One of the toughest distractions for an Olympian is “What to do about Mom and Dad, Uncle Bernie and Grandma Kate, while I’m preparing for Olympic competition.” Extended family rarely travels to international meets or even national championships, but everybody wants to go to the Olympic Games. In a recent survey, family requests and activities were listed among the greatest obstacles to top performance at the Olympic Games.

One sponsor, Proctor and Gamble has decided to do something about this particular issue. They have created the Proctor & Gamble Family Home. They have taken over a downtown office building and converted it into the kind of place you’d want to invite your family and friends. It offers meals, snacks, video games, laundry, massages, internet access and lots of places to simply hang out. Pillows are scattered in front of large TV screens. Tables are set where the entire family can eat together, without waiting for 45 minutes for a table to clear. The food is free and the fun is non-stressful.

Already in Vancouver, one medal winning speed skater, Chad Hedrick, has seen his kid take his first step and speak his first words in the P&G Family Home. Chad’s brother-in-law proposed to his girlfriend there. And she said yes.

Not all the great memories are being created on the snow and ice around Vancouver. Some are happening closer to home.