Patriot Hearts Inside The Olympics That Changed A Country Furlong by Furlong, John [furlong, John] 9781553657941, 1553657942 instant download after payment.

A riveting behind-the-scenes account of the transformative Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games -- an extraordinary story of visionary leadership, love of country and the ability to dream boldly. When John Furlongemigrated from Ireland in 1974, the customs officer greeted him with "Welcome to Canada. Make us better"-- an imperative that has defined Furlong's life ever since. A passionate, accomplished athlete with a track record of community service, Furlongwas a volunteer for Vancouver's 2010 Olympic bid movement when it began in 1996 and then spent the next 14 years living and breathing the Olympics. Furlongand his organizing team, including 25,000 volunteers and many partners, orchestrated a remarkable Winter Games. Patriot Heartsis the story of how they did it. Working with Globe & Mailcolumnist Gary Mason, Furlongrecounts the lead-up to the Games and describes how he handled seemingly insurmountable setbacks -- such as the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, a global recession and the washed-out snow at Cypress Bowl -- to achieve a runaway success and, ultimately, a pivotal moment of nationhood. Patriot Heartswill be published on February 12, 2011, the anniversary of the 2010 Olympic opening ceremonies. Furlongwill donate part of his book royalties to the Own the Podiumprogram.