London 2012 Opens With a Roar

As the Canadian team paraded into the Olympic Stadium, a deafening roar erupted in Canada Olympic House (COH), in downtown London, where more than 450 friends and family of our Olympians gathered to watch the London 2012 Opening Ceremonies.

“What a rush. It was so amazing and was such an honour to be here tonight leading all of the athletes that I respect,” said Simon Whitfield after leading Team Canada into the Olympic Stadium bearing our Maple Leaf Flag.

“Go Canada Go” chants flooded COH, the ‘home away from home’ for the Canadian Team.

“I’ve never been so proud to be Canadian,” said Angela Leroux at, sister of Melissa Tancredi who plays on the women’s soccer team, “It feels like we’re part of one big family.”

That sense of family was also felt by Moe Clark, a spoken-word artist, who performed her Olympian-inspired “Becoming Hereos” poem earlier in the evening. “Every time I talk to someone in here tonight, I get shivers.  They are so proud of their loved ones and passionate about these Games.”

“It was deafening in here when Simon Whitfield walked in with the Canadian flag.” said Jeff White, the Team Leader for the Canadian Badminton team.

“If we couldn’t be in the Stadium, this was the very next best thing as I was surrounded by people who are just as excited for our team as I am.”

Located in London’s Trafalgar Square, Canada Olympic House will continue to be a hub of activity as they host the friends and family of the Canadian team for the next 17 days.

By Mike Davis