Canadian Athlete Family Program

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"

A Gold Medal Mom -- Nancy Ricker

Check out this great interview with Maëlle Ricker's mom, Nancy Ricker. She is so proud and so darn nice! It's clear that Maëlle had great family support all along the way ... right to the top of the podium. Congrats to the entire Ricker Family!

First Day: Family, the Games and Cheer - What Could Be Better?

After arriving late Friday night, I was welcomed by my big sis Lindsey & Andy with a BIG HUG and glass of champagne to toast the Opening Ceremonies (on DVR). They provided a personal play by play as they were at the ceremony!! (Bless the genius who invented DVR).  Exhausted, I crashed on the couch 3AM EST.

The next morning, I threw on my finest Canadian gear -- spicy red tights, Canada T-shirt, red sunglasses and a floppy red hat and picked up my Co-Family Correspondent (Rob) and my mom. Pure joy -- the Brown kids reunited with their mom at last!

With Coffee in hand, the 5 of us begin our first full day. Mom and Lindsey got tickets from a friend to the Women's Hockey Game (THANKS Diana) -- and Lindsey made the Jumbo-Tron with her TSN sign -- Top Shelf jayNa. (Hat trick by the Kingstonian).  Mom and Lindsey said they were so proud as Canadians when the entire arena gave a standing "O" to the Slovak team. They then danced in the street and sang an impromptu OH CANADA in the street.

Rob, Andy and I hopped on the "Olympic Train" and headed to Granville Island. Candied salmon, fresh take out mussels and an Aqua Bus later, we parked ourselves at the Forum Sports Bar for 5 hours of solid Olympic Coverage and cheer. We watched Jen Heil win our first medal -- classy, classy competitor. Toasted the Women's Hockey team to their Olympic record win. And held our breath as Canadian speed skater hopefuls tried to qualify.

After 22 hours of being awake, it was time to tuck mom into bed (total trooper) and dream about our next Olympic adventure.

We couldn't have asked for a better start to the Games. The energy is electric, everyone is so friendly, the weather is great ... and we are together. (Well almost, just missing our Dad & "C"--step-mom, and Sully (fiancee, who arrives tomorrow). So many great moments to come.

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

Our Hometown, K-Town, Warm Wishes to our Athletes

Well, I have finally landed at the 2010 Games! I am just awaiting my Petro-Canada Family Correspondent Sidekick to start our big adventure. He arrives in 1 hour! We will have lots of great updates coming soon. But in the meantime, please view this special video from our Hometown -- featuring Kingston families and local celebrities.  "The K-Town Send-off to our 2010 Athletes". Thanks Kingston!!

"And that's the Brown Lowdown"

ROB & STEPH

The “So-Nice Family”, Oops I mean Shouldice Family

Here is my own definition of Aerials: “Race down a ski hill as fast as you can then fearlessly launch yourself off a massive ramp like a mad man while performing death defying acrobatic twists and flips and then (hopefully) nailing a landing.

Now you must be thinking any family that lets their children do this must be NUTS, right? Well I am writing to tell you they are not nuts at all.  In fact they are a classic Canadian family - supportive, sweet and proud.  This past week I had the great pleasure of chatting with Marty and Rick Shouldice. Parents of Warren Shouldice, AKA “Wookie”, Canadian Olympic Aerials Hopeful. 

Before I jump into the details of my interview with Marty and Rick here are some quick facts about Warren.

• He is 26.
• His hometown is Calgary.
• He has dual citizenship, but has only EVER wanted to compete for Canada.
• National team member for 8 years.
• He placed 3rd in the 2009 World Championships.
• 6th Place at 2006 Olympic games in Turin
• He also loves hockey, video games, skateboarding and surfing.
• He is afraid of moths.
• Got into aerials from competing in gymnastics.
• Watch him compete February 22nd at the 2010 Games.

The Shouldice Family

The very first feeling I picked up on while talking to the Shouldices was that they were radiating with pride. Not only for the success of Warren, but for all of their sons.  Warren is the oldest, the fearless athlete. (Really fearless! See the daring semi-nude photo from a recent Chatelaine magazine. Warning - definitely PG-13!). Jason, the funny middle child, an engineer and UFC athlete. Finally, there’s Kenton the youngest but tallest, a business & finance guru and music lover.  Similarly to “The Brown Family”, all of their stories started and ended with family support. At the end of the day, Marty and Rick always encouraged the boys to be successful in their own areas—even though they were all competitive Junior National Freestyle Skiers. Even though I spoke to them on the phone, I could sense they were glowing with pride over each of the boys’ success.

Similarly to many Canadian families, they spent many early mornings shuffling the boys to various practices, races and competitions. Marty, the mom would be “looking like a Christmas tree” says Rick—the loudest, most enthusiastic cheerleader with her cowbell and whistles never fading. Rick on the other hand, to this day still gets so nervous he can’t eat the day of Warren’s events.  Those nervous feelings don’t compare to our family watching Robbie play goal during the last minutes of overtime –these nerves were heightened after a terrible “water ramp” accident Warren suffered in the summer of 2002 and then a 2nd serious accident this past fall. 

