VI Winter Olympic Games - RP Thread

[Vulshain]

Today is the big day as the athletes from Vulshain took part in the VI Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony's Parade of Nations here at the Rutian Grounds in Ashton, Krytenia. Both men and women, whether they are human, Lobo, or Vulpine, wore outfits in the colors of the Vulshainian national colors: blue, gold, and white. Men wore dark blue jackets and gold pants with white stripes down the sides, while the women wore simple gold and blue dresses decorated in white lilies. However, the various fur patterns and markings of the lobo and vulpine athletes created a dazzling array which awed spectators and viewers around the world. Although, Faddei Varnava, one of the humans from Vulshain and is competing in the Alpine Skiing event, caught many spectators' attentions due to his blue and green dyed hair. "Blue and green are my favorite colors," Faddei said after the parade when asked about his dyed hair.

Each athlete wore an armband bearing the Vulshainian National Seal on it.

Young Yinsya Mayana, who is competing in the Figure Skating and Snowboarding events, proudly carried her nation's flag for all to see. The Vulshainian athletes waved to spectators as well as viewers back home.

As the camera focuses on the athletes as they marched behind the large Virabi delegation, a few Vulshainian athletes hold up posters written with various messages, such as 'Hi Mom and Dad!" or 'Vulshain For the Gold!', written in Unonian, Lobonese, English, or Russian. Many others wave at viewers. Even the flag bearer herself seems to have been caught up in the moment as she proudly waves the Vulshainian flag for all to see. She almost loses her balance, if not for the assistance from Coline Konstancja and Volker Wenzel. They returned to their spots in the parade as they waved at the camera after helping the flag bearer regained her balance. Right before the camera zooms out, Yinsya waves the flag again in front of the camera.

"We are all proud of representing Vulshain," Yinsya commented after the parade. The athletes are ready to bring honor and glory to their nation in the coming days as each one competes in various events.

This is Yermolai Vadimaron for VCNMN's Vulshainian Olympic News, wishing all the Vulshainian athletes good luck.

[Akbarabad]

Alpine World Cup results unlikely to affected Olympic chances.

(Akbarabad Press, AP): Noted sports expert Fahim Hamza has rubbished claims that underwhelming results in the Alpine World Cup foretells a poor Olympic medal haul in Alpine Skiing for Akbarabad.

"The format for the World Cup was entirely different from and contrary to Olympic rules. It was designed specifically to favour the large delegations from host Kelssek and Quintessence of Dust. This will not be the case here and Akbarabadi skiers, especially the Karim brothers can be expected to again top the medal table in this event, just as they did in Cafundéu.", assured Hamza to the media.

Hamza was further confident that this time the more experienced Akbarabadi delegation will greatly improve upon their record from Cafundéu. The Akbarabad Olympic Federation has already set a target of ten gold medals, double what we achieved in our previous and only appearance in these games. Hamza thinks that the target is "Eminently achievable" and that we should further target 1st place in the overall medal table. The AOF for the time being does not set comparative medal table targets, but rather overall targets irrespective of what other countries achieve.

[Ariddia]

The warmth of the cold
Press Association

It’s that time again, when Ariddian Islanders get excited over the somewhat surprising sight of their heretofore mostly unknown athletes competing on skis and skates, ice and snow, in a wintery environment many Ariddians have never experienced.

The Islands’ participation in these Games almost didn’t happen. Budgetary constraints on the allotment of priorities kept Ariddia out of the previous edition, and of course the fact that there are no mountains or snow in the country didn’t really help. But after putting together a delegation for the inaugural Paralympics, the powers that be clearly felt they couldn’t miss out on the Olympic Games. A frantic search for potential athletes, and renewed talks with West Ariddia over use of the latter’s artificial winter sports facilities, led to the present joint delegation.

Many of the athletes are West Ariddians. Such as lone skeleton contender Ed ‘Skully’ Scales, or lone snowboarder Lo Reeves, two young men (aged twenty and seventeen, respectively) eager to have their go on the world stage. But no matter; the Autonomous Communes, keen to remind the world of their past achievements in short track and speedskating, have brought together a batch of fresh faces to launch into those sports. All are débutants in the international spotlight, but their coaches have promised spectators will be impressed.

Then there are the Paralympians, who have made their way onto the Olympic team. Fréd Aubert, of the Communes, won a silver medal in the giant slalom, and a bronze in the Super-G, at the Paralympic Games, where he also skied as a guide for his partially blind wife Juanita. Aubert himself is a left arm above-elbow amputee. In figure skating, meanwhile, viewers will be treated to a new show of talent from two pairs of West Ariddian stars, who also dazzled their way to national fame at the Paralympics. Louis Gaillard is totally blind, and skates with his sighted partner Justine Marinos; they took the gold medal in the pairs figure skating event at the Paralympic Games. Vanessa Mbokani, who is partially blind, took bronze in the same event with her sighted partner Stefan Leitner, and will be trying to surpass herself against her compatriots. The figure skating stars have dedicated followers in West Ariddia, and may claim credit for a number of fans travelling to Ashton.

Louis Gaillard, then, was the obvious choice for the Islands’ flagbearer during the opening ceremony. He proudly bore the federal flag, smiling, while his skating partner walked with him arm in arm, guiding his steps. Though he could not see, he could hear, and grinned happily as the Ariddian delegation was greeted into the stadium with a cheer. There was quite an atmosphere for the opening ceremony – and what a ceremony it was! After spectacular fireworks, the show highlighted Krytenia’s unique history and culture, blending tradition with the breathtaking effects of modern technology, before King Tristan opened the Games, and local star Percy Matthews lit the torch. The Games were on.

