(The following story by Cailynn Klingbeil appeared on the Calgary Herald website on September 28.)
CALGARY — Jennifer Smart was just 15 years old when Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, but she still remembers the excitement that captured the city.
“The whole city stopped to do the Olympics,” said Smart.
“Everyone knew someone who was involved . . . it was such a fun time.” Smart, her husband Richard and 11-month-old daughter Cate recaptured that Olympic spirit at Pop Davies Park in the city’s southeast Saturday, as Canadian Pacific’s Spirit Train rolled into the city.
“The train is about moving the Olympic spirit across Canada,” said Breanne Feigel, manager of media relations for Canadian Pacific.
“It’s a chance for Calgarians to show their pride for our athletes and the upcoming 2010 Vancouver games.” Calgarians who attended the free afternoon event watched musical acts and took part in various activities, ranging from winter sport simulations to creating video messages for Canadian athletes.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympic mascots were also on-site.
“It’s fun for my daughter to see all these different things,” said Smart.