Editorial

There would be few, if any of us, who at some idle moment have not daydreamed of representing our country in the Olympic Games.

Well, that's what thousands of athletes are going to be doing, starting Friday, as the summer Olympics in Beijing officially start.

It's hard to think of these people without feelings of respect for what they have accomplished and all the hours, hard work and sacrifice it took for them to get there. And we can feel admiration, and possibly some envy, as we reflect about the wonderful experience they are about to embark on.

As we said, there are few of us who would not love to be one of those competitors. But the reality is only a few every get to compete in the Olympics, and it is because it's such an elite and select group that makes these people all the more special.

There are going to be 331 athletes representing Canada in these games, and on these individuals, we are permitted to place our hopes. Through them, many of us hope to dream about the realities that they will be experiencing.

Some of them appeared locally over the weekend. There was a send-off for the four members of Canada's show jumping team Sunday at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave. Eric Lamaze, Mac Cone, Jill Henselwood and Captain Canada Ian Millar presented both images of confidence, as well as anticipation for what is to come.

Owing to health considerations, the equestrian events are being held in Hong Kong, instead of Beijing. It was reported Monday afternoon that the horses had all arrived safely. The riders are travelling to Hong Kong individually.

But there are other Olympians from this area, this province, this country, who will be competing under our flag. And we know that people back home will be cheering them on.

From King City, we will have Rosannagh MacLennan competing on the trampoline, and Caledon resident Cameron Sylvester will be on the water rowing for his country.

There has been a certain amount of negative coverage about these games, mainly focusing on conditions in Beijing, and the policies of the Chinese government. Maybe there are still a few bruised egos in this part of the world. Toronto, after all, did make a bid to host these games.

It is an unfortunate reality, that political considerations have to play a role, for better or worse, in games like this. This edition should be no exception. But let us hope that the major consideration, at least for most, is focused on the athletics, as opposed to the politics. A naive thought, perhaps, but it would still be nice to see.

Lots of medals coming back to this country would be even nicer to see.

Don't forget to cheer our athletes on, they deserve at least that from us folks back home.