I have Olympic Games withdrawl

Pressing the recall button on my remote control tonight had a strange effect. First, I saw the evening news. Recall. Then it was an ESPN film? What the heck? Where were the Olympics?

Yes, I watched the closing ceremonies just like everyone else. I realize the Games are over. But now, I was forced to do something I hadn't done for two weeks. I had to press the "Guide" button, and explore what else was on TV.

No skiing, no bobsleigh, no curling, no speed skating. What a rip off. NBA basketball seemed like a cheesy participation ribbon. It seemed like TSN was sending me a message saying, "thanks for tuning in, unfortunately, this is all we have for you."

The Vancouver Olympics were a truly great event and displayed the outstanding power of sport. 14 gold medals were won by Canada, more than any nation in the history of the Winter Olympics. More importantly, millions went back to work following the closing ceremonies feeling refreshed, proud, and excited.

Don't worry sports fans, there are a few things for us to look forward to. We have March Madness, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the World Cup of Soccer. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a few years before the Olympics re-appear and much longer before we are able to experience another Olympic Games on Canadian soil.

It was good while it lasted, I just wish it had lasted longer.

Let the games begin.

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What the Olympics mean to the World

After months and months of predictions, hype, and speculation, the Winter Olympics are finally here. Although the Olympic Games started on a sour note, with the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, the Winter Olympics in Vancouver promise better things to come.

In fact, the Olympics in general are a sign of world togetherness you don't often see. Where else would you see the USA standing beside Iran and North Korea? These countries aren't competing against each other out of hate; rather, they're competing in peace and sport.

The Olympic Games are unifying for all people. It's a chance for us to forget the wars we fight, the terror in our world, and to focus on a sense of togetherness that is often overlooked.

Starting with the spectacular and theatrical opening ceremonies and the lighting of the torch by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, the Winter Olympics utlilize one of our planets greatest common grounds, sport, to bring people together...even if it is only for a few weeks.

Sure nations compete against each other, battle on the playing field, and will push, pull, and claw their way to a place on the podium; but athletes from countries at war, countries who are political adversaries, show respect and sportsmanship to each other during the Olympics.

97 nations are competing at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. 97 countries in one peaceful place for sport. I've heard people argue over and over that sports are just games, that people take athletics too seriously, and that athletics are not important.

Looking at the Olympic Games, it's obvious they are wrong. Sports can mean so much more, they can bring unity and peace. They can bring hope and inspiration. From the moment the torch is lit, to the moment the last medal is awarded, the Olympic Games are a tie that bonds all of humanity through sport.

Let the games begin.

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Matt Mapletoft wins National Championship

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When you're from a small town, it's not often that athletes go on to greatness or to shine on a National scale. For Matt Mapletoft, however, that is just what he did.

The 20-year-old Wallaceburg, Ontario native recently won the Canadian National Junior Curling Championships as a member of team Ontario. Before you go huffing and puffing that it's "only" curling, just step out on the ice and try it. The sport is difficult.

It is no fluke that Mapletoft has carried each and every team he's participated on to greatness. While in high school, his team won an OFSAA silver medal. As he moved on to curl at the university level with Wilfred Laurier in Waterloo, Ontario, he helped his team win an OUA and National Championship.

Now, after winning the National Junior Championships as lead for Team Ontario, Mapletoft has one larger goal ahead...a World Junior Championship as the lead for Team Canada.

If history serves itself, Mapletoft's chances of gold in Switzerland this March are extremely good. This 20-year-old has all the skills necessary to help his team win gold. Mapletoft, however, hasn't let this all go to his head. After asking Matt about his win, lifetime highlights, and the other obligatory sports questions, I asked Matt if he had anything else to add.

Instead of boasting, or talking about his achievements, he ranted and raved about his community, and his hometown curling club. I guess that is what makes him such an excellent curler, a level head, and an ability to see the bigger picture, even when he is surrounded by excitement.

Watch this blog and the Chatham-Kent Daily Post for updates on Matt Mapletoft as the World Junior Championships approach.