Fans get chance to show Olympic spirit at WinSport this weekend

As Canada's Olympic medal count goes up, it gives fans reason to cheer loud for our athletes, and that's what they'll be doing this weekend at WinSport.

John Morris is a two-time Olympic gold medallist.

He won gold for Canada at the 2010 games in Vancouver and teamed up with Kaitlyn Lawes to win the inaugural Olympic mixed doubles tournament in 2018 in Pyeongchang.

This weekend, the 47-year-old Morris will be at WinSport for the Team Canada Fanfest.

Morris says it’s a good way to get fans into the Olympic spirit.

“A really family-friendly event here at WinSport Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Morris said.

“It’s time to bring out your family and have your kids have their first attempt at playing a Winter Olympic sport. We’ve got biathlon, luge, bobsled, speedskating, Alpine Canada and of course curling.”

Hockey Canada and Skate Canada will also be there.

On Friday, workers were putting the finishing touches on Fanfest.

Morris says you never know—maybe a future Olympian will try out one of the sports.

“The Olympic spirit—that brings everyone together,” he said.

“It’s such a special moment and memory for me. I think we really want to share that, and if we can spark the next generation to try a sport or live out the Olympic dream, then we’ve accomplished something, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Lots of Olympians will be there

Morris will be joined by many Olympians at Fanfest.

He says it’s a good chance to get to know the athletes a little better.

“If you’ve watched the Olympics over the last 10 years and have a favourite Olympian, there’s a good chance they’re going to be here this weekend,” he said.

“We’ll be signing autographs, and maybe get to try that Olympic sport with them because there’s going to be lots of different representatives from every sport.”

When they’re competing at the Olympics, Morris says athletes are laser-focused.

But he says they see and hear what’s going on back home from the fans, and it motivates them even more.

“We love hearing from back home, and we can really feel it, and it inspires us,” said Morris.

“It inspires us as athletes to try harder and just go that extra mile to bring home that gold medal for Canada.”