Getting to watch incredible athletes compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is an experience that only comes around once every four years, but when it does, it's a time for celebration. The Olympics is a time of pride, and a chance for Canadians to show their team spirit by cheering on their compatriots who are competing in the games against the rest of the world.
This year, things will be a little different for Canadian athletes in Tokyo, with no international spectators in the stands to root for them as they go for the gold. Athletes thrive off of the energy and excitement of a crowd but, sadly, Team Canada will not have that when the games begin in a few months.
It will look different for folks following the games too. With so much uncertainty around what summer will look like, watching the games from a crowded sports bar or busy viewing party with your friends may not be possible. But, that's no reason to not get into the Olympic spirit and find ways to have fun while rooting for Team Canada from the comfort of your home.
That's why General Mills and Cheerios are asking Canadians to "Be The Cheer" and let the athletes feel supported from afar. There are many ways to let Canada's 400-or-so athletes know that you're supporting them from home, like hosting your own opening ceremony, sending a Cheer Card or simply sharing your encouragement on social media. After all, a little bit of cheer goes a long way (even as far as Japan).
Send Team Canada A Heartfelt Message Before The Games
Cheerios is making it easy for you to send a message to Canadian athletes in Tokyo this summer with a Cheer Card included on specially marked cereal boxes. To send a message to Team Canada, just cut out the Cheer Card, write your note of encouragement and then drop it in a Canada Post mailbox before the end of June. The cards will be delivered free of charge to the Olympic Village in Tokyo.
Plus, if you purchase two boxes of Cheerios, you can claim a free beach towel and cheer on the Great White North wherever you're headed this summer. And if you miss out on finding the cereal boxes in store, don't worry: digital cheers can be sent from the Be The Cheer website as of mid-June.
Kick Things Off With An Opening Ceremony
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To start off your celebrations for this year's Olympics, do the same thing that the athletes will be doing on July 23: participate in an opening ceremony. Put on your favourite Canadian musical artists for atmosphere and begin the "passing of the torch" ceremony.
If you have kids, use something safe like a flashlight or battery-powered candle, and pass it down the line of everyone in your household. Or, if you're lucky, you can use a really cool replica. Let the games begin!
Hold Your Own "Olympic Games" With The Fam
With the games in full swing, why not get down to competition with those you live with? To make it feel like the real deal, keep score of how many events each person wins and hand out medals at the end.
There are plenty of games to choose from for family fun; it really just depends on what you and your loved ones like. You can do beach volleyball, a three-legged race, a paper-plane-throwing competition, a bean-bag toss or anything in between — the only limit is your imagination.
Pull An All-Nighter & Watch The Games Live
With Japan 13 hours ahead of Montreal and 16 hours ahead of Vancouver, most Canadians will be fast asleep while the athletes are competing in their respective games.
This one might not be for the kiddos in your life, but if you're up for staying awake all night, how about having a real-time watch party with your household? Pull on your PJs, grab your favourite snacks (and maybe a cup of coffee) and tune into all of the action as it happens.
Decorate Your Home With Olympic Pride
One of the best ways to show your Olympic spirit is to decorate. Along with displaying the Canadian flag, you can have the entire family make posters to hang with their name, individual colours or even their own flag design.
You and your fam can also make the iconic Olympic five-ring symbol. Balloons, flags and banners are all great ways to make your space as cheerful as possible. This would also be a pretty epic background for a sweet Instagram photo-op to post your support on social media.
Dress Like Your Favourite Canadian Athletes
Channel your inner athlete and dress just like the Canadians who are competing in Tokyo this year. A t-shirt with a Canadian flag or a hat with the Olympic logo could be the perfect outfit for cheering on the athletes from home.
If you're looking to make a statement, how about rocking an ultra-stylish denim jacket? Supporting our Olympic athletes has never looked so cool.
Get Involved On Social Media
Social media is has become the easiest way for poeple to stay connected with each other all around the globe, including Olympic athletes. Using the hashtag #BeTheCheer, you can send tweets, images and videos to the Canadians who are competing in the games.
From messages of encouragement to selfies of you rocking your Canadian Olympic gear, you can let the athletes know that you have their backs as they go for gold this summer.
There are tons of ways to cheer on Canadian athletes as they put all of their hard work, determination and skill on full display during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. With Cheerios rallying Canadians to "Be the Cheer," it's easier than ever to support Team Canada.
Go Canada go!