Lucasmakowsky.com

Two weekends ago I was invited to Edmonton by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada, Dr. Ihor Ostash, to help celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada. Edmonton was the last stop on a cross-country train tour called the “Historic Train of Ukrainian Pioneers.” This was a special celebration for me because as many of you know, my family roots extend back to Ukraine and the Ukrainian culture is a big part of who I am.

With the celebrations that evening, Ambassador Ostash had a special presentation during his keynote address. He spoke of the many great things that Ukrainians have done since our settlement in Canada, then continued on to speak of the joy and excitement he felt during the Vancouver Olympics after he confirmed that, I too, was of Ukrainian descent. It was extremely humbling to be talked about in the same breath as some of the other Ukrainian pioneers of the past century. Below is a picture of Ambassador Ostash and me with the medal that he presented to me on behalf of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee for that special Olympic moment.

If there was ever any doubt, it’s moments like this that show that I’m representing Canadians and Ukrainians as I train and compete around the world. If that wasn’t enough, my Baba is always there to remind me of how especially proud the Ukrainian communities across Canada were after we won that final team pursuit race on the second last day of the 2010 Winter Olympics. This event was really special to be part of and will continue to encourage me as I set my sights on the next Olympics in Sochi, Russia - 2014!