My name is Hailey Coakley and I am writing here from the media centre with Dana Dale.  We are both from Frontier representing the South West in the badminton category.  We first arrived in Moose Jaw on Sunday at around 10:30: the first to arrive.  Being first was nice because we didn’t have to wait for different teams to get registered and get their individual “sweet tags”. They were very important and you could not forget them, as Dana and I learned.  We were escorted to the third floor to our designated bunk bed rooms.  The volunteers were very welcoming to each athlete.  If we had any questions, they were always somewhere in the building ready to answer or tell us where to go.  Everyone was excited to see the athlete’s village and where our home would be for the next four days.

As soon as we finished getting settled in and picking our own bunk beds (bottom for Dana and I since we despise sleeping on the top), we toured the building.  We made our way to the game room, the TV room, and the gymnasium to see the place where we were going to play badminton and compete.  Even though at times we didn’t know where places were, volunteers were quick to help us and knew exactly where everything was.  Since there were no events going on in the village, we wanted to watch our South West hockey team play.  The only problem was that it was out at the base and there was no transportation to get there.  Our friend Stephanie, had her connections and kindly got us two courteous vans.  We went and cheered on our team when they were playing South East.  After the hockey game, we had to make our way back to the Heritage Inn where all the meals are prepared and where the athletes eat.  The food on Sunday was amazing.  There were potatoes, stuffing, ham, turkey, and salad.  It felt like Thanksgiving all over again.  The only two negative things that I can say are how hot our room is due to the sun beaming down on our room during the day, and that there is no dessert! JJ! Other than that, these games have been amazing so far.

The opening ceremonies was to begin at 6:45 p.m.  This was a huge event.  The civic centre, a.k.a the crushed can, was packed and I was shocked to see that many people there.  At the pep rally held last week, one of the speakers said it was going to be “the biggest, most happenin’ event in the city of Moose Jaw and everyone should get their tickets before they are all sold out”.  This was true.  I had attended Summer Games in Lloydminster for track and the opening ceremonies could not be compared to these.  It was an amazing feeling to walk in that filled building and to feel proud that we were representing our part of Saskatchewan in the Winter Games that are held every four years.  We were lucky to be involved in this big event.  There were fireworks, smoke, lights, and loud music.  There were bands, dancers, speakers including George Reid, and LOTS of standing.  It did get a little long, but in the end it was all worth it.

Patience was one of the things we had to have.  Since there are around 500 athletes during the first part of the week, not everyone can fit on one bus to be transported to their venues, or the dinner banquet room.  We always had to wait out in the cold for the proper bus, so we had to be patient and wait.  It is very handy for us badminton players to be living right in the building where our competition will take place.

Everything here has been a worthwhile experience so far.  We have met many people ranging from ages 11 to 18.  I had to play a national player, Elisa Lamb, on Monday morning, so I got to meet her and her brother, Sean Lamb, who was also amazing at badminton.  I know we will make many friendships here at these games and I am thrilled to have this opportunity!

ps. Hi Aunty Cathy!