The drive to educate Sea to Sky youth about the true nature of the Olympic Games has begun.
The Olympic values of peace, fair play, multiculturalism and the pursuit of excellence are what O-Zone organizers hope to pass on to the 50 youngsters who will be taking part in the upcoming Adventure Leadership Program at Camp Summit from Aug. 27-29.
The program seeks to instill these values into the lives of the young camp participants, through a series of team-building and personal confidence boosting activities during the three-day camp.
"We're hoping that kids will have a better understanding not only of the Olympic values but that they will incorporate these values into their daily lives," said O-Zone project coordinator Anne Languedoc.
The participants of the program were hand-picked by O-Zone organizers, based upon their leadership skills and positive attitude, as well as youth at risk.
In keeping with the spirit of the games, organizers have tried to include a multicultural gathering of kids from many different walks of life. Students were chosen from various Howe Sound School District No. 48 schools, inner-city Vancouver youth and children from the YMCA, YWCA and the Vancouver Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs.
Several Squamish First Nations youth will also attend, as well as three students from each of Squamish's sister cities - Catalifumi, Italy and Shimizu-cho, Japan.
"It's a bringing together of a very diverse group of young people to Squamish," said Languedoc.
The O-Zone Program will use the vehicles of sport and outdoor recreation to teach the values of the Olympic movement and share First Nations culture and heritage through a partnership with the Squamish First Nation Youth Ambassadors.
"We're putting Squamish on the map in the planning for 2010, as well as showcasing to the kids the many outdoor recreation possibilities that exist here," said Languedoc. "We hope kids will be inspired to participate in sport and be proud to be involved in the Olympic movement here in Squamish."
The kids will also be inspired by a group of past Olympic athletes who will be giving motivational speeches throughout the camp. Lynn Kanuka, bronze medallist in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles will speak on Friday, while 1984 Summer Games rowing men's eight gold medalist Pat Turner and Sydney 2000 swimming competitor Tim Patterson will present their point of view from an athletes perspective on Saturday.
Sunday's speeches feature Derek Sankey and Pascale Gadbois, as well as local residents and past Olympic competitors Mike Carney and Lori Fung.
"The athletes are coming to provide their experience with the kids, to motivate them and to share the importance of sport in their lives," said Languedoc. "What better role models than to bring in past and present Olympians? The athletes are really excited about this and keen to be able to give something back."
Participants in the inaugural Adventure Leadership Program will take part in many of Camp Summit's challenging activities such as the low-ropes course, outdoor climbing wall, mountain biking, kayaking and more - which will be part of their cultural, educational and personal development.
The camp will be highlighted by a torch relay to coincide with the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Games in Athens. The torch will be lit on near the welcoming totem on the Stawamus Reserve, and will be taken by a group of First Nations Youth in a traditional war canoe across the Mamquam Blind Channel to the Squamish Yacht Club. From there it will be taken by motorcade to the Camp Summit site in Brackendale. Torch bearers will then carry the torch to the podium area to light the Olympic cauldron on stage.
"This event will bring together the community in celebrating the milestone of Athens 2004, Greece. The goal is to create a long term event that will grow and build into a post-2010 Games legacy for the community," said Languedoc. "We need to celebrate the Olympic milestones to build up the enthusiasm for what will happen here in 2010."
With the introduction of the camp, Squamish has emerged as the leader in introducing youth to the Olympic movement, and organizers hope to see it flourish into a legacy for many years to come.
"We are developing a legacy for Squamish and the entire Sea to Sky corridor - something that's focused on youth and leadership," Languedoc said.
"We're inspiring kids - that's what we're trying to do. It's about giving kids the opportunity of a lifetime."
