The Special Olympics Community Knows no Boundaries

Post date: Feb 27, 2014 7:31:6 AM

(You can click the title to read the full post.) Please allow me to indulge myself as I muse aloud following a trip to Timmins to watch my daughter compete at the OFSAA nordic ski championships. First off, Barrie coach Kathy P. reminded me that her daughter lives just outside Timmins and Kathy arranged for me to be welcomed to their home for the night. Kelly and her family also happen to be members at the host club, Porcupine Ski Runners. As I walked in to the venue, I was pleased to be greeted by Chief of Course and long-time Timmins coach Gerry (pictured: selfie-alert!). Gerry proudly provided some insight into the legacy of that location having hosted the 1999 Provincial Winter Games, and on our tour we came across long-time Huntsville nordic coach Mike D’s son Brandon – himself becoming a registered volunteer – who was there as a wax tech for Hunstville high school. I also ran into the dad of one of Barrie’s newest nordic athletes, Carter, who was there as dad for Carter’s sister and wax tech for her high school in Orillia. Among the coaches from Barrie was Ann, who has just this year become a fixture of the coaching squad for Barrie's nordic program. Finally, on my way home I passed the point where the Arctic and Atlantic watersheds meet, which reminded me of high school geography class and brought to mind how much fun it was to work with my geography teacher (and running coach) “Killer” Keaveney who was an athletics official at last summer’s Provincial Games in York Region. Things that make you go "hmmm..."