Toque Trivia: Questions for our Families of Our Canadian Athletes

Our Petro-Canada Family Correspondents will be taking your questions with them to Vancouver as they interview and talk to family members of our athletes. They'll be blogging here about what they find out from the families of our athletes.

What question would you ask the families of our Olympic Athletes? We'll be randomly thanking one lucky commenter for their response by giving them an official Petro-Canada toque!

If you need ideas, take a look at this awesome video that our Family Correspondents Steph and Rob Brown put together with great questions from Kingston families for Canada's Curlers. 

So get commenting, Canada, and tell us what questions you'd like to hear the answers to!

Help us Get the Inside Scoop from our Canadian Families

With the recent announcement of CLARA HUGHES as Canada's official flag bearer, and with daily additions to the 2010 athlete list, "The Games" are becoming more and more of a reality. That means, we the Petro-Canada Family Correspondents have to get our "A" game ready. We have to start our Training for 2010. (T-minus the early morning practices and hardcore workouts that make you want to throw up a little)

I have started a long list of questions that I think Canada wants to know about our Athletes and their families, but we also want your input. What are the burning questions that you need to know? 

Of course we are going to be asking the families some more common questions like "What sacrifices has your family made to get ______ to the Games?"  Was your entire family involved in competitive sport?" Who was their hero as a child?"  You get the picture. 

But, we want the INSIDE SCOOP, so I have started a list of fun questions that we want you to comment on and/or add to:

1. Approximately how long will you hug them in seconds after their event?
2. What is their favourite home-cooked meal?
3. What is their pre-game, pump up song song?
4. When they PB or win Gold, what will be your après event cocktail?
5. Is there a time when they wanted to quit this sport? What changed their mind?
6. Have you ever lost your cool at an event? On a judge or another fan?
7. Tell us a funny story about _____ as a child that would make them blush.
8. From 1-10 how hyped up are they before their event? 10 being the highest.1 being Calm and cool.
9. You just won the gold medal for being the BEST family member ever. Give your acceptance Speech and victory wave.
10. Steal your child's thunder for 30 seconds—what is something you are the best at?
11. Will you buy gas from Petro-Canada forever?
12. Did you by the Petro-Canada Glassware?
13. Will you tell us your room number? And will there be a party later?
14. How are we doing as amateur journalists? 10 being Anderson Cooper 1 being a TMZ cameraman.
15. Who is a louder cheerer, you or your hubby?
16. Who took them to the early morning practices?
17. Does your family have a secret cheer or handshake?  Will you teach it to us? 

Send us your feedback here, on the blog site, or reach us instantly when a GREAT question pops into your head on Twitter at: @stephb10 or @4RGB8.

"....and that's The Brown Low Down"

Steph & Rob. :)

 

Make that 500 +1 families Petro-Canada is reuniting at the games

WOW! What an honour and a dream come true to be a part of Petro-Canada's Family Program! I still can't believe I am going to the 2010 Winter Games -- in Vancouver of all places! 

It has been a family celebration ever since we found out our fantastic news. Not only will my sister Steph be joining me, but we will also be able to see our sister Lindsey (& our newest family member -- her new fiance), who moved out to Vancouver in the summer. What a special opportunity to experience the Games with both of my "big" sisters! The three of us are kinda like "the 3 sports stooges".  It just wouldn't have been the same if we weren't all together. So make that 500 +1 families Petro-Canada is reuniting at the games. Thank you.

Since being awarded the Family Correspondent, I am having flashbacks of my family in competitive sport. Ever since I can remember, I have been either in a van on the way to the rink, in the rink, or on the way back from the rink. With my dad, Ron, coaching my sisters in competitive ringette and myself in competitive hockey there was usually a game or practice evey other night. Our number one fan was always there in the crowd and we knew it because she wasn't afraid to cheer as LOUD as she could, that would be our mother Nancy. 

Since childhood I have dreamed to see Martin Brodeur play for Team Canada. I can remember when I was playing road hockey and/or all-star ice hockey pretending to be Martin Brodeur making the game winning save. He has always been my idol as a goalie growing up. My dad always told me you need to get you and challenge the shooter like Marty! Stand up like Marty! I couldn't argue--he is the games number one winning goalie! So, when I heard that we were going to be seeing the Men's Canadian Hockey Team take on Norway ... Well, I reacted like I would have when I was 9 with one exception (Excessive jumping & screaming ... and then enjoyed a cold canadian brew. LOL.)

Hockey is my passion along with golf. I have always been involved in multiple sports, including skiing and curling, and I think that is similar to many Canadians growing up. That is why we all have a shared interest in the 2010 Winter Games and put our big Ol' Canadian hearts behind all our athletes. I am especially excited to follow our hockey, curling, speed skating, ski and snow board teams. Steph and I will be trying to keep everyone as up to date as possible on our adventures! Don't worry I'm sure there will be no shortage of great pics, vids and interviews! (We'll be the ones in the ridiculous hats cheering madly like our mom taught us). 

