A few years ago, when I asked a friend how many umpires were at a hockey game, I realized I knew more about cricket than ice hockey. I grew up in a British colony in South America, where cricket is their main sporting event.
Forty seven years ago, I had a choice of two countries to study marine communications. I chose Canada. Today, I have a network of Canadian and International friends who share my interest in sustainable projects in developing countries.
Our children played hockey and as parents, we drove them to practice and games, but being a tropical person, I found it too cold and uncomfortable. I tried skiing once and if it were not for the tree on Grouse Mountain that was in my way, I might have gone over the cliff.
Even though I do not understand much about the game, other than scoring goals, in 1972 I remember the excitement I felt when Canada won the game against Russia. I was new in Canada and it left a lasting impression on me about hockey and other winter sports.
The last few days I was glued to the radio and TV watching the Sochi Olympic hockey games. During the womens game third period, I was sitting in my car at the Victoria medical building parking lot when they won. My feelings of pride for Canada was so intense that I was overwhelmed with emotions to the point of tears as I thought of my 47 years in this wonderful country and her people, who were so unselfishly generous towards me.
My alarm clock did not fail me to watch the mens game between Canada and Sweden. After they won, the deep emotions resurfaced and it was the best feeling ever of being a Canadian. I am so proud of the overwhelming performance of all the Canadian athletes at the Sochi Olympic games.
In our quest to assist children and youth who face many challenges in developing countries, we also carry Canadian flag pencils that we randomly give to students. In order to receive a pencil, they need to identify the flag. In the hundreds of pencils we gave to students in different countries, not one person has failed to identify the Canadian flag, sometimes with a little help from their friends.
Congratulations Canada. I am a Canadian and very proud of it.
Vince Ramcharran
Prince George, BC.
