During the last two weeks of February as I was enjoying Lima's summer, I was also thinking about winter in Canada. It may seem odd to reminisce about winter boots and toques, shovelling snow, and evenings when the temperature dips below -30 degrees Celsius, but from Feb. 12-28, Canada – a proud winter country – was hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

There were many highlights at the games, from the tribute to Canada's aboriginal peoples and their cultures during the opening ceremonies to the presence of athletes from 82 participating countries, including teams from Colombia and Peru.

Canada's national team had a strong performance at the games. They finished third in the medal count with 26 medallions behind Germany (30) and the United States (37). While Canada had failed to win gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and Calgary's 1988 Olympics, in Vancouver they earned 14 gold medals, setting a Winter Olympic record.

Canadian athletes earned the top spot on the Olympic podium in speedskating, snowboarding, and curling. They also won both men's and women's hockey. I would bet that Canadian hockey star Sydney Crosby's overtime goal against their American rivals not only ignited a party across the nation, but also among many Canadian expats around the world, including those in Peru

As memorable as the Olympics were for Canada's performance, I will also remember the games for the presence of three competitors from Peru, a country that has never been in the winter games. Roberto Carcelen, 39, competed in cross-country skiing, while 18-year-old Ornella Oettl Reyes and her 16-year-old brother, Manfred Oettl Reyes, competed in alpine skiing. Manfred was the second youngest athlete at the Olympics.

For these athletes their presence was less about winning, and more about the Olympic experience. This experience includes a spirit of friendship, mutual understanding, solidarity and fair play. And for these reasons, I praise the Winter Olympics.