The Olympic flame was extinguished during the Closing Ceremonies at the Winter Olympics Sunday in Vancouver

However, the spirit and memories will burn on in the foothills for years to come.

Okotoks didn’t start getting into the Olympic spirit just when the flame was ignited during Opening Ceremony on Feb. 12. The foothills community got the Games bug back in 2009 when it learned the Olympic torch would make its way through Okotoks during its historic trek across Canada.

Thousands of children, and the young at heart, lined the streets of Okotoks to watch the Olympic flame.

However, Okotoks didn’t forget about the Olympics after the torch’s brief journey through town.

Residents in the foothills watched proudly as Canada won a record 14 gold medals to clearly own the most important part of the podium — the top step.

When Jon Montgomery won the men’s skeleton, Okotoks was part of that victory. Foothills Composite graduate Nathan Cicoria is a member of the Canadian national skeleton team’s coaching staff.

Sure, all foothills residents were skeptical when Canada got off to a slow start. Although there was some grumbling, the entire country kept the faith and erupted when Sidney Crosby scored his historic goal giving Canada its record 14th gold medal.

This Games is now history and a part of Canadians’ lives.

The events in Vancouver will be tattooed in the memories of Canadians forever. These experiences can’t be bought. However, they could use some financial help.

Hopefully, the powers-that-be will remember this feeling of unity when it comes to decide athletic funding for future Olympic Games.

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