Much has been said already, by Ariddian delegation spokesmen, about the warmth of Krytenia’s welcome, in the pleasantly green city of Ashton, surpassing the cold weather, the chill temperature coming as a shock to some of the least accustomed athletes.

With luck, and commitment, that warmth will encourage and inspire them over the coming days.

[Mantwenic]

A lot has gone on in Mantwenic since the delegation left. Now thirty-five to forty fishermen have found letters in the mail from the Cafundelese government, taxing them for fishing in "their water". The whole country has gone crazy over this and treat Cafundeu as if they are Satan.

"This is our time to shine", Liam Larsen, who's family had faced much controversy due to fishing off of the northern coast of St. Philips Island, the smallest province in Mantwenic. "Forget about what has happened between our two countries", Liam replied. "We need to all be on our best behavior and to represent our country proudly and without any embarrassment.

With that the country of Mangolana was announced.

"We're next" Liam Larsen said in a loud voice. "Forget about Cafundeu just don't embarrass our country.

"The Constitutional Monarchy of Mantwenic" was announced over the PA

There was some applause from the crowd and some cheers, being from the same region there were more cheers than some countries. Christian Frasier led the delegation out of the tunnel with the national flag while the other members of the delegation waved miniature flags of Mantwenic.

Everyone except Timothy Jackson, a alpine skier from Mantwenic, he took out a Cafundelese flag out from under his jacket, snapped the shaft that held the flag and tore the flag in two.

Now this wouldn't be a big deal... if the television camera's hadn't caught him red handed. There he was on international television for the whole world to see. Timothy Jackson with two halves of a Cafundelese flag.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!! yelled Liam Larsen, NOW STARTS TWO WEEKS OF HELL BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPIDITY!!! he yelled again.

"Fine treat Cafundeu the way you want but I hope you realize this gives me more responsibility."

"Thanks alot". How did he even get that flag? Liam wondered to himself. He didn't know but he wasn't going to find out.

And with that the next nation was called

[Zwangzug]

Following in the footprints (in the snow) of the Alpine Skiing World Cup come Zwangzug's athletes...in MSPaint.

[Civil Citizenry]

SnowSport Magazine
Winter Olympics begin with a spectacular opening ceremony; Civil Citizenry delegation prepared for first day of competition

You didn't have to be at The Rutian Grounds in Krytenia to get goose bumps when the stadium went dark several minutes before the clock struck 8, Krytenia time. There was a moment of complete silence; I felt a chill wind blow through my room, despite the presence of a heater blasting warm air to combat the frightening temperatures of the typical Krytenian winter Friday night. Then it was as if one voice was speaking to the entire world. His voice shattered the pin-drop silence that choked everyone. His first word - "Welcome" - boomed through the night; the sound was almost unreal for a second. Then, on came the video board, through went the presentation that was a perfect set-up to open the Olympics, off went the lights yet again. The silence that ensued wasn't so grand as the one preceding it, but the fireworks that exploded a moment later made all the more impact for it. Then a dance crew - maybe not up to world-class professional standards, but so colorfully enthralling that I suspect nary a TV viewer ventured off for more than a quick trip to the bathroom or the kitchen for another glass of Chocomilk.

Finally, the teams started to wander out. The Cafundélese delegation walked out of the glittering gates first, the honorary opening team for having hosted the fifth Winter Olympics. The fun part began after that, when families watching on TV occupied themselves with muddling the pronunciations of faraway nations - nations that may soon be internationally prominent depending on their results here in Krytenia. But between Carasatoga and Cosumar, everyone in this great nation of ours knew exactly who was hoisting the next flag. Sana Rooleg is the only female short track skater in the delegation, and with three events to participate in, the hopes of a medal-crazed nation lie on her shoulders. She wore a huge smile on her face, just happy to be here; she said later that carrying the flag of Civil Citizenry in the country's first-ever Olympic appearance means more to her than any medal will. The 146 participants representing Civil Citizenry followed behind her, holding emblematic mini-cameras and gift shop-style mini-flags. After making the rounds of the stadium - moments that these athletes will never forget - they exited the stadium, ready to head home and get a good night's sleep to prepare for what's in store tomorrow.

Upcoming Events - Saturday, February 12: Sets Ayziliac, the nation's best slalom skiier, and Leekuj Hanahet will be the first Olympic participants from Civil Citizenry, as they go for gold in the men's giant slalom event. That's followed by women's super G, where Civil Citizens will be following Simfanorge Posabi, Civil Citizenry's best female skiier, and Iminab Vegepania. Much is expected of the two Civil Citizenry reps (Arim Gatshe and Jidanoy Manubelig) in the women's individual sprint, for which the qualification and quarterfinals are today. Figure skating, a major Olympic sport but not extremely popular in Civil Citizenry (yet?), begins today with the men's short program, where Harinamo Lelapet and Sakoz Cuvighala hope to start off well. The pairs short program is also today; the Civil Citizenry teams are Urilig Sates and Vedak Naroloofashaget, and Chehas Zuhanem and Sapokmeg Tiajine. Then it's hockey - an extremely popular sport here. The Ice Mouflons, after missing the knockout stage of the recent World Cup of Hockey, will begin the Olympics with a match against Altimarus. Luge begins today, with the first two runs of the men's individual event; Ibanaff Hoopeve and Daganesht Tanimup are the Civil Citizenry athletes there. Medals will be awarded in the women's team large hill ski jumping event; the Civil Citizenry team features Helohel Sabreet, Degenest Izana, Gumtidigo Galipa, and Buhesnak Zallavipe. The opening day concludes with snowboarding, as Afleeb Ahijim rides for the pedestal in the qualification and round of 64 of the men's parallel giant slalom.

