A Fond Farewell to London

And thus ends the adventure of Team Manitoba's 2010 edition. This team had an amazing games and truly showed what it meant to be a 'team'. Considering that a games contingent is made up of groups of smaller sport-specific teams, that says something.

There are so many stories that come from an experience like this, that it becomes difficult to summarize.

We had powerlifter Robin Latimer, enjoying his first games, go out to watch the Rythmic Gymnastic girls. At first blush, a big 'guy' watching a 'girls' sport is rather humourous. But the girls loved him and they were the first ones out to support him when it was his turn to perform.

In the pool, we had a sick Ashley McLeod go out and fight for her medals and Jason Norminton with a pair of North American Records.

At the track, we had Darren Enns who overcame some early challenges in the games to win 3 medals and the hearts of his track teammates and coaches.

One thing we, as Team Manitoba can say, is that the London Games Organizing Committee did an exceptional job. Their hospitality was first rate and we can't say enough about how helpful and accommodating the 'sea of green' volunteers were. Our athletes were so well taken care of that they really could focus on preparing for their competitons. From hospitality to transportation to the sport volunteers and officials, everyone had a warm and welcoming smile on their face. The athletes were treated like the superstars they are.

To the amazing friends and family, both those that came to London and those that stayed home, thank you for supporting your athletes so they could come and shine for Manitoba.

In the end, the medal count was amazing, but those will be forgotten amongst all the stories and friendships that developed. So to London, we say thank you and farewell.

Look for more photos in the coming couple of weeks. We'll post here and on Twitter when new ones are posted.

Athletes, coaches and mission staff, enjoy your well deserved rests.

Cheers everyone.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network