Weather-wise, it will be good to say good-bye to February.  However the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics has certainly, for me, been a wonderful distraction. Starting with the opening ceremonies, a three-hour event which highlighted Russian culture as seen through the eyes of a young girl, followed by the 3,000 or so athletes who marched into the arena behind their team mate bearing their country’s flag. Whether you were impressed with the dancing bobsledders from Jamaica, the smiling faces of the Canadians, or shorts-wearing athletes from Bermuda (wouldn’t be my choice of outerwear but I do get the connection), you definitely felt the excitement streaming through the TV.

And then the games began…. alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, and speed skating to name just a few – all athletes focused on the prize – an Olympic Medal. This award in gold, silver, or bronze symbolizes outstanding performances, bringing additional honor and recognition to an athlete’s country.  As a spectator, you could cheer for your country’s best, your preferred sport, or for one or more of your favorite athletes. While many of us will never compete in the Olympics, the athletes who participated gave us a chance to witness the best of the best and to see their drive to succeed, commitment to excellence, and focus on delivering their best performance.

All these qualities can also be found in an individual or team of a different nature. These are the qualities that also separate the “gold” team from the average team and can make for a winning staff.  Defining and achieving our best each day, setting our goals and standards, and supporting each other in the work we do, help us to focus on our prize and deliver our best.  The 2014 Olympic athletes and medal holders certainly demonstrated their passion and love of their sport. They represent inspiring role models for all of us and we can definitely learn from their examples why we should continuously strive to be our best.

Donna Gibson
Director of Library Services