[The Fanboyists]

"The Allamunnic States!"

Maarkus Stahlburg had been honored when he had been chosen to carry the nation's flag. That said, out of all the flag-bearers out there, it was entirely possible that he was the least happy of all of them. In quite possibly the most un-Allamunnic turn of thought, he really wished he was in Qazox. Not out of any love for Qazians (there wasn't much of that, not that he thought they were bad people, but they hadn't done much to make him like his rival's people), but because that was where the World Cup of Hockey was being held. For the first time in five years, he hadn't traveled with the Allamunnic States' official national team to some other country to play in the Cup. That had, he knew, been brought on by a parting of the ways between the national team's organization and the AHL, enabling the AHL to field an all-star team so that a sufficiently competent team would make the nation's Winter Olympic debut.

After all, Allamunnae took their hockey very seriously, be it on ice, grass, wood, or pavement.

But even with that, Maarkus still wanted to be with his now-former national team teammates in Qazox. A few other former Iron Tide players had also heeded the call from the AHL, so he wasn't actually alone: Dani Andicek and Caitlin Strasbourg were both playing on the women's team, and he had been joined on the men's squad by Onnur Skmyt, Vaaly Aandriksunn, Piotr Ivanovich, Walt Braannur, the entire enforcement line (Hanri Muhlburg, Tommy O'Daniel, and Danny Peake), and, last but certainly not least, that slavering monster Artie Weiss. Well, sort of. Weiss wasn't exactly kindly off the ice, but he was hardly the same opportunistic asshole that he was on it.

But the point was the same. It was somewhere else. But the fact that he loved playing for Copenhagen in the AHL had meant that he hadn't been willing to quit and join the Iron Tide full-time, which was the new requirement. That was why he was here, and his right sleeve was colored a deep crimson rather than navy blue or silver. But he could live with it, and so he had gladly accepted the honor, as one of the nation's most widely-known (and most talented, for it's most decorated domestic team) players in its second most popular sport (and easily its most popular winter sport), to carry the Allamunnic flag, the blue-and-grey bicolor, with the recent addition of the ring of stars to symbolize its new unity with the heretoforth independent eastern Allamunnic states.

So he had marched out with the procession of Allamunnic hockey-players, down-hill and cross-country skiiers (and shooters, in a couple of cases, since they would be taking a shot, no pun intended, at the biathalon), and gymnastic skaters (as they were called in the States; the term 'figure skater' had picked up a rather unfortunate connotation there, though the 'why' was anyone's guess). Oh, and a few curlers, but even their involvement was somewhat ironic, since there were few things domestically that made people giggle as uncontrollably as watching a curling match. Curling was one of only a few sports in the Allamunnic States that lacked a professional league, even one where the competetive values were fairly low.

After taking their places after entering the venue, they watched for their Qazian counterparts. The only real baselines that Allamunnic Sporting Commission Chairman Hadley Thornburger had pointed out for measuring the delegation's overall success were these:
1) Silver or Gold medal in hockey. Both men's and women's.
2) Do better than Qazox.

Maarkus chuckled quietly. He hoped they'd be teaching everyone the words to the Allamunnic national anthem soon enough. Or at least trying. Actually doing it would be sort of difficult, since there weren't any, which many people seemed to miss for some reason. At least there were no official lyrics; given the national tradition of military service being the norm, there were usually unit-based lyrics that had been conjured up, but they usually weren't all that family-friendly, and since there were no official ones, the anthem was always played for official occasions purely instrumentally. The fact that Allamunnic athletes or people sometimes mouthed words in an international setting was sort of a international-level prank; they were just trying to confuse those foreigners.

He knew that the men's team, at least, would be headed back to sleep some more after the ceremonies. They had a game in the morning. That calmed him. The setting might be different, his uniform might be different from his usual crimson or royal-blue-and-silver, but he knew how to play hockey. So he was at ease, now. Same old business.

There was hockey to be played.

[Spitfyred1]

The United Kingdom of Spitfyred1
The couple dubbed "The Alpha Couple" led the procession from Spitfyred1. Miss Kewl Kat and Mr Stan Mina had the weight of the nation on their backs. But, they still managed to give some attention to the rest of the Olympic Team. The team wore clothes common in SPF.
The women were dressed in red and black miniskirts, but were heavily bundled up with scarves and boots to protect from the cold. The men were fitted in red suits with black ties. The small team was desperate for the attention.
The trainers were heard to be very impressed by the opening ceremony, and took many pictures for souvineers.

[Kagdazka and Pazhujebu]

Mahathu's Number One English Language Daily

Athletes Discuss Awesome Opening Ceremony, First Day of Events

Qichechumadia Zhabi - The Olympic athletes of the Federation of Kagdazka and Pazhujebu were seen gazing with astonishment at the impressive display of pyrotechnics and special effects at the Rutian Grounds in Ashton during the opening ceremony of the Sixth Winter Olympiad. their amazement surely due to this being their first trip to an Olympic Games. But we here at the Mahathu Herald, small newspaper though we are, were determined to find out more detailed information on what these athletes are feeling and were therefore present at the delegation's first press conference, the morning after the opening ceremony.

Three athletes were behind the podium at the press conference, male downhill skier Saloninusam Ejedeji, male figure skater Ruso Ši, and male snowboarder Vabazhu Yavarudu.

