Canadian Olympic Families say "Thanks" to Petro-Canada.

Steph and I are were so very thankful for being Petro-Canada Family correspondents. We were able to take in so many events during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Thanks to Petro-Canada, Steph and I will share memories to last a lifetime. 

Our trip was unique. It allowed us to take in the Games and Vancouver in a way that very few ever could. Not only were we able to take in 4 events and 2 victory ceremonies we were also able to meet and interview several of our Canadian athletes family members who shared the same warm feelings on Petro-Canada's generosity.

We both noticed when interviewing the athlete's families their "GLOWING HEARTS". They radiated with LOVE and PRIDE for their families. These families have been thru it all together -- the heart wrenching lows as well as incredible highs such as the 2010 Winter Games. 

Thanks to Petro-Canada, Canadian athletes' families participated in "The Canadian Athlete Family Program" which allowed them to attend the Games fully coordinated and funded. Petro-Canada has been investing in our athletes, coaches and families since the 1988 Games in Calgary. This go round, they helped send 2 members from each Canadian athlete's family. The goal was to make it less stressful on the athletes (take out logistics and finance issues) to help enhance their performances as well as provide them with their own personal cheering section (emotional support).  Clearly this initiative has had a positive impact on our teams performance. 12 GOLD and counting. 

Here are a couple quotes on how Petro-Canada made it easier for many of our Canadian athletes' family members: 

• " The Petro-Canada Canadian athlete program was beyond our expectations" raved The Groves. 
• When the Mercedes' Nicoll's family were asked about the program they replied "With the parents being taken care of it takes the logistics out of the equation,... it's the most incredible program". 
• Ben and Judy Hoy (Drew Neilson SBX)  had only good words about the Petro-Canada Canadian athlete program as well, " We came worry free. We appreciate the program so much. We were roomed, fed, transported, given tickets and clothed...head to toe!" 

Here is a short montage of how the program made a difference to a handful of Canadian. We are sure this sentiment is echoed by all the families who participated in the program.

What we know for sure after interviewing these families is that for all Canadians, as we quoted in our very first submission,  "It's all about family."

"...And that's the Brown Low Down"