Canadians go gooey over Norwegian sporting gesture

Wow, that's a lot of maple syrup! Making me hungry for pancakes!

We certainly appreciate the gesture from the coach from Norway. Beauty, eh?


Agence France Presse English

Mon 03 Apr 2006

Section: International News

Dateline: OSLO, April 3

Time: 14:17 GMT (10:17 Eastern Time)


OSLO, April 3, 2006 (AFP) - Canada's embassy in Norway is to present five tonnes of maple syrup to Norway's skiing team trainer, Bjoernar Haakensmoen, in recognition of his help during the Winter Olympics, the embassy said on Monday.

By giving one of his ski poles to Canadian Sara Renner, who had broken one of her own, Haakensmoen allowed Canada to take the silver medal in the women's cross country.

The gesture has been particularly applauded in Canada because it may have cost Norway a medal position. Norway took fourth in the event.

"Canadians were thrilled with this story, which so beautifully exemplifies the Olympic spirit and fair play," the embassy said.

Haakensmoen will be presented with 7,400 cans of maple syrup, weighing 5.2 tonnes, on Wednesday, "with the gratitude and appreciation of the Canadian people," the embassy added.