"Well, sure, I'll favor my chances in the slalom events," said the Pazhujebi Ejedeji, "because I'm better trained in those types of things. I'll be involved in the downhill events, but I've crashed a couple of times doing downhill before, so I'll be a bit more cautious." Upon being questioned over his chances in the Super Combined, he answered, "I'll be okay. I've been doing a bit of extra training in that event." When asked for his thoughts on the opening ceremony, he said, "it was great to just be there experiencing it. In the Pazhujeb Islands there isn't the infrastructure to put on a show like this. I mean, granted, we've figured out how to get cockroaches to talk back home, so we have spectacles that Krytenia doesn't, but I was thrilled. Really cool. I took lots of pictures for my girlfriend."

Pazhujebi figure skater Ruso Ši is a leading cultural icon for the LGBT community in the Federation, so when asked how proud he was to represent his country at an organized event for the first time, he answered, "It's really important, both to me and my fans. I'm going to be holding all of them in my hearts as we go through the events of the next two weeks. It's much more important to me that the people of Kagdazka and Pazhujebu get to see a successful gay male athlete and think, 'hey, look, I can be that someday,' than it is to, you know, win any medals." Asked about his massive personal send-off from his hometown of Juvapanam, he responded, "It was really moving. Šudhan Chahachim, who is the manager of league football champion Juvapanam ZL, was even there."

Perhaps the most promising athlete in Kagdazka and Pazhujebu's delegation is the snowboarder Yavarudu. His long black dreadlocks over his medium brown skin could be a memory that lots of international viewers 'take home' from the Olympics as, of all the athletes the Federation is sending, this Pazhujebi could have the best shot at a medal. "Dude, it was like, totally radical, man," he said of the opening ceremony. When asked to explain how the nation's best snowboarder hails from Pkethat Šede, one of the hottest and steamiest cities in the country, he answered, "Well, dude, I started out as a skateboarder. Just doin' it for fun on the streets, man. And as I kept getting better and better eventually this Kagdaz dude showed up and said, like, 'dude, try snowboarding.' And it turned out that he had an in with the manager of an Olympic training facility up in Dyurtyuli and so I went up there and tried snowboarding out, and... dude, like, love at first sight, man." Asked about his personal relationship with female speed skater and national flagbearer Khupimi Tazhed’ezhekhi, which is rumored to be sexual, he said, "Well, dude, that's like private and shit."

[Cafundeu]

The Emperor Raúl I, the Lazy, was enjoying his winter house in Lux, in the Central State of Cafundéu. Since he took the position of leader of the nation, he extended his time on the vacation palaces, being the ones in Ilha do Mel and this one in Lux. And the summer house became the source of a controversy he was attempting to solve now, together with one of his main advisors.

"Zzzzz"

"Sir, we have some urgent things to discuss about the new tax you imposed near Ilha do Mel."

"Uhm, what? Or, that one... it has really cleared the view, didn't it?"

"I guess it helped, but it may cause some problems in the future... you now, the tax is highly controversial, because it doesn't affect Cafundelenses and even Cafundelense land... even Cafundelenses find this weird."

"This may not be our land, but I can see it from my house there in the island... and it annoys me in a moment when I should be relaxing. What are they doing about the tax?"

"Right now, most of them are paying, unwilling to create even more problems, and carrying on with their lives. But we have noticed some first signs of revolt, of people not paying the costs and tearing the bills sent to then. It will not be long before this becomes the majority."

"Then remind them of the Cafundelense rules about tax evasion. It is a serious crime here, and they'll be prosecuted, losing their possessions and being arrested if the possessions do not pay their debts."

"But we cannot enforce this law in Mantwenic. Although I can think of a way... but nothing comes to my mind now."

"Bah, I know... well, but they may not know, they are just fishermen... we will send them a warning anyway."

"How?"

"Send some bearded man carrying the rules on pieces of rock for them... this will be impressive enough... an emissary."

"It will be done. But I'm worried this may increase their unhappiness... have you seen the reaction in the Winter Olympics opening ceremony?"

"No, I slept during the ceremony."

"Look at this photo... a torn Cafundéu flag."

"Another of those cheap flags... he tried to lessen the confusion between our nations carrying our flag as a homage, but he didn't have money, so he bought a cheap flag... of course it didn't resist, they are of very bad quality. You remember, this often happens in our ceremonies, we attempt to save some money by buying cheaper flags and they end destroyed at the end of the event. That's common."

"This wasn't what happened, sir... that athlete tore our flag on purpose."

"Well, bad for him, then. It wasn't me the one who lost money with this act, he spent his money on the flag just to throw it away."

"It isn't about the money, sir, this is a symbolic act against our government, it may anger our own athletes there in Krytenia."

"Oh, no, they surely won't mind this. After all, they are paid to do well, to win medals. What would be more important for them: the extra money or some minor rivalry?"

"But they may be provoked."

"Won't affect them much... less than ten percent, I imagine."

"But they may get involved in bets."

"Now this is worrying. Yes, I see where you are getting to, this may affect their attitudes there in Krytenia. Well, increase their performance prizes in order to keep them focused on the competition right now, and let me get back to sleep."

---

The Cafundelenses only knew they were the first delegation to enter in the Opening Ceremony on the same day, while they were training. A great honour for the athletes, they proudly walked to the stadium, with Ana Clara Viana leading everyone as flag-bearer. Icon of the Cafundelense sport with best chances at these Olympics, the Ski Jumping, she received the position of flag-bearer thanks to the many medals won back in São Jorge. Unfortunately for her, she couldn't enjoy that much the moment. Training too hard, especially close to the competition, she was very tired, and even had some light sleep during the ceremony. She attempted to hide her closed eyes with her hair, but her hair is short and this didn't help the slightest.

