Every two years I get just a little excited about the Olympics. Summer games or winter games, there is something to watch. This year I will admit that I was more interested in the news stories of whether Rio would be ready for the games or not.

However, watching the eclectic opening ceremony on Friday night got me to thinking about what Brunswick would look like if we had our own version of the games. What roles would people play?

I can clearly see it now. All of Brunswick’s most noticeable people are there. There are even a few surprises.

First we need a Brunswick Olympic Committee Chair. No one could fill that role like Town Manager John Eldridge. Keeping track of budgets and to do lists are right up John’s alley. He certainly would keep the trains running on time, so to speak, although the neighborhood teams from Bouchard Drive might file a complaint through the BOC main office about that idea.

Second we need a chief record keeper and timer. Fran Smith, our Town Clerk, would be the best person for the job. Although after a fortnight dealing with these records Fran might just look forward to a busy election night in November.

Where would we be without a chief contractor for the game sites. Unlike Rio, Brunswick does not have the kind of cash to go over budget and over time with the new construction. That is why Town Councilor John Perreault would be our choice for Contractor.

School Board member Billy Thompson would do well as the head of the Brunswick Olympic Development Committee. So committed is he to the cause that he is at this moment grooming a coed three-person rowing team for competition. Unfortunately, this team will not be ready until the games of 2032, but what a power they will be.

Local newsman John Swinconeck will reprise the role of Bob Costas. Although if John were to be on television as late as the coverage has been with NBC, he may miss his deadlines in the morning.

Brunswick’s crowning jewel of the games would be the water events. There is one person in town who enjoys all that the water and the clam flats have to offer. That person is Kathy Wilson. She would be well suited to patrol the water and make sure that everything is in good order.

Superintendent Paul Perzanoski would be a great choice as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams coach. He could truly construct an all-star team of great players. Although the games would be held in the summer, all of the basketball games would be played on the second Tuesday in June when Paul’s teams always win by a large margin.

Jim Grant will play the role of the Russian Track and Field Team. On paper they both used to look promising but neither will likely be showing up to the games.

Sarah Brayman, Town Council Chair, would have the honor of carrying in Brunswick’s flag at the opening ceremony. She has become used to dealing with various groups and factions all vying for their own particular need or want all while keeping an eye on the real goal, adjournment.

The role of Samir Ait Said will be expertly played by Steve Walker. After numerous meetings and little support, it would appear that neither Mr. Walker’s ideas for a park at Mere Point nor the French gymnast have a good leg to stand on.

This leaves us with one of the biggest and most vexing questions of all for the games of the Brunswick Olympiad. Who will light the torch to begin the games? With all of the choices that we have it is a true embarrassment of riches. Despite the options there is only one real choice. One that we have waited to choose for more than a decade.

The only real choice, as we send him off to retirement (hopefully), is State Senator Stan Gerzofsky. One final walk. One final moment in the limelight. What a fitting way to say goodbye. Finally.

Well there you have it. Brunswick could pull off quite a nice event. Now we only need to find all of the event venues.

That’s my two cents …

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Jonathan Crimmins lives in Brunswick can be reached at j_ [email protected]