It’s been almost a full year since the 2010 Olympics were in Vancouver, but the Canadian pride has not diminished from the hearts of those in Lethbridge.

The buzz began immediately after the announcement was made in 2003 that Canada would be the host to the 2010 Winter Olympics.

From Feb. 12-28, 2010 the world turned its attention to Canada and the skills and talents of the world’s athletes.
According to the Olympic organization website, there were 2,566 competing athletes from 82 different countries and over three-billion television viewers worldwide.
One year later, one Lethbridge resident says it was important to show the world who Canada was and throughout the Olympics we succeeded.
Desirée Unvoas had the honour in carrying the torch through Lethbridge during the torch relay. She says it was an experience she will never forget.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she says.
The same can be said about the Olympics as a whole. It was an opportunity for many Canadians to take part of.
“I was really impressed with how Canada bonded together towards the end,” says Unvoas, who also went out to Vancouver to watch a week of Olympic activities.
It was a moment in time that many Canadians, including Unvoas, will never forget and a feeling of pride that will touch Canadian hearts for years to come.
From Day 1 there were days full of conversations revolving around the Olympics and the many successes of the Canadian athletes.
No day though, was as exhilarating as the final day.
With 13 gold medals already won throughout the games, Canadians wanted to see the men’s team win gold in the “unofficial” Canadian sport: ice hockey.
It was an “edge of your seat” experience and those who watched it will have no trouble recalling the time, place and nervousness of watching the U.S. score with less than a minute left in the final period. The game went into overtime.
All around Canada people held their breath; in every bar, pub and home, people were waiting, nervous yet hopeful. The game came to an end as the Canadian men’s team scored their second goal ending the game and achieving their well deserved gold medal.
This erupted the country into cheering, yelling, laughing and even crying tears of joy.
Not only does the memory of the experience leave goose bumps on anyone who recalls the moment but it was a time to be proud of all that we have as Canadians.
The 14th and final gold medal was awarded to the Canadians that afternoon and it soon hit everyone with a realization that, “This is over.”
“The whole event really captured the image of Canada,” Unvoas says.
In total, Canada won 14 gold medals which broke the record for number of gold medals won by a single country at any Winter Olympics.