Announcement of Vancouver as 2010 Olympic Winter Games host city

Seattle, WA - Wednesday, July 2, 2003

Report courtesy of Sandra

Thanks for everyone's patience. Thanks Linda for the complimentary shout-out about my photo taking ability. This time Apolo was still and so was I (for the most part).

Yuki is a doll. He is kind, open, friendly and personable to boot. Man sakes alive! Yuki's eyes just sparkled, and I could feel the energy around him when he spoke. Janet and I now know why Apolo has it all going on! Yuki can count me among his fans. :)

Apolo signs Abigail's drawing as Yuki assists

Janet introduced herself, Kaley and me to Yuki. He said, "Ah, Janet from the Ohnozone". Very cool. He then told us we have to meet Apolo. Oh, well, okay, if you insist! LOL He took a genuine interest in Janet. Yes, they talked about the dog ("one 'l'). He asked her what she does and he listened to her response. They talked about the PI sports banquet. We talked about the weather and the view outside. The Edgewater Hotel is, well, on the water. Janet told him when she moved out here to the PNW. He looked at me. I told him when I was born here (before Janet arrived). lol I told him I now live in Bremerton. He started talking about the Bremerton Ice Arena.* He said Apolo would be doing "a couple" of things there. I asked him to let us know when because I live 5 minutes from the arena. He said Apolo's site or the arena's site should post something (when 'whatever' occurs). Fingers crossed. He then mentioned Greg Meakin, the man who got the arena built which then got him talking about Calgary.

Yuki said they hope to see fans in Calgary!!!! Yes, he did tell us it is "only" a 16 hour drive. I asked how he felt about KOMO not showing the World Championships from Poland. He was surprised they hadn't. He did mention NBC having the rights to short track. Maybe Janet can add to this (?). He mentioned Apolo still being down about Stephen's dismissal. He said he was proud of his son for speaking out on the issue. He mentioned the [Stand Up for Short Track] petition.

What really stood out yesterday was Yuki's insistence and assistance in our meeting Apolo. More than once he asked, "where's Apolo?" We followed him around this little area because every time Apolo walked away from someone Yuki was signaling to Janet for us to come over.

I read Janet's comment about Apolo being warm. He was. He shirt was fuzzy, like a sweater but short sleeved. I offered to take a photo of Janet with him. She did decline. I tried! lol I was going to take a picture of her with Yuki but someone got in the way and I didn't get a picture. Phooey!

First an aside story which will then segue into our meeting Apolo.

Abigail holds up her drawing that Apolo signed for her

During the Olympics my then three and a half year old daughter drew a crayon picture of Apolo. (pink and olive green) When she handed it to me I pointed to something under the mouth and asked her, "what's this?" She said, "he's a skater". Not understanding, I repeated the question; she repeated her answer. Ohhhh-lightbulb! It's Apolo. I brought the picture with me yesterday. I told Yuki the story and asked if he thought Apolo might be able to sign it for her. He smiled and laughed, and he said yes. He was already deciding where Apolo would write her name and sign his own. (This is one of the times when Yuki asked, "where's Apolo?".

We met Apolo!! Hi Molly, Lupe, Judie (I'm waving back). We are here. He is here. The moment is now! Yuki introduced us to him. Warm hands also. Yuki had the picture. I had it folded in Apolo's book. I gave him the book so Apolo would have something hard to sign on. I forgot to bring a pen. Duh? Not to worry, Yuki had a blue felt tip pen. He gave Apolo the picture and told him the story. Apolo giggled the giggle! Yuki even pointed out the soul patch to Apolo. He laughed. He wrote: Abigail, wonderful picture! Yuki told him to sign the book. I don't think Apolo realized it was his. He did sign it. That was nice and most unexpected. I was just hoping for him to sign Abigail's picture. Noelle has graciously offered to post it if and when I get it scanned.

Last little story here… After we talked to Apolo some other people did. They left. Apolo was standing alone waiting to talk to someone on a cell phone. I asked him if I could take a picture for the gals at the Ohnozone. My digital camera takes video and still photos. He smiled (big, beautiful smile) and waved. Well, I took a picture. I was flustered. lol I wanted him to stand still. lol He was so adorable. I asked if he would do that again so I could videotape it. He did!! I will be sure to have Noelle post a photo of this. His "hi" to all of us!

I apologize for being so long-winded and for flipping between tenses. Final thought…hooray for Vancouver and Whistler!
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*Editor's Note: There's a nice video up now on the Bremerton Ice Arena's web site of Apolo's visit there in May.