By Peter Koutroumpis

Raleigh Sports Examiner Feb 12th 2010

As the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony takes place today at 7:30 pm (EST) on various television networks, if Raleigh sports fans want to appreciate the Games being hosted in Vancouver, BC then they should seek to find a Canadian.  For those who are not aware, the Triangle area has quite a contingent of transplanted Canadians.  Don't really know what curling is about, or why people would jump into a metal tube and barrel down an iced slope at insane speeds in bobsleigh? Find a Canadian to explain it to you. 

How do you go about finding a Canadian in Raleigh?  Believe it or not, there are a few organizations in the Raleigh area who can help you find out what local Canadians will be doing during the Winter Games.

The CanSouth.org group can help provide appreciation for the Winter Games taking place in Vancouver.  If you want to view tonight's opening ceremony with area Canadians, then travel over to Sammy's Tap and Grill.  CanSouth.org is hosting a party there for everyone - Canadians and Americans.  Why watch the Winter Games opening ceremony at home when you can head to Sammy's, share a cold beverage with a group of proud and patriotic people who will make it feel like you are in Vancouver, and have a great time?

Another organization that will be just as helpful is the Canadian Expat Network, a social online network that connects Canadians everywhere including Raleigh.  The Canadian Expat Network is a great resource to use to connect with Canadians, so when you are watching the Games and asking what "sweep, sweep" and "hurry, hurry" means in curling, send a message on the web site and someone will help you or read about it on the web site.  Even better, you can contact someone at the Triangle Curling Club and attend their open house on March 5th after you have watched curling on TV and you want to try it yourself.  Don't forget to bring a few friends - it's more fun that way and easier if you have a few Canadians with you.

Who knows, after the 2010 Winter Olympics you could start playing and following a sport that you never thought you would have, and its available here in Raleigh.  How much better can it get than that?