Go Steve Go

As the reigning World Cup Aerials champ and Olympic medal hopeful Steve Omischl attempts to bring home gold in Vancouver today the entire city will be cheering him on.

In fact Widdifield student Natasha Barnes felt so strong about showing one of their own a big Wildcat Roar that she spearheaded a campaign that will see a Wildcat banner signed by students, staff, former staff, and alumni hanging at the bottom Cypress Mountain to greet him at the end of his jump.

With the support of teacher Gina Armstrong-Aro, who also choreographed Omischl's routines in his early days, Barnes struck a Olympic committee and launched the Going for Gold "Go Steve Go" campaign. The campaign saw students participating in Trivia Thursdays, a support video sending best wishes from the city, as well as an Olympic based Winter Carnival.



“We are very proud of Steve, an alumni of WSS, for achieving an unprecedented number of World Cup wins in his career,” say Aro of the hometown boy. She notes that the victories Omischl has racked up may be more than any other North Bayite to date.

“And we want to wish him well on his appearance at his third Olympics.”

Joining the chorus of well wishers are former Widdifield Wildcat staff Anne McLure and Janet Poudrier here is what they had to say to the pride of the Bay.




Barnes says victorious in Vancouver or not the Wildcats will be leading a campaign to petition city hall to have a path, street or hill named after the athlete.

Of course Steve has big fans at the place where he cut his teeth 'Laurentian Ski Hill' and they too have sent big wishes to their hometown hero.

“Laurentian Ski Hill would like to wish Steve best of luck in a big way for his qualifying run on Monday at the Olympics,” notes Louise Knight.

"Go Steve, has been spray painted on the run Airplane to wish him all the best and let him know we are thinking of him. Cheers!”

Everyone is invited to Come out cheer on the hometown boy and enjoy the coverage of Omischl's jump in the company of friends and the community at the Capitol Centre.

There is no admission charge to the showing and the Martini Lounge and refreshment and concession kiosks will be open.

Aerials get under way at 9pm, however, you may want to go a little earlier as the Women's Hockey gold medal game will be shown at 6:30pm.