We can't wait to get in our metaphorical "Family Van" and start cheering on our Canadian Athletes!!!

Please join our ride by sending us questions you'd like us to ask the athletes' families or send us tips on what you'd like to see us do at the Games. (Keep it PG 13 people) We'd love to hear from you!

Cheers to 2010,

B-Town (Rob)

Just like Petro-Canada, we put family first

Since winning the Family Correspondent Contest, besides being completely over joyed with the "GRAND PRIZE", I can't stop reminiscing about my families dedication to my life in sport.  As long as I can remember, my parents were either shuffling 3 of us to 3 different practices multiple days a week, coaching games, leaving work early to watch a  "big" game, dishing out money for new equipment and travel, nursing an injury or patiently listening to the exact play by play of that evenings game over a home cooked meal. (Actually, most of these still happen to this day.)

How did they find the time? The money? The energy? The patience? 

To this day I am completely amazed and thankful for my parents dedication and steadfast commitment to our lives in sport. We are better people and a closer family because of it.

So when we quoted in our video, "Just like Petro-Canada, we the Brown Family put Family First", it's the honest truth. That's why we are so thrilled to be representing the Family Program for Petro-Canada. We have benefited first hand from having our family with us as we competed-- hands down it positively impacts your performance and enhances your mental strength. On the World stage, it can only be greater. 

As I said in THE HERITAGE NEWSPAPER-- "The advantage for the athletes (having their family's with them at the Games) is that they can focus on competing and they don't have to worry about the stress of whether their family members get there,"  "They know they will have the support of their families."

Read the Full article at: http://emckingston.ca/20100121/lifestyle/Family-first+attitude+helps+siblings+win+trip+to+Olympics

We will surely see the positives results from Petro-Canada's investment in our athletes families in the Canadian medal tally-- but long term, having your parents watching you LIVE at the biggest sporting event of your life--now that's priceless. Just ask me. 

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

Photo Credit: Mark Kerr, Kingston EMC

How I came to be a Petro-Canada Family Correspondent

You know as a kid when you said, "Ok, this is for the World Championships of The World", and then you scored the winning goal on your grandpa on your backyard rink? (INSERT VICTORY FIST PUMP & STICK RIDING) Of course you do. Every Canadian has felt that moment.  Well, this was the same feeling we had when we GOT "the call" from Petro Canda, telling us we won a trip to the Olympics as the Petro-Canada Family Correspondents.

Let me back up for a minute. Here is how we got here:

1. Thankfully I was creeping on Facebook and came across the Family Correspondent contest from PETRO-CANADA.
2. Read the Rules, watched the videos and ACCEPTED the challenge with my younger brother Robbie. AKA Rob--his grown up name. (This was a plan so we could share the experience with our big sis who moved to Vancouver in August. We are 3 peas in a Pod.)
3. Then we made Petro-Canada Microphones out of Hanna Montanna dollar store Microphones and found Petro Canada 1988 Olympic Champagne Glasses at the Salvation Army to feature in the vid.
4. On Christmas Eve, with Canadian outfits, hockey gear, microphones and Petro-Canada glasses in hand we headed to the local outdoor rink where my finance, Greg, shot the video for us. Yes, many people thought we were nut. Nothing new.
5. Christmas Day, our friend edited the video (with the "clutch" bobble-head photos) and we submitted our entry on the last day. Oops. Just added to the dramatic ending. See video below!
6. Interview happens 2 days later where we brag about how super fantastic our sporty & supportive family is. (LOL)
7. One weekish later...I checked my voicemail from Robbie and hear this..."HOLY MOLY...ANSWER YOUR PHONE....WE ARE GOING TO THE OOOLLLYYYMMMMPICCCSSSS" . (I am keeping this PG 13)
8. It's Official. WE ARE THE PETRO-CANADA FAMILY CORRESPONDENTS. Pure JOY.

Hi, I am Steph Brown. A rookie to the blog scene but a regular at telling the fun adventures of my life. I hope you will join me  and my brother "Robbie"  on our OLYMPIC Adventure with Petro-Canada as theIr Family Correspondents. Just be sure to bring a funny hat.

Over the next few weeks--get to know us, laugh at us, give us feedback,buy your gas from Petro-Canada, send us questions to ask Olympic families, and above all else have a lil' fun with us.

Big, HUGE, Petro-Sized thank you to Petro-Canada for this wonderful opportunity. To learn more about how Petro-Canada is giving the experience of a lifetime to the families of all our Canadian athletes go to www.iwilldreambig.com (Click on Family Program)

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

(After studying "Anchorman", we learned that a handle is key.)

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LOCAL NEWSPAPER ARTICLE:

http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2260214