Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, declared the 2010 Vancouver - Whistler Paralympic Winter Games as the best ever. It certainly was for Canada's Para-Nordic team, providing 3 of our nation's 10 gold, and 5 medals overall. Fielding the largest team ever at a Winter Paralympics, we had 17 athletes and guides and 16 staff ready to take on the World on home soil. Colette Bourgonje led the veteran side of the team in her 4^th Paralympics, and put her experience and training to the test, adding a Silver and Bronze to her extensive medal collection. Brian and Robin McKeever entered their 3^rd Paralympic Games with a mission - Gold medal sweep of all 3 of the Cross Country events. And "The Boys" delivered in style, owning the top podium in all 3 events and finally attaining victory in the 20 km event that had eluded them in Salt Lake and Torino. With podium experience in World Cup competition,  PWG rookies Mark Arendz, Jody Barber and Robbi Weldon gained experience in the "Big Show" that bodes well for them, taking top-ten finishes to motivate them for podiums at the 2014 PWG. Our Development Team athletes soaked up every minute of the Games experience, with some newcomers showing that their desire matches their potential for the future.

Our staff support for these athletes was equally amazing, with a team of the World's best coaches, technicians, and sport science all working together to ensure the athlete's had every chance of success. The years of preparation on the trails and experimentation in the wacky weather of Callaghan Valley paid off: the coaches had every aspect of the venue and race course covered, and our already impressive technician team blew the field away with the best skis in the field. Whether it was a biathlon day, cross country, or training, we had someone exactly where they needed to be doing exactly what needed to be done. We even had a designated ski tester to help the McKeever's go through their 100's of pairs of skis to select the best ones for the conditions (thanks Kaz - rest in peace). We were the envy of every other nation and had every facet of team support covered both on and off the competition venue.

Amidst the hectic schedule of training, competitions, meetings, media, etc., we managed to find time to engage in and absorb this home games experience - and it was amazing! Smiling "Smurfs" (the VANOC volunteers) everywhere, always extra-enthusiastic for the Canadian athletes. The Opening Ceremonies, with 60,000+ fans going mad with enthusiasm still gives me goose-bumps and a lump in my throat. The crowds and kids at Whistler Paralympic Park, screaming and cheering louder than the Olympic gold medal hockey game. The Village of Whistler embraced the Paralympics and made us feel like heroes anytime we strolled the streets and plazas, and the Closing Ceremony walk through Whistler -replete with high fives and hugs - was truly inspirational.

For me, those 16 days in March (preceded by the 3 months leading up, and the 4 years prior...) were the most intense and rewarding in my past 8 years with the ParaNordic team. I'd like to thank Cross Country Canada for continuing to support my work with the team following my "relocation" from Canmore. These are some of the finest athletes on the planet and it has been my privilege to serve them in their quest for athletic excellence. To all the Team staff I've worked with - it has never been "work", but rather an honour to be able to share in the experiences. Kaspar, Ian, Celine & Bruce - thank-you!