Here's my reflection of the Games:
Thumbs up to all the citizens and volunteers of Prince George as you have all made us proud to host these Games. I'm very confident to say that all the athletes/families/guests are going to leave here with that impression in mind.
Thumbs up to the Canada Winter Games Concerts at the Canada Games Plaza. The Alan Doyle concert was one that's going to be a lifetime memory for many that had the privilege to watch Doyle and his band play that Sunday evening. The atmosphere was truly spectacular - it was great to see the Newfoundland girls' hockey team at the front of the stage cheering and singing with their own countrymen.
Two thumbs up for Alan Doyle who got the crowd involved in his music and for putting out a few tunes even during his sound check in the afternoon.
Thumbs down to the organizing committee for not allowing local food vendors to sell their food at the Canada Winter Games Plaza. I only saw one local truck at the Plaza.
Thumbs down to UNBC/CNC for not taking this golden opportunity to showcase their facilities to the athletes/family/guests.
Both UNBC/CNC should have run shuttle buses from the Canada Winter Games Plaza to their facilities. There was a minimum of 200-300 athletes who are in Grade 10-12. What a great way to get a few thinking about going to UNBC or CNC down the road.
Thumbs down to SD 57 for allowing spring break to occur during the Games. The board should have allowed schools to run during the games so teachers could actually take their classes to watch various events. At least then the stands at these events would have been full. There were just too many empty seats at many of these preliminary events.
Finally, thumbs down to the marketing division of the Canada Winter Games as they were promoting the business side of the Games telling many local businesses, particularly, those in the service industry, to gear up for a very busy two weeks.
From what I can see, many of the local restaurants weren't even busy, in fact, local traffic was way down as compared to previous years at this time.
Dan Willis, Prince George
