The official Book Launch for A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp  at Olympia was awesome. It was an Olympia reunion and lots of books sold. The reunion was more important, and lasting. And by the way, the colours were unreal.

 When Joy and I decided to have the official launch at the site where the stories in this book took place, we had no real idea how much fun it was going to be and how much emotion would come out. For this we have to thank the support of Krista Scobie, daughter of Ottawa coaching legend and Olympia coach John Scobie and the Petrushchak family. Yes, they were there to  support me and the book, and to  honour Dave Grace, but it was so much more. There is nothing more priceless than standing around a campfire ( too cold to sit) and just telling stories, making toasts, and reflecting on the memories. People you just met become family. 

Three of the four Petrushchak ( for future reference the spelling is easy. Pet Rush chak) girls were there as well the best coach's kid in Olympia history Chris Bain, son of Olympia pioneer Bob Bain. Talk was often of the importance of mentoring and the impact that we can all have on others. John Petrushchak, the patriarch of the family, with  four daughters who are all doing wonderful things with their lives, is an example of the legacy of mentoring just by caring. Of his daughters  Johnny would be proud. But the power of mentoring being what it is, he also had hundreds of sons. That is how this giant of Canadian basketball treated his players and how they respected him back.

This picture was captured the moments after the book event was over. I appreciate so much the connection of these great people and I also know that whenever we go anywhere on our TOUR OF OLYMPIA to sell books the reunion feeling will be similar. See you all at a book event coming soon near you! 

The first event on the TOUR OF OLYMPIA is next Sunday, Oct 16 from 2-4pm in Burlington. The site is a beautiful restaurant on the lakeshore called Loch Side, right near Brant Street. The event includes a welcome drink and hors d'oeuvres. I'll be reading from the book about 2:15.



Joy and I surrounded by Olympia legends and Olympia family members Krista Scobie, Suzy Petrushchak, Debbie Petrushchak, Chris Bain, Dave Matheson, Kristy Petrushchak, Dave Grace, and Greg Rogers

Watch for future TWD to find out when a TOUR OF OLYMPIA EVENT will be in your area.




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