Overall, the Cafundelenses seemed very confident and excited to be in Ashton. Although Ana Clara is the athlete who has the biggest support back in Cafundéu, several others count with fame in their home country. Some examples are the other Ski Jumping athletes, some Snowboarding and Freestyle members of the delegation, and also Figure Skaters. They gave interviews after the ceremony, happy to be part of such a special moment in the sporting world. Alpine skiing athlete O. Mendigo, who won a medal in the last Olympics in São Jorge, made the most truthful and remarkable comment of the day, by saying: "It's cold here, I should have brought an extra shirt."

[Virabia]

From VOHC President John Hendrix:
To: Whom it Concerns

I'd just like to take a quick moment to express my support of the actions the Mantwenic Delegation took at the opening ceremony. We think it's brave what they did and we like to see others follow in our footsteps of protesting the taxes. I'd also like to open up the invitation for them to talk with us. So we could perhaps give them a few pointers on opposing the taxes, something we have experience in.

((OOC: I would have rped this better but, I don't have the time)

[Kelssek]

Jennifer Dawson nervously stood, holding the flag, in the tunnel, waiting for the cue to be given by an excitable woman with a clipboard and a radio that kept crackling things like "Cue 21!", "Get the bloody performers away from the door", "Cauldron gas check, one, two. Gas check." and "Keg empty in east concession stand. THIS IS SERIOUS FOR GOD'S SAKE!" She wasn't sure why she was nervous. Certainly the fact that she didn't have a rifle strapped to her back, which is how she usually appeared on television, might be a contributing factor. But this time she didn't have to do anything other than just walk while carrying a flag... while being watched by upwards of a billion people, of course. Jean-Luc Lacroix, who had been the flag bearer back in Keto way back when he was the best hope for alpine skiing rather than the national superstar of ski racing and potential presidential joke candidate, had reassured her that there was nothing to worry about. Well, she already knew that. The skeleton fellow whose name she'd forgotten already offered her some gum. With her mouth minty fresh she focused her concentration on walking, chewing gum, and holding a flag at the same time.

Jean-Luc Lacroix thought back, four Olympics ago, to when he had stood in the tunnel, grinning like a kid who had been chosen to carry the national flag at the Olympic opening ceremony, except that he was technically an adult at the time. "You've got plenty of time to take pictures from inside. Forget about pictures during the marchpast, you don't know if you're ever going to do this again, just enjoy it instead of worrying about recording it," he told a nearby compatriot who was fiddling with his digital camera. He had come so far since then, winning gold in the slalom that year... the slalom! Him, the speedy downhill adrenaline junkie! What better reflection of the fact that one race at the Olympics tells you very little about who is the best skier. It was unfortunate Delia Hunter still wouldn't agree to go out with him.

Dania Cahill could still hardly believe she was here. Ever since she'd qualified and gotten the news she would be going to Ashton, to the Olympics, things had seemed like a dream. Here she was hobnobbing with the cream of the world's winter athletes, among them people she'd been inspired by and watched on television. Now she was among them. Now she was one of them, with a snowboarding legend - at least among the "extreme" set - standing next to her. She glanced to check for the tenth time if it was really him. Yes, and he was taking a surreptitious swig of beer. Colin Lonsdale looked over and winked as he carefully tucked the can into one of his jacket pockets. They shuffled forward; the delegation in front of them had already left and it was their turn.

[Shofercia]

Team Shofercia at the Winter Olympics!

It is finally here! The Winter Olympics cometh. Team Shofercia entered its full delegation. Last night's opening ceremony at Krytenia was stunning. Watching the last few years on a light on dark montage, followed by impressive fireworks, high school dancers, a reminder of Krytenia's Native roots, concluding with a flying young man, and ending on the image of a bear. The bear was known as the gruff and wise animal of Shofercia's fairy tales, and the Shofercians smiled that they weren't the only ones who honored the bear. Overall the show was great, the transitions smooth, the light effects spectacular, elements of the show not too long, and it was a ture pleasure to watch.

Overall, 58 teams entered. Team Shofercia presented 4 skiers for Alpine Skiing, 8 for biathlon, 8 for bobsleigh, 6 for cross-country, 6 for figure skating, 4 for freestyle skiing, 4 lugers, 8 for nordic combined, 8 for short track, 6 for skeleton, 8 for ski jumping, 6 for snowboarding, 6 for speed skating, her 23 member hockey teams, and her 5 member curling teams, for a total of 138 athletes 46 of them hockey players. Shofercia is expected to do well in biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, hockey, and speed skating.

Shofercian celebrities, as well as Paralympic Champions and Medalists are present in the audience, including 2 time Paralympic Champion Caitlin Tall and Paralympic Champion Nikita Femmeva. The Champions and Medalists' expenses of visiting Krytenia were paid by Shofercia's government, the celebrities - they can afford it on their own.

There are rumors and speculations that Shofercia's King currently at the Pan Slavic Union States' Summit, might be attending the Olympics, specifically the Biathlon Opener on Sunday, February the 13th. The fact that SAFA, (Shofercian Academy of Foreign Affairs,) has neither confirmed nor denied the rumor, hints that he is likely to come. Additionally, due to the overwhelming amount of Team Shofercia's fans, roughly 200,000 in number, SAFA has taken full responsibility for any problems that might arise.

And now a short editorial from our favorite commentator, Ozerov:

How will Team Shofercia do at the Olympics? How many medals will they get? These are not the questions that should be asked. Don't get me wrong, we are here to win. But we're also here to gain experience, to have fun. The disastrous performance of Team Shofercia at the 12th World Cup of Hockey was necessary for the experience gain that enabled us to perform quite well in the preliminary round of the 13th World Cup of Hockey. And everyone enjoyed watching those games. It also enabled us to defeat Team Delaclava in the 14th World Cup of Hockey preliminary round, 6-5.

