Jul 07, 2008 - 03:43 PM

Take your time. There's lots to do here.

That was our intention months ago when we were granted two passes for media coverage of the Olympic Games in Beijing, helping to bring you all of the results of Durham Region and GTA athletes as they unfold a world away in China.

But before we get there, our first stop is here at gtaathletes.com.

This website is our first introduction, helping to get you acquainted with the athletes that will wear Canada's colours at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. We will bring you their stories, their photos and their videos. It's one stop shopping for the diehard fan of the Olympics, or just the casual observer who is wondering if anyone local is competing.

Wonder no more.

The list of athletes from the GTA who will be punching their ticket to Beijing could reach as many as 50. The men's field hockey team features Wayne Fernandes (Mississauga), Jonathan Roberts (Toronto), Scott Sandison (Mississauga) and Ken Pereira (Unionville). The women's soccer team boasts a large contingent, including Candace Chapman (Pickering), Melanie Booth (Burlington), Kara Lang and Diana Matheson (Oakville), Jonelle Foligno (Mississauga), Lexi Marton (Newmarket) and Tanya Dennis (Brampton). The women's softball team checks in with a pair, including Whitby's Erin McLean and Burlington's Robin Mackin.

There are others in individual sports as well, including kayaker Adam van Koeverden (Oakville), gymnasts Karen Cockburn (Stouffville) and Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs (Toronto), track athletes Priscilla Lopes-Schliep (Whitby) and Anson Henry (Pickering), synchronized swimmer Isabelle Rampling (Newmarket), wrestler Ohenewa Akuffo (Brampton), archery's Crispin Duenas (Scarborough), and in equestrian, Jessica Phoenix (Uxbridge), Jacqueline Brooks (Mount Albert) and Ashley Holzer (Toronto).

That list is just the beginning. There are just too many to mention here.

Included on the website are bios of the athletes and coaches that will give you a quick fix on just who they are, where they are from, and the highlights of their vastly successful careers. For something a little more in-depth, stories will be added on a regular basis giving you the opportunity to find out what makes these Olympians tick.

There are photos. Lots of photos. Action shots, headshots and a collage from a couple of events leading up to the Olympics, including the Canadian Swim Trials from Montreal and the Canadian Track and Field Championships from Windsor.

And, if video is your interest, there are lots to choose from, including Olympians who are on their way to Beijing, as well as those from the past who have worn Canada's colours.

There will also be blogs from our staff who will be covering the Games, including sports editor Brad Kelly and photographer Ron Pietroniro. As an added bonus, softball player Erin McLean has agreed to share her thoughts about the Olympic experience in her own blog.

Check back daily for all of the stories and updates as they unfold.

Phew! Take your time. There's lots to do here.

Follow Brad and Ron's Beijing 2008 blog: durhamregion.typepad.com/beijing_2008/