Message from Olympia

We wanted to take the time to sincerely thank you for your donation.

As you know, we started this fundraiser to support Dave through the ongoing litigation of a business agreement affecting Olympia Sports Camp. Thanks to your support, along with some private donations, Dave was able to obtain the funding he needed. Securing a team of lawyers was a giant hurdle that you have helped Dave surpass. As Dave said, “We are still in the game.”

Currently, we are unable to provide specific details regarding the ongoing lawsuit. That being said, Dave wants you to know how appreciative he is of the support and love shown through your donation. He is incredibly grateful and will continue to fight for camp and all the good it provides. 

Lastly, we are excited to share that despite these legal challenges, camp had an incredibly successful fall season, and we are looking forward to celebrating the 50th year of Olympia Sports Camp and all that entails. Spring and summer are just around the corner and camp looks forward to welcoming staff and campers alike to experience the magic of Olympia. Need a quick dose of that magic?! Here is a video that captures a small piece of Olympia’s heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvqEM90I4R4&t

Thank you once again for your generosity and support!


Two Allies on a journey


This past weekend was another Can't Miss experience as we supported the St John's Parish CWL in Burlington on Saturday before venturing to Etobicoke on Sunday. Two great days, with two great allies adding to the emotion of the sales process.

Dave Carroll and I taught together for a long time. Because of some board issues that far too many teachers get put through, Dave left our school and eventually joined another board for the last 13 years of his career. Tough to see a great person go through what Dave had to endure because of the ineptitude of others, but the irony is that Dave joining another board eventually led him to meeting his wife. A lesson in following your path wherever it takes you for your mental and physical well-being. I haven't seen Dave for at least 15 years but here he walks into the church hall and it was like we saw each other last week.


Then Sunday Joy and I got to spend a couple of hours with Week 5 Olympia gymnastics coach Linda Driscoll. She's a petite gymnast who wasn't built for basketball, and I can't even do a front roll, but because of the family atmosphere of Olympia we have known each other for at least 20 years. Linda actually  set the event up at Big Guys Small Coffee shop in Etobicoke and the time there was awesome. What a beautiful setting! There is just something about a small place that combines coffee and books that leads to relaxation and discussion. We even met a fiction writer who overheard what the book was about and he loved the concept and bought a book. 

Of course an energizer bunny like Linda not only set the whole event up, but she also put together a little Olympia display on the table. Linda is one of those people who really understands  the journey we are all on and the importance of mentoring and caring for each other and especially the next generation. Her favourite part about  Olympia ( other than the coach's lounge) was seeing young gymnasts become coaches and the energy these young people had for the little campers in each and every session. Linda was the pioneer of Olympia gymnastics and she influenced hundreds. She actually made the book better by suggesting to me that I write about the amazing story of former gymnast and now national level pole vaulter Robin Bone. Thanks for that Linda!

Linda and I haven't seen each other for a few years but as most Olympians know, time and distance tends to disappear when we get together. I'm excited for this gem of a person who is embarking on her next journey, moving from Toronto to Grand Bend. It felt so good to have someone so excited about my book and the process we are on.


Brantford up next!

Next Sunday we will be at Sociables Kitchen and Tavern on King George Road in Brantford. Another one of those Olympia-mad places in Ontario, we look forward to a great afternoon of Olympia stories, most of which couldn't be in the book. If you live in the Brantford area, spread the word and come out to buy the best Christmas present any Olympia would love. We are working hard to set up other events but here is what is on tap as we speak. Wherever you live in Ontario, it's worth the drive!




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