We are here to gain experience, to have fun, and of course, to win. Our 138 athletes deserve our respect and support, no matter how well, or poorly they do. Just to be here, at the Olympics - that alone is worthy of praise. That being said, I think we can do well. In the Paralympics, our team, albeit incomplete, finished 8th out of 20 participants, thus in the top half. In these Olympics I am expecting a similar finish, most likely in the top third, because we entered a full team.

I am also very pleased with the coverage that the Olympics are receiving. Each category has their own camera crew, their own temporary Olympic Channel, their own staff. The Alpine Skiing Channel will focus solely on Alpine Skiing. Additionally, Ice Hockey and Curling have two camera crews, to follow the men's and women's teams. This is how any sports should be covered.

On a final note, I'd like to say that Shofercia has exactly the same number of male and female Olympians. This kind of equality is something that we should all strive for, equality in deed, not merely in name.

On a final note, I would like to wish my fellow Shofercian Olympians the very best of luck!

WE'RE GOING TO WIN - FOR SHO!

[Lycrabon]

Team Lycrabon has arrived for their "first" Olympics, and look to gain medals galore. They also look to outdo their predecessors, Barnetsville: they only had 2 medals, and no golds. We'll see over the next fortnight how our green and blue do!

[Krytenia]

This is the RP cutoff I thought I'd posted 80 minutes ago.

(Sorry, Lycrabon.)

[Qazox]

Qazox @ 6th Winter Olympic games

The 1st morning of competition at Ashton, Krytennia has been completed, so let's take a quick look at how Qazox did in the AM sessions:

Alpine Skiing:
Men's Giant Slalom:

Thomas Jensen: 1:19.07-1:18.37--2:37.44 (13th)
Mark Massey: 1:19.09-1:18.46--2:37.55 (14th)
Chris Davis: 1:19.07-DNF--DNF
Oliver Clothesov: DNF

Unfortunately for Qazox, all 4 skiiers drew late numbers for their 1st runs; and despite better times in the 2nd runs by Jensen and Massey, the slower 1st runs cost them a chance at medalling.

Women's Women's Super G:

Raquel deHavland: 1:31.31 (12th)
Desir'e Sean: 1:31.45 (15th)
Genelle Starr: 1:34.37 (49th)
Astrid Winuski: 1:41.82 (87th)

deHavland and Sean were both contenders coming into the event, both got caught up half-way down the hill, dropping them back of the leaders. Starr and Winuski, while not expected to do well, each set personal bests.

As most of the other events take place later this afternoon or evening, we will of course update you once those results come in.

[Carasatoga]

Figure Skaters Deliver for Carasatoga at the VI Winter Olympic Games in Ashton

Although figure skaters are well-known in Carasatoga, Carasatogan skaters have yet to make an impact on the international stage, that was until today. The elegant Jonathan Pummill finished 7th in the Men's Individual short program with a score of 77.02. The 20 year old from Edmonton has begun to sparkle on the world stage at just the right moment, representing his nation well in its first ever winter games.

Marco Cozzolino also amazed the crowds at Ashton coming in 19th in the Individual short program with 72.35. The 25 year old from Milita was excited about the games, and will be even more excited now. It was the Pairs short program, however, where Carasatoga proved its skills on the ice. It was Marco Cozzolino with his beautiful partner Leota Vane that stole the show with a score of 68.16, good enough for first place. Vane is unique as she is the first ever black professional figure skater in Carasatogan history. The 19 year old from Caroga has been skating since she was 3 and is worthy of a gold which is now within her grasp.

Jonathan Pummill also made an impression during the Pairs short program with his partner Alecia Mason. The two scored a 62.25 and came in 19th. Mason is 21 and from Port Victoria. Although not known for her abilities in the Pairs Skating, her skills shine during the Individual programs coming up later this week. That's when she is expected to show her true colors.

This is a proud moment for Carasatogan skaters and non-skaters alike. The short programs became the perfect debut for the nation and now have an entire peoples waiting to see if perhaps their first ever medal could be gold...

[Carasatoga]

Brittany Seals Takes Carasatoga to Semifinals

In the first rounds of the Women's Cross-Country Individual Sprint yesterday, young star Brittany Seals, 22 from Camden held her own coming in 5th in the qualifying round and then 2nd in the 5th heat of the quarterfinal stage. Skiing is not popular in Carasatoga, being only 4, soon to be 5, slopes in the entire country. Brittany Seals is one of the reasons this is changing in the nation. She has defied the expectations of Carasatogans, which were low for their skiiers, and for this we here in Carasatoga love her. Good luck Britanny, your nation is proud of you.

(OOC: I would have RP this earlier but I did not see that she qualified until I looked back this morning. I saw (CRG) at the bottom of the quaterfinals list and I was gonna' be like, "Krytenia, you made a mistake," but then I looked up at the qualifying again and saw that Brittany had come in 5th. I was like, "HTH did I miss THAT????" lol.)

[The Fanboyists]

The Meuse City-Paper
Special Winter Olympic Coverage

Roll 'em, Blues!
Men's Hockey team starts strong, beats Western Cuba 5-3 in first group-stage game

Maarkus Stahlburg scored a goal and had three assists, while Olin Perjorsec had two goals, and Aliks Oevaachkunn and Gaarutt Dahlstrom both also found the goal. The Blues were up 3-0 at the end of the first period, and never gave up the lead, finishing with a 5-3 easy win. Additionally, Artie Weiss got sent to the penalty box three different times, two of them for boarding some hapless Western Cuban. The other time was for punching one of them out.

In addition, gymnastic skater Waaltur Surrik survived the qualifying round of men's short program gymnastic skating, as the last to qualifying. His routine merited a score of 67.65, making him the lowest-scoring athlete to qualify.

