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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, August 10, 2012 · 6 Opinion & Letters 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5566 Classified Advertising: 632-4440 Circulation: 905-631-6095 -- 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Oakville Beaver THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Canadian Circulation Audit Board Member THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Suburban Newspapers of America Canadian Community Newspapers Association ATHENA Award Neil Oliver Vice ­ President and Group Publisher of Metroland West The OakvilleBeaver is a division of David Harvey Regional General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief Daniel Baird Advertising Director ANGELA BLACKBURN Managing Editor Riziero Vertolli Photography Director Sandy Pare Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production Manuel garcia Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Inspiring athletes Is it just us or are other people noticing an increase in the number of would-be Olympians flexing their athletic prowess in our local parks and on our streets? From high-calibre cyclists to youngsters putting in a little more effort during their soccer game, it seems that the spirit of the Olympic Games has sparked an interest in sport -- a healthy interest that would be great to see year round. While Canada's Olympians, like hometown kayak silver medallist Adam van Koeverden, men's eight rowing silver champion Doug Csima and women's soccer bronze medallist Diana Matheson are proud to be on the podium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England, they should also be proud to know they are encouraging and inspiring a new generation of athletes to be the very best they can be in their chosen sport. They are not alone. In total, five Oakville athletes are competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games: Van Koeverden, Matheson, Csima, Kyle Jones and Tera Van Beilen. As part of the Canadian women's soccer team, Matheson played in the bronze medal match against France yesterday -- and scored the winning goal to help the team to an historic medal! Crossing the line in 25th, Jones was the highest finishing Canadian triathlete in the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Van Beilen just missed reaching the finals of the 100m breaststroke after participating in a swim-off against Jamaica's Alia Atkinson. It's worth noting the importance of our local sports clubs and Oakville's world class facilities in helping athletes nurture their talent from a very young age, allowing them to go on and excel in international competition. In the right environment, strength of character, an indescribable work ethic, gut-wrenching stamina and an intensity that few possess are among the hallmarks of a top athlete. We are proud of all the Olympians, especially the home-grown talent whose careers we have had the joy of following over the years. Thank you to all. You have made the last two weeks a lot of fun. With the stage set for the 2012 Summer Olympics' closing ceremonies Sunday, let's continue to ride high on the feeling of goodwill spread by the Canadian athletes. Let's continue to give our young sports stars the support they need to reach their dreams. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. Letters to the editor The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Lorax event was magical There was magic in the air as families took their spot on the grass at Coronation Park to watch The Lorax. We would like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who came out to watch our first Family Movie Under the Stars last Saturday night. Special thanks to Encore Cinemas and the team led by Jeff Knoll and Tammy Vanderstarren who provided the screen, projection, audio and popcorn equipment, services and staffing. Without them, the event would not have been possible. They also sold popcorn with all proceeds going to the Oakville Terry Fox Run. A huge shout out to Dan Miotto from the Oakville Centre who went above and beyond to ensure the screening was a success. Licks, Bronte Village, was on hand with hot dogs and soft drinks for the crowd, supporting the Terry Fox Run. A big thanks to Jon Hall and his team for serving the crowd and supporting Terry Fox. We are very fortunate in Oakville to have John McNeil, manager of Forestry Services, to speak for our trees. John was on hand to answer questions and distribute Canopy Club T-shirts so that others could learn about the importance of the tree canopy. Thanks John for taking the time to share your knowledge and passion for our urban forest. Thanks as well to Town of Oakville staff for the set up and prompt clean up of the park. The water refill station was extremely popular, and the ice cold water was appreciated on a warm night. Our bicycle valet was a hit -- and we loved seeing people cycling to the event. Thanks to Gears, Oakville who manned the bike valet, and also handed out the swag bags to those who walked, cycled or took Oakville Transit. We would also like to thank Whole Foods, Courage Polar Bear Dip, See Councillors page 8 While walking through the new park on Kerr Street, I had the misfortune of tripping and falling flat on my face. I don't know how or why this happened. I sat there, dazed, and as I tried to stand up, the blood poured from my nose and my right leg refused to support me. I looked around -- no one was in sight when a voice suddenly called out, `Are you OK?' I couldn't get up. I must have looked a pathetic sight. I felt so relieved when a strong-looking young man had me on my feet in a second. I thanked God for his presence as he went on to ask me if I wanted him to call an ambulance or phone someone, but all I could think of was getting home and this he helped me do, while calming me with his conversation. What a great thing he did. We were total strangers, he in the middle of a busy day, showing such kindness and caring for an old lady in distress -- not that I ever thought of myself as an old lady, but under the circumstances, I felt very old... with my nose dripping blood. I was hanging on to his hand as he took me back through the park, crossed over the busy Kerr Street and right into the lobby of my apartment, making sure I was OK before he left. I want to say thank you to this very kind young man -- Andrew is his name. Goodness knows how I would have managed if he hadn't turned up. The park was still empty when we left. I have now almost recovered except for a bump on my nose and a few bruises around my right knee, which will soon be forgotten. The kindness of Andrew will remain. We live in a fast moving world where bad things happen. Kindness from strangers still exists. Renée Kuja, Oakville Thanks Andrew Letter to the editor