's and don't from an athlete point of view.

It being 5:00PM we finally adjourned with lots of knowledge and binder full of info - it contains the info that we received verbally today.

Gave Wes a ride back to his Son's place in Kits and then headed home and supper.

Next up - a visit to the Vancouver Athlete's Village on Thursday evening.

Part Two:Training to be an Olympic volunteer Day One Jan 8, 2010 - Whistler venues and the drive home

After arriving in Whistler and doing another driver change we head for the Athlete's village and await for our tour time at 2:30 but first about the checkpoint - today it's just sign our name beside it on the training list but it is will a lot more secure than that at Games times.

We are met by our trainer and walk through the Village - the roads and sidewalks are very slippery as there is some freezing rain falling - it is also windy and cold - a good introduction of what things might be like during the Games - we don't get to see inside the suites as they are busy putting the finishing touches on the Village.

It's then back into the car and time to try and find the various venues and more importantly just where we are expected to go when we have a passenger.

Our first stop is Whistler Creekside - home of the original Whistler ski area that will host the Alpine Skiing events - finding the venue is easy - you can't miss it - finding where we are to drop off and park was a little more challenging - while the signage is going up it appears to be a little incomplete partly because the area is a ski village and people living and working there still need to go about their daily routine.

We stopped a couple of security guys - explained who we were - showed them our map and they told us where we would be going.

Next on to the Sliding center - from a friend I knew where it is located so we headed there but tried to take the recommended route which isn't necessarily the shortest route - found the sight but not the drop off area - apparently they will have to walk a short distance from the parking area to the participation area.

I should note with the exception of the Olympic Park all the Whistler venues are existing sites or located right in the town center so access isn't the greatest by car - Whistler was built as a mostly car free Alpine town so it can be a challenge to drive to events but that is part of our role.

Next - the medals area - it is not finished but we did follow the signage and found the site - then it's on to the Media center at the Convention center - still finishing up here as well.

Final stop will be the Whistler Olympic Park - the home of the Nordic, biathlon and ski jumping events - located about 15KM from Whistler or the Village it is a pleasant drive up in good weather - it is starting to rain etc as we make the drive up - we reach the checkpoint - tell them who we are and are allowed to proceed to the three venue areas - this area is a lot easier to navigate as it was planned for the Games - it will be operated after the Games by the Four First Nations on whose territory the Games are being held.

After a quick driver change and darkness we start the drive back to Vancouver.

A couple of us were let off in downtown and the others took the car, refuelled it and return it to the depot.

Thanks to Wes, Douglas, Lucian and Steve for a good day - if these are kinds of people that will be volunteering the athletes and general public will be well served.

I will see all the Steve tomorrow at our next training session.

Part One:Training to be an Olympic volunteer Day One Jan 8, 2010 - the drive to Whistler

The first day of my Olympic dream had me getting up around 5:30AM - actually was having trouble sleeping and arose before the alarm.

My "A" plan was to walk across the Burrard Bridge to the vehicle compound where our training was to take place IF the weather was dry - Plan "B" was to take the bus - despite a rainy day forecast it was dry so after ensuring that I had my material with me and my driver's license I proceeded to walk across the bridge - it only took about 20 minutes so I was early but so where many others - at the security checkin I was warmly greeted and advise to walk to the large canvas white tent - inside there were some cookies and coffee - most of the crowd is older and there are two groups here today - the easiest way to describe it is - one group will be Vancouver based and one group will be Whistler based - the training event is for both Olympic and Paralympic volunteers - there are two people here who I know from my working days - both are going to be Vancouver based.

Promptly at 8:30AM we are officially welcome and have a short introductory session before the large group is broken into smaller groups - our name tags have our first names, a number and a sports figure in either green or blue - through the course of the training the number represents the vehicle # or rather position in a long line of cars ready for us to drive. The green tags are for Vancouver people and blue for Whistler - we then get a first hand look a the vehicles that we will be driving - they are GMC Acadia - a crossover model with lots of bells and whistles.

We then reassembly inside for a drive easy lecture - the gentleman giving the lecture is both very thorough in giving us driving tips - remember we are all adults who have been driving for many years so we are considered to be safe and courteous drivers - and also humorous - most seemed to feel that it was a good presentation and did pick up a few tips to improve my already stellar driving.

Then it was time for the drive to Whistler - there are five in our car - we are all to do some driving - one person is to navigate and the three others to observe and we agreed that the person navigating would be the next one to drive - I am the first navigator partly because I am the resident expert on getting out of the downtown core - the first driver is from Ontario - his son lives here so he has a place to stay - while he is familiar with the city he seemed to appreciated my directions - he drove to Squamish where we stopped to change drivers, have a washroom break and start to eat our lunches - we aren't on a set time frame other than we have to be at the Whistler athletes village by a certain time for our tour.

I then take the wheel and head for Whistler - we had hoped to take in the Olympic Park - home to ski jumping, Nordic and biathlon events before the stop at the Village but our time was tight we so after a brief driver change we choose to go straight to the Village and wait for the others.

End of part one.

The pictures you see here from my collection that I have taken up to now of the sites that the games are being staged at.

Why we were allowed to take photos if we choose we could not posted the Village ones online until after the Games because of Security concerns - since I will be based in Whistler I will have lots of other opportunities to get pictures and probably with better weather conditions.

Off now to my next training session.

Cheers

D