I have already shared details of the Chairman's Reception and the Opening Ceremonies for the Pan Am Games. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be talking about the sporting events I attended. I was lucky enough to have a VIP pass- and I found out the second day of the Games, that my pass got me into all Pan Am venues. I had originally planned to attend the flatwater sports, which is what I did.
The first day of the Games, was a beautiful, warm and sunny day!! You really couldn't have asked for a better day, especially for canoe/kayak!!
As a VIP, we had special parking, close to the venue, and we also had our own security line- which was basically not waiting in line to go through security. There was a VIP seating area, which was in the grand stand, closest to the finish line. VIPs also had access to the viewing platform, which is where I watched 95% of the races. The platform offered the best view of the course and podium.
The viewing platform was right beside the clock tower, the media tower, the announcer tower...each level of the tower was 'home' to a specific function of the games.
 |
| Looking at the tower from the platform |
Pachi, the official mascot also made an appearance on the first day.
 |
| Watching Pachi from the viewing platform. Podium is in the background |
There were four races that day- a medal race, two heats, and a
semifinal. Flatwater racing is kind of like the horse races; you watch
the race for two minutes and than you wait forever until the next race.
The first day's race schedule was 9:05am, 11:00am, 11:10am and 12:15pm. So, lots of waiting around.
The very first race, was the Women K4 500m, which was also a medal race. It was so much fun to watch Team Canada compete and cheer them on to a gold medal!
 |
| Watching the Women K4 500m |
Since the very first medal of the games was won at the flatwater centre- and by Team Canada- I got to witness it, which was so awesome...and just watching them win, but seeing them have their medals awarded and the playing of our national anthem...really tough to describe. But I promise, it was really cool and something I won't forget.
 |
| Women K4 medalists walking to the podium |
 |
| Medalist on the podium |
 |
| Team Canada with their medals! |
I just have to share this video...Team Canada getting their medals!
I can just imagine the sense of pride and good vibes that were felt when the first medal was won.
ReplyDeleteYou were so fortunate Hun, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm glad you enjoyed it and got to experience something so cool and unique. :-)