[Maineiacs]

From MSPN--

A mixed Day 1 here at the Winter Olympics. In the Games' very first event, the Men's Giant Slalom, Toby Miller skied well enough for the bronze medal, but the rest of to day's results were not as good. Jana Petric Finished 76th in a crowded field in the Women's Super-G and John Baskins sits in 94th and last place after two runs of Men's Luge. Beyond that, we are sorry to report, no other Maineiacs athlete qualified in their event. In a couple of bad omens for our Nordic Ski team, Emily Hart failed to qualify in Women's Cross Country Individual Sprint, our women also failed to qualify in Women's Ski Jumping Team Large Hill. We fared no better on the ice. In Pairs Figure Skating, the brother/sister team of Brett and Andrea Wallach made several mistakes and will not be moving on to the long program. Falls plagued our male skaters, as Jack Garrison, Tom Bellamy, and Ryan Killen all fell during their short routines. None will be moving on. And Cody Napier was eliminated in Men's Snowboarding Parallel Giant Slalom The country's attention, however, is focused on tomorrow, as our Men's Hockey team takes the ice for their first match.

[Lycrabon]

This is the RP cutoff I thought I'd posted 80 minutes ago.

(Sorry, Lycrabon.)

S'alright.

[Qazox]

Qazox @ 6th Winter Olympic games

The 1st evening of competition at Ashton, Krytennia has been completed, so let's take a quick look at how Qazox did in the PM sessions:

Luge:
Men's Runs 1 and 2:

Sean Baen: 51.666-52.678--1:44.344 (28th)
Charles Sydney: 53.582-52.219--1:45.801 (67th)
Craig Carville: 55.590-54.564--1:50.164 (100th)

In one of the events Qazox has done well in the past, none of 3 lugers performed to well on the track. Sean Baen is only 1.263 out of 1st, an easily made up time, but will the track, whose conditions have been less than ideal; allow him to recover the lost time?

Snowboarding:
Men's Parallel Giant Slalom – Qualification:

Mike McCall: 34.41-35.99--1:10.40 (Q 15th)
Kyle Stevens: 35.53-35.92--1:11.45 (Q 27th)
Chad Carr: 36.19-36.33--1:12.51 (Q 42nd)

Men's Parallel Giant Slalom – 1st round:
Mike McCall defated Henry Johnson (BELDONIA) +2.88
Kyle Stevens defeated Evgeniy Dada (SHOFERCIA) +4.29
Luke Loston (INKARZIKAN) def. Chad Carr +2.89

Mike McCall and Kyle Stevens each qualified in the top 32, earning lane choice in the round of 64, Each won rather easily. Chad Carr, who put together 2 unspectacular runs, was eliminated by Inkarzikan's Luke Loston in the R64 races.

As most of the other events take place later this afternoon or evening, we will of course update you once those results come in.

[Civil Citizenry]

SnowSport Magazine
Who knew sixth place could be so prideful?

With one day complete at the Krytenia Winter Olympics, nine medals have been awarded. Civil Citizenry hasn't won any of them. But they might as well have, judging by the reaction to Simfanorge Posabi's sixth-place finish in the women's super G event. Alpine skiing is a made-for-TV event, and Civil Citizens at home were eating it up. She had an early run that put her in second place - which doesn't say much - but eyes became glued to the screen as skiier after skiier went down the hill and Posabi stayed in the top three. Once she fell out of the medals, there was less interest in the rest of the event; but many were impressed with her sixth place finish. She has three events left in these Olympics, so expect a lot of Civil Citizens to tune in for them. There's also a lot of buzz going around over the women's cross-country individual sprint event. Jidanoy Manubelig has been very impressive in reaching the semifinals - including posting the number one time in the quarterfinals - and Arim Gatshe is also hanging around, giving Civil Citizenry a 50% chance at a medal. It's Sunday, too, which means cross-country is going to be flashing across the screens of millions of televisions at home. The final major source of excitement was the mid-afternoon win by the Ice Mouflons. That third period comeback was magical, and the team will find itself with a confidence boost. Barely missing out on the knockout stage of the World Cup of Hockey hurt badly, so they needed that win to open the tournament (a major third period comeback sure didn't hurt). There's also hope that Afleeb Ahijim will continue advancing in the men's snowboarding parallel giant slalom, though there's not as much interest in it as in the aforementioned events.

