The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics came to a close last Sunday, and Vancouverites, along with visitors from across Canada and around the world, can say they were at the longest and largest party in the history of this province. And some would add, the most expensive.

The money spent on these Olympics has been criticized, along with the glitches, especially those of the first few days. Some have quoted the foreign press, particularly newspapers in Britain, to back up their displeasure towards the Games. The initial negative responses from the United Kingdom were from the tabloids. Anyone trusting that kind of journalism, which feeds on sensationalism, can’t be too serious. But there were other articles in some of the major papers, which directed unkind comments towards Vancouver and the organizing committee.

The Observer, in looking ahead to 2012 and the Summer Olympics in London, stated, “London must avoid Vancouver’s jingoism if 2012 is to be a success.” That statement is about as absurd as saying that the late Mother Teresa was a glory-seeker. Sebastian Coe, former Olympian, and the head of the organizing committee of the London 2012 Games, spent the entire 17 days in Vancouver. He said, “Stadiums and courses at Whistler were packed…filled with fans who were not just passionate supporters of the home team but generously supported every competitor, whether Canadian or not.” Lord Sebastian Coe could be in for a rough ride if the British press continue to spew forth this poppycock.

IOC President Jacques Rogge said the day before the Vancouver Olympics ended, “We are very thankful for the way the whole nation has embraced these Games.” He also stated that while the feverish enthusiasm with which Canadians have greeted the Games has impressed him, Canadians have never let it get out of hand. “They have absolutely not been chauvinistic,” he said, adding, “The Canadian public is absolutely first class.” Veteran Canadian actor, Donald Sutherland, was overwhelmed with the response and enthusiasm of Canadians. He said this is beyond Expo and beyond Canada’s Centennial in 1967. A friend of Sutherland’s from France, a former Olympian who has attended many Olympics over the years, indicated that this was one of the best Olympics in a long time.

Yes, there were some early glitches. A mechanical problem at the Opening Ceremonies and a malfunctioning zamboni at the Richmond Oval were seized upon by some to paint a negative picture. Others jumped on the inclement weather, as if that can be controlled. If you read some Olympic history you will know that the Winter Olympics have often been plagued by the weather. Guess what? In Sochi, Russia, site of the 2014 Winter Games, it was as mild as Vancouver and raining steadily during the first week of the Vancouver Games.

Canada has received unprecedented positive publicity over this event. To watch this nation celebrate together was a much-needed gift, which our country will cherish for a long time. Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, spoke positively of the impact this will have on First Nations people, as well as the rest of the country. Neil Gillon, long-time CBC broadcaster, now retired and living in Vancouver, spoke in glowing terms of his experience of being in that city during these Olympics.

So what about the billion plus it cost us? We must wait for the final numbers. Meanwhile health care costs continue to escalate. Can you imagine how much the health care budget could be reduced, maybe a billion a year, if all of us who are able, decided to exercise and watch our diets over the next four years. This could become our personal Olympics. Surely there was enough inspiration from the athletes at the XXI Winter Games to get us moving in that direction.