At a place like Olympia relationships create strength and closeness through being like-minded people who seek to share their knowledge and talents while taking on coaching with enthusiasm and passion. The relationships are hewn by shared experiences that are bigger and deeper than any time and distance life may bring. Case in point:

Eric Tiessen has given his professional life to helping young people see a future through fun and hard work. He has taught elementary school for more than thirty years and is not done yet. He coached at York University and helped them win an Ontario championship while the lead assistant to Bill Pangos for more than a decade. Eric and I coached Olympia week 9 for more than ten years, working mainly with Bill and Adina Lopez in the WBA division. We then switched to week 5 and a couple of years we even roomed together. I remember one time we took on the Zipline with success! And yes, Eric was in on the bear story of some repute.

Because of COVID and other life factors Eric and I haven't seen each other for more than three years. Joy and I have been in Miramichi NB for the last two weeks and the other day Eric posted something on Instagram that he was staying just outside Charlottetown PEI, which is about a three hour drive from Miramichi. I contacted him and he decided to cut short his stay there and came to stay one night with us on his way home, and the miles and distance just disappeared. The chance posting led to an Olympia reunion. I hope and know that this happens regularly with Olympians but I just wanted to share how special this was. There were the obligatory Olympia memories shared but more so there was an hours-long conversation where we both talked about where we are in our lives, even sharing stories of loss since we last saw each other, like only good friends can. Friends like those who have a shared experience like Olympia Sports Camp.

A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp has stories of the people whose shared passions weave through he history of the camp. This story is not in the book, yet in many ways it is. Great seeing you dear friend.


The link to the blog is TuesdayswithDave.blogspot.com


This blog is about the journey of the writing of the book A Hero's Journey: From Little Norway to Olympia Sports Camp. The blog will contain excerpts from the book and my personal thoughts on what the place and the people that make up Olympia's journey is all about. The title comes from the great book Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom. The blog's title is recognizing Dave Grace as Camp Director, but all content is my own.


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