The interesting story behind Vancouver’s Olympic flowers
Before receiving their medals, Olympic officials present winning athletes with a bouquet of flowers. Beijing handed out roses, while Torino went with a mix of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias. Vancouver’s floral offerings contain green mums and hypericum berries and come from local florists Just Beginnings Flowers and Margitta’s Flowers.
The flowers at this year’s games are more than just eye-pleasing though; the beautiful bouquets come with a heart warming story. The bouquet’s designer and owner of Just Beginnings, 75-year-old June Strandberg, empowers women who have left prison, are recovering addicts, suffer disabilities or have been the victims of violence by teaching them the art of floristry. Strandberg believes her work in bettering the community helped land the coveted Olympic contract.
Full story at Yahoo! Sports.
Photo credit: Fotolia
