Winter Olympics: Wishing Vancouver's OC Well

After the tragic death of Georgian Luge competitor, Nodar Kumaritashvili, it's natural to feel underwhelmed by the prospect of an entire fortnight of sport at the Winter Olympics. It's hardly all fun and games now, is it? Only 21-years old and finishing up his final practice. The timing of death can be so cruel.

ESPN's Bonnie D Ford posted a twit pic from Vancouver (left), with the simple by line: "seats are filling in now..." and it reminded me of the magical  anticipation at a major sports gathering. 


As if fanning the flames of excitement for competition and feats to come, it is the Opening Ceremony that sets this process in motion more than anything else. Long as it often is; it sets the tone.

This is why I'm wishing for an awe-inspiring Opening Ceremony to uplift competitors, officials and spectators. To remind us all that, though Sport might not feel like the most important thing in life right now, the Games is enriching and revelatory simply because the occasion demands it. There's an athlete out there who is going to defy us with speed, precision, guts and balls. Another for whom this fortnight can't pass soon enough, for the disappointment.

We should remember that while the Winter Games begins under a tragic and senseless cloud, a young athlete came here with the will and spirit to compete HARD. He relished the chance to be here. If anything can help inspire his Georgian team mates and international peers, I hope it's to make the best of the opportunity he's been denied.

 The best of Opening Ceremonies-this one due to begin at 2am GMT- have a way of emoting a sense of the impossible made possible. And on this night, the occasion demands it.

Photo: Vancouver Opening Ceremony, Bonnie Ford 2010