Life-changing. That’s how Alison Antonio, Executive Director of the Delta Spirit of B.C. Community Committee, characterised her recent experience at the Canadian Olympic Academy.

The week-long course was educational, inspirational and filled with outstanding speakers and worthwhile workshops, Antonio said.Among the speakers were Dr.Gene Sutton, President of the Olympic Academy, Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Dick Pound from the International Olympic Committee.Academy attendees also heard from many Olympians about “making a difference,” which served as the academy’s theme.

Genetic drugging, fair play, political boycotts, youth Olympics, sponsorship, and judging issues were discussed. Three papers were compiled as a result and submitted for review by the Olympic Committee Executive.Members were encouraged to ask tough questions and to debate.To ensure Vancouver’s 2010 games are Canada’s Games, a nationwide one year countdown celebration will take place.

Many Olympic alumni members will be recruited to spearhead local celebrations. The magnitude of what happens Feb. 12, 2009 exactly one year before the opening of the games is important, but the objective is the “Spreading of the Spirit” for the Olympics, Antonio said.

The Academy emphasized the Olympic movement is not just about sport. Olympic values cross borders and cultural boundaries to bond 205 countries together in comradeship and excellence like nothing else in the world can do.