26 Days!

26 days until the opening ceremonies! My excitement is really starting to build as the games get closer. My media credentials came in the mail the other day, and I received more information about where I’ll be staying. I’m staying at a sweet, hotel in city centre called the Sandman. It has two restaurants, a bar, a fitness center and an indoor pool. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the IBC and close to several of the Olympic venues including BC Place (where the Opening and Closing ceremonies will be held) and Canada Hockey Place (where all of the hockey games will take place). I also talked to a friend of mine who worked in the research department (where I’ll be working) at the Beijing Games. From what he told me, a lot of my tasks will be pretty menial, but I’ll be surrounded by some of the sharpest minds in sports media. The research room is where the on-air talent will come to check their facts before their broadcasts, and my job will be to make as much information available as quickly and efficiently as possible. I think the job is right up my alley as a journalism major. I love research and organizing facts, plus it’s a little less stressful than doing anything on-air. Also, I feel like working in the research room will give me a more detailed understanding and appreciation of people and events of the Games. When I see a skier or a speed skater compete, I might know a nugget of information about their personal life or past that most people don’t, which will make me see that athlete in a whole different light and appreciate my experience even more.