Olympic Spirit Toronto |
Dundas Square is a totally re-vamped area of downtown Toronto that is centered at the corners of Dundas and Yonge streets. All four corners and their respective east/west/north and south outlets have undergone major re-construction giving a new vibrant feel to this area of the big city. One of the new additions is the Olympic Spirit Toronto facility that opened during the Athens summer games last year.
Located at the corner of Victoria and Dundas streets just across from Dundas Square, this 40 million-dollar 52,000 square foot complex is impressive before you even enter the front door. From the outside you can see through the glass doors and walls that you are in for an interesting and exhilarating experience.
The first thing you do upon your arrival is enter a theatre to watch a film entitled "The Calling" that seems to contain every great (and not so great) moment in Olympic history. This film is incredible and it is the perfect length - about 12 minutes. If you are not inspired & ready to explore the rest of the building after this film, you better check your pulse!
From there you head upstairs to two floors of Olympic interaction and learning. If the film hasn't blown you away(again, check your pulse!), then the rest of the building will get your heart rate back up & your brain back into gear in no time. Divided into two floors to represent the summer and the winter games, interaction is the key word here with a huge number of displays that get you right into the heart of the action. Simulators are set up for everything from the long jump to the bobsleigh to gymnastics to curling and so on and so on. As you work your way from floor to floor it truly is a great way to celebrate the Olympics anytime of the year. The staff here makes the experience even more special - we had Christy and she did a great job of walking us through the various challenges. My daughter Emmy thought it was pretty cool to use a hand pulley to out distance Bob Beamon's record long jump while my son Sam had a great time in the Olympic hockey shootout. Both kids tried speedskating simulation with Olympic Medal winner Jeremy Wotherspoon, the parallel bars in the gymnastics area, sliding some rocks on a curling rink, and many other great demonstrations as well.
For us the favourite, I think it is safe to say, was the 100 metre race simulator. There are several lanes set up and each kid (or adult) can sprint 10 metres with their run being timed electronically and the results automatically prorated to show what they would run if it was the whole100 metres. "As kids try their hand 'playing' on the various interactives, maybe it will provide some inspiration to take-up the sport they tried, maybe it will tweak their curiosity enough to learn about the sport (that sport or some other activity)" explains Marylene Vestergom, Marketing Manager of Olympic Spirit. "At the very least - maybe their experience at Olympic Spirit Toronto will expose them to a new sport or the idea of just a sport - any sport - any activity..and that sport is fun."
And this place is all about fun. Even I got into the act, trying the cycling exhibit and the whole family tried the biathlon race - combining our skiing and shooting skills in yet another great-simulated exhibit. Of course, I am now fully convinced that at over 40 years of age, I could easily make the Olympic team now - or NOT as my daughter would say!
As well as great interaction physically, this building houses some great challenges for the mind too. Olympic trivia monitors are set up to test your knowledge with levels from easy to hard to make it fun for everyone and the best part is that once you have answered a question about a great Olympic moment, a short video showing that actual moment is played! Something as simple as this makes it even more fun to experience this unique building located in the heart of Toronto. Now as if your senses aren't already getting enough - there are also small films running on each floor that show even more great Olympic moments - my son Sam and I loved the double gold hockey recount from the 2002 Winter Games!
There is a lot to see and do if you come to Toronto and yes there are many great old standards you can count on in Ontario's capital, but if you don't stop by Olympic Spirit Toronto you are not doing yourself a proper service. Located in the heart of the city just minutes from the longest street in the world, this incredible interactive Olympic adventure is a must-see for the entire family and is easily settling in as the newest member of the "Things you have to do in Toronto" club! Citius, Altius, Fortius (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) is the motto for the Olympic Games. Olympic Spirit Toronto has its own three-word motto: Inspire, Educate and Entertain - and it is a motto that they hold to very well.
If you leave this building uninspired then you may want to take yet another look at your pulse! Yes you learn about sports, yes you use your brain as well as your body but more than anything, you and your family will have a lot of fun. "At the end of the day - that's what it's all about - having fun & trying something new" says Marylene. "By having the chance to be exposed to something new - and to dream. We all need to dream!"
Open daily 10 to 6, Olympic Spirit Toronto is located downtown just off Dundas Square and they have a great website to help you plan your trip as well - www.olympicspirit.ca.