Results - Saturday, February 12: The day opened with two morning runs in the men's giant slalom event. Sets Ayziliac has some expectations on his back from Civil Citizenry in these Games, but he crashed halfway down his opening run, disappointing millions. After a poor opening run, Leekuj Hanahet did slightly better in his second try - but it was only good enough for twenty-eighth place. Also in the morning was the women's super G, in which Simfanorge Posabi came within a half-minute of the medal stand, finishing in sixth place. Iminab Vegepania also completed her run, but finished around eightieth. Around lunchtime, Jidanoy Manubelig posted the sixth-best qualifying time in the women's cross-country individual sprint, and Arim Gatshe was thirteenth, earning both women berths in the quarterfinals. But things started to heat up later in the afternoon, when both women passed the quarterfinal heat to reach the semis; Manubelig did so with flying colors, putting up the best time of all the quarterfinalists, while Gatshe actually claimed the very last of twelve spots. Unlike many nations, figure skating isn't a big sport in Civil Citizenry - so it wasn't much of a surprise when neither Harinamo Lelapet nor Sakoz Cuvighala performed well enough in the men's short program to qualify for the long program on Monday. However, the pairs team of Chehas Zuhanem and Sapokmeg Tiajine squeaked through the short program and into the free skate tonight, attempting to move up past twenty-fifth place out of thirty teams. It's also worth noting that the Urilig Sates/Vedak Naroloofashaget pair took last place in the short program (guess they'll be going home early). The men's hockey team, dubbed the Ice Mouflons, seem to have put their non-qualification at the World Cup of Hockey behind them, as they opened up the group stage with a 4-3 win over Altimarus. The Civil Citizenry squad was down 3-2 at the second intermission, but late goals by forwards Likano Axif and Nigapalil Vuvoo put the team ahead for good. The men's individual luge event began towards the back end of the afternoon, but it didn't really matter to Ibanaff Hoopeve. He posted similar times in runs 1 and 2 to place himself in nineteenth with two runs to go today. A horrible second run by Daganesht Tanimup sent him back to ninetieth place, way out of the running for a medal. As dusk fell, the team of Helohel Sabreet, Degenest Izana, Gumtidigo Galipa, and Buhesnak Zallavipe fell four spots short of qualifying for the finals of the women's ski jumping team large hill competition. The lights at night weren't too bright for Afleeb Ahijim; after safely qualifying for the knockout stage of the men's snowboarding parallel giant slalom event, he massacred Irvo Solamerstre of Vekaiyu to reach the round of 32, to take place tonight.

Upcoming Events - Sunday, February 13: You may not have heard of Gawanart Gintez or Okinesh Jubilinat, but they hope to put themselves on the national radar with a good showing in the men's downhill runs today. The country's best male biathlon athlete, Hetijaykol Vutee, and Katonami Poshatat will shoot for the medal stand in the men's 10km sprint. The golden girls of the Civil Citizenry delegation after one full day of competition, Jidanoy Manubelig and Arim Gatshe, go for gold in the last two rounds of the cross country individual sprint. Mihajah Nelidekel and the rest of the women's curling team hope to start off the Games well in their opening game against Cotdelapoms, the hosts of a recent bonspiel and a major curling nation. The pair of Chehas Zuhanem and Sapokmeg Tiajine have a lot of ground to make up tonight in the free skate, but they're certainly not counting themselves out of the mix just yet. There's more figure skating today as well: Godaps Hellam and Lylayan Lepanali hope to make their mark together in the compulsory dance stage of the ice dance competition. The Ice Mouflons won their opening game yesterday; today, it's the Lady Ice Mouflons' turn to go 1-0. The team will take on Albertasby in an afternoon game. Luge is on the program for the day, as the men's individual event concludes with two final runs. Ibanaff Hoopeve will have to cover a deficit of almost an entire second in order to claim a medal. Holagah Koof, Tikilamu Novavo, Soxaw Beedalar, and Yesalo Binana team up to go for a medal in the men's ski jumping team large hill event. A big Day Two is capped by snowboarding, as Afleeb Ahijim looks to advance to the podium in the knockout rounds of the men's parallel giant slalom.

[Kelssek]

"...again and again, it's boys against men. Literally. Sometimes they can make up for lacking physical presence with speed and skill, but it doesn't always work. And that's the pattern that will continue every single time we send the under-21s to play in the Olympics. I'm sure it's a great and important experience for these kids, playing at this level certainly is a great development experience but I'm not sure being thrashed 6-0 like that is really helpful."

"Alright, so much for the hockey, lots of words to be said about Kelssek and Olympic ice hockey, in fact. Not to forget Kelssek is on the board on day one, always nice to get that out of the way. Bronze medal in women's ski jumping in the team event, medal favourites certainly getting it done there.

"Yes, and Pyette even said she was disappointed only to win a bronze medal, so those ladies certainly have high expectations of themselves. It's great spirit to see but just making it to the Olympics is an accomplishment, to be on the podium is a massive accomplishment. So well done to them."

"Well we are out of time, that's it for Olympic Morning on KBC Sport. Coming up next, repeat telecast of the men's luge for all those of you not psycho enough to stay up all night. You'll see all of the action overnight throughout the KBC broadcast network, check the listings for your region. And for the roundup of the action catch us on Olympic Morning, Olympic Lunchtime, Olympic Teatime, and Olympic Early Evening. If you'd like to watch in French, TéléSRK is probably on the next channel. Enjoy your Sunday."

"For news, the medal tally, and to check live broadcast listings on the KBC network, head to KBC Online and our special website for the Olympics.




Kelssek's Olympic network. Your KBC."

[Meguroko]

MBC NEWS

Sports

OLYMPICS: Day 1

Day 1 at the VI Winter Games in Ashton, Krytenia, was nothing big for team Meguroko. 2 major things happened, though: Lars Devich's amazing skate, and Team Meguroko's tie in Men's Hockey.

FIGURE SKATING
Lars Devich was unknown outside of Meguroko. Until the Valhalla Figure Skating Competition, only Megurokans knew him. But then , Lars won a Gold Medal. People began to recognize him on the street. He was famous-to Megurokans. Now, after the Short Program at the Games, Lars is 1st on the leaderboard. Day 3 will see if he can bring home the gold after the free skate program. Here is his score.
MEN'S FIGURE SKATING
Lars Devich (MEG) 85.47

ICE HOCKEY
WCoH 14 was Meguroko's first hockey tournament. Meguroko played well in the RR, until the final game. We played Cosumar, and the winner would make the play-offs. But Cosumar thrashed us 7-1. The dream was over. After the first game at the olympics, Meguroko fought hard for a tie against Sibirsky, with Clint Xao and Alixander Ovechby providing the goals. Tomorrow, Women's hockey begins, and we will see if Meguroko can pull of a victory.

-Kirl Lovis, MBC News Sports, from Ashton, Krytenia