Friday, July 7, 2017 5 Brooklin Town Crier (continued from page 3) like food and clean drinking water. We've also welcomed more than 40,000 Syrian refugees over the last year and a half, giving new life to victims of war and persecution. On home soil, "love thy neighbour" means all neighbours, from every town, city, and province. Look how quickly we responded to the Alberta wildfire crisis, sending basic necessities and creature comforts to relative strangers, who sadly watched as their homes burnt to the ground. Even here in Brooklin, there's so much good going on. Like Cheryl Gordon's Outdoor Movie Night for Hunger, which helps feed the thousands of individuals who rely on local food banks, shelters, and emergency kitchens throughout the region. We may be one of the biggest countries land-wise, but when a neighbour is in need, Canadians always have each other's backs. We're not sorry for blatantly celebrating #TeamCanada (every chance we get) It doesn't matter what game you're into, the level you play, or the number of victories under your belt (or lack thereof), Canadians take their sports very seriously. But there's something else we cherish even moreso than the actual sport itself, and it's the celebration of a nation. You might be a member of the Brooklin Redmen, the Timbits hock- ey league, or a fan in the stands, but together we celebrate #TeamCanada, whether we win or lose. Leafs fans are probably the craziest example of how intensely dedicated Canadian sport enthusiasts can be. On game nights, the ACC sells out (seriously, who can afford these tickets?), Maple Leaf Square fills to capacity, and there's not a single TV that isn't tuned into Hockey Night in Canada. And then there's die-hard "Dartman," with his blue- and white- painted face and cigarette precariously dangling from his mouth... Need I say more? But it's not just the fans. Take for example Canadian skeleton athlete Jon Montgomery, who slid to a golden victory at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Dressed in Team Canada gear from toque to toe, he grabbed a pitcher of beer from the cheering crowds, chugging it on his way to the top of the podium. If sliding down a hill of ice at 130km/ hour, and then nonchalantly downing a pitcher of beer immediately afterward isn't your definition of Canadian… So while the rest of the world may never fully understand us, and maybe even mistaken our politeness as a sign of weakness, we're confident in who we are and what we're all about, and we don't owe anyone an apology. Because coast-to-coast, Canada is home to 35 million smart-ass do-gooders who know how to have a good time. What's to be sorry for? Artfest Returning to Grass Park The Ashburn Art Circle, in partnership with Group 74, will cel- ebrate the 6th annual Summer ArtFest in Grass Park on Saturday, July 15, from 10 am to 4 pm. Local and area artists will display and sell their original artwork ranging from painting and photography to clay and glass. It will also be a fun day for kids as we are offering henna art with designs commemorating Canada's 150th birthday. This year the Summer ArtFest is offering financial support for the framing and reinstallation of the Community Banner which has been displayed at the Brooklin Community Centre since 2011. Visit the Ashburn Art Circle tent to see it. Artists: Russ Styles - Photographer Fine art photography. russellstylesphotography.com Margaret Brackley - Artist Watercolours, and acrylics, mixed media. originalwatercolours.ca Briar Busby - Artist with Tim Fyshe - Photographer Veronica Kerr - Artist Custom designed stained glass door and window inserts and jewellery. Ruth McCurdy - Wilmot Creek Photography wilmotcreekphotography.com Donna Painter - Artist Primarily oil, oil impasto, alcohol/ink Mahika Perera - Artist Janice Sommerville - Artist Wildlife photographer Durham to Host Ontario ParaSport Games The 2019 Ontario ParaSport Games are coming to Durham Region, which will boost the local economy and give para-sport athletes the opportunity to compete close to home. Durham Region is well positioned to hold the Ontario ParaSport Games due to its experience hosting events during the TO 2015 Parapan Games and as the previous host of the 2000 Ontario Summer and 2010 Ontario 55+ Summer Games. The ParaSport Games promote public awareness of para-sports, showcase many of Ontario's best athletes, and benefit host communities through a legacy of barrier-free infrastructure and a surge of visitors who inject money into the local economy. The Games also encourage volunteerism, contribute to local tourism and economic activity, and help communities build their experience and resources to host large-scale events. About 350 athletes and officials are expected to take part. Hosting multi-sport events is part of Game ON - The Ontario Government's Sport Plan, which is helping more people in Ontario get involved in sports, building healthier communities and creating jobs. "Ontario recognizes that amateur sport has significant benefits for athletes, for communities and for this province," says Eleanor McMahon, Provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "These games provide a platform to develop and showcase the skills of our athletes, while providing an important legacy of community pride and sport development in the host communities." Providing competitive opportunities for amateur athletes is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.