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The Dogs Diary:

6 September 2009

Dear WorldSkills Supporters back home

Well so much for an early night last night. Just as well the team were able to sleep in today.  Rick said we didnt have to be up until the Family Brunch at 11am but that all of the team had to be there.  It was a huge event out in  a carpark with the City skyline as a backdrop.  We had a few supporters there which was great.  Jemma’s and Daniel Cullen’s Parents were there and so was Mike Lyon’s mum, Jesse Clinton’s Boss was there and Vaughan and Krystal Crimmins turned up too (most of the team needed a good feed especially after their big night out Boot Scootin at Cowboys bar).

We all wished Jesse a big happy b/day for his 21st and most of the team went shopping at the mall across the road (there are now enough BB Guns on the 9th floor of the SAIT East tower to start a small war).

The team then got all dressed up in their no1 gear (including jackets for the first time as it is actually cooling down finally!!) and headed back to Stampede Park for the closing ceremony at the indoor Corral.  Wow what an event a real show just like the Opening with singing and dancing.  Things were starting a bit late so all the competitors did an impromptu parade of nations around the stage and the big boss of WorldSkills Calagary asked Rick if the Kiwis wanted to do the Haka – “Hell yeah” said Rick – “Lets go guys.” So up onto the stage we went and Mike Sheifflebein led us in one of our last team haka's - what a cheer!!!!! the crowd went wild!!!!   

At the medal ceremony was great to see some of the smaller nations get some good medals but Korea really showed their prowress and was called again and again. Ireland with a team of 11 took out 3 Gold medals - wow. Unfortunately we didnt get any placings but Ben de Groot got a medal for being best in the Nation (NZ) and we got 6 medals of excellence, Marcel, Ben, Elliot, Jared, Royce and Thomas - well done guys that’s excellent.  Now the team is at the after party enjoying a well deserved drink or 2 with their experts.

Tomorrow we have a free morning and plan to do some sight seeing around the City (Labour Day Holiday) and then we are meeting at 2pm to go to McMahon Stadium and have a tailgate party before watching an Amaerican foot ball game.

Regards
Dog