After the success of the 2008 retreat in Mont Tremblant, B2ten looked west to find a setting for its Olympic year retreat. The Province of Alberta provided a wonderful welcome.

Banff was a truly inspirational locale where we brought together invitees and service professionals from across Canada so that we can all be ready for the journey ahead. A variety of activities were organized, one highlight of which was a presentation on doubt, fear and success from Sharon Wood and Laurie Skreslet, the first Canadian female and male to reach the summit of Everest. As if this was not enough, the athletes spent the next day outdoors climbing different rock faces in the incredibly beautiful Banff National Park with Laurie, Sharon and other Bow Valley guides.

Some of the athletes discovered passion for new sports such as Patrick Chan who fell in love with rock climbing and mountain biking. As I told him….there will be lots of time for these activities after the Games.

Service providers were treated to their own programming. On the Friday professionals of different backgrounds, such as athletic therapists, coaches, sports psychologists and physiotherapists looked at athlete cases on an integrated basis. Led by Scott Livingston and guest speaker Rick Celibrini, the group explored new ideas and ways of contributing to athletic excellence. There was a tangible energy from those involved and we all left Banff looking forward to the months ahead.