I worked at the Munich Olympic Village in 1972 and the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. 

In the athlete cafeterias, I was on a multinational 1052-member team, putting out over 15,000 meals each day. Living in the villages for three months, living the life, at the centre of the world’s attention. Athletes and media everywhere, including in the world’s first Olympic Village pub. Munchner bier, ja?

I loved being a very small part of those Games. We could relate to the athletes and events. Running, jumping, soccer, rowing and my favourite sport to watch, women’s volleyball. So athletic, so amateur, so intense, so positive. And such sportsmanship. 

Way back in 1924, the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, included 16 events in six sports, with some 258 athletes. Canada won the gold medal for hockey, outscoring opponents 122-3. We won four medals in total. Wee Norway won 16. Not much has changed, eh?

The Beijing Winter Olympics included 109 events. Canada won four gold medals, Norway won 16 gold medals. Our population is 38 million. Theirs is less than 6 million.

If you would like to know why Norwegians always dominate the Winter Olympics, do a quick Google of “Norway Sports Philosophy.” It’s really simple. Take the early pressure off the kids. Let them have fun, encouraging everyone.

Almost all Winter Olympic sports are exclusionary and expensive. Bobsleds, ski and hockey equipment all cost big money, and that’s just to get involved. 

While watching big air and half-pipe and bobsledding, my buddy Potter in Pennsylvania kept asking, “Who does this stuff?” Seriously, how do they practice? Shouldn’t the female pairs figure skaters wear hockey helmets? How do they not crack their skulls?” 

Many Summer Olympic sports can be enjoyed by so many people. Running, swimming, jumping, soccer and the list goes on. Why wasn’t men’s sumo wrestling a demonstration sport at last summer’s Tokyo Olympic Games?

But let's ramble back to Beijing. I was flummoxed to read that Australia had beaten Canada in mixed doubles curling. What the heck? And how great that men’s hockey finished with the Finnish team getting the gold. I keep hearing on TV that hockey is “our game.”

Please know I am not complaining. Just wondering. Just asking.

Attagirls for winning the women’s hockey gold medal. The players are so talented, so dedicated, so passionate attempting to grow the sport. But, with only two competitive nations, the International Olympic Committee could decide to eliminate this sport from the Olympics. It’s a darned pity, eh?

Here’s a suggestion. If Canada wants to win more medals at future Winter Olympics, just keep convincing the IOC to add more weird events. How about mixed ski jumping? At least they don’t hold hands in mid-air.

The CBC broadcasters should get gold medals for hyperbole and over-the-top overstatements. One CBC anchor mentioned that bobsledding German multi-medallist Francesco Friedrich was “a bit of a daredevil.” 

Yes, and Jennifer Aniston is “a bit of a looker” and Kim Kardashian is “a bit of a self-promoter.” Can we all agree that Edmonton Oiler Connor McDavid is a “bit of a fast skater and has a few moves”?

Which somehow brings us back to our wonderful Niagara Region. This August, we all will be cheering for up-and-coming Canadian athletes during the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games.

Right here in Niagara-on-the-Lake at Veteran’s Memorial Park, we will welcome 84 tennis players from 10 provinces and the territories. Currently, 50 per cent female and 50 per cent male. 

The NOTL Sailing Club will be the host venue for the sailing events with some 61 sailors, including nine para athletes.

The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games will feature 253 events, spread over 12 municipalities. Niagara residents and volunteers will make it a fortnight to remember, and the best part is that every single medal will be won by a Canadian. How great is that?

Every athlete will have done their best. There should be no drug scandals, no political power plays, just sports. Canadians will dominate.

Cheer! Wave flags! Sing and dance at the cultural events. Be involved.