This past month, the Olympics Games has been a very popular topic around the world. Beyond watching the competition itself, one of my favourite aspects of the games is seeing the community that is developed through athletes from around the world interacting with each other. Seeing and comparing the patriotism of athletes representing their country through food, clothing, community, and other aspects of culture is an enlightening thing to watch. Social media has played a huge role in giving us, the viewers, a ‘behind the scenes’ look at what life is like in the Olympic Village. 

@glowsainz

#milanocortina2026 #winterolympics #realityshow #athlete #glowsainz

♬ Snow on The Bluff – Evening Elephants

Personally, one of my most anticipated moments of the games is the Opening Ceremonies. Watching the athletes walk together and celebrate always gives me chills. I especially love dissecting and comparing the different outfits the competitors are in and then researching the brand later and, I imagine the athletes do the same. (pic of ceremony)

Since 2022, lululemon has been the Official Outfitter of Team Canada and, for each Olympic Games, they release a line that is representative of our country. Before this partnership, I would not remember anything lululemon selling as being distinctly ‘Canadian’. This had me thinking of all the other notable Canadian brands and considering how they choose to represent Canada. 

Team Canada’s 2026 Winter Olympic Uniforms by lululemon

In a classroom, I think a fun exploration for students could be to choose a company specific to a region (not an international conglomerate) and identify how that business represents their country? Does their logo or colours make a connection? Are their advertisements reminiscent of home? Or does what they’re promoting actually come from their culture? Or perhaps, if the students were to create a company of their own, what would it include to represent where they come from? 

This potential activity connects to the BC curriculum through these (and probably many more) areas: 

  • PHE: Learning about similarities and differences in individuals and groups influences community health.
  • Social Studies: Construct narratives that capture the attitudes, values, and worldviews commonly held by people at different times or places 
  • English Language Arts: Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world.