May 24th honours Queen Victoria. Some call it the unofficial beginning of summer. Some call it May 2-4. But for a lot of people in the Olympia alumni family and beyond May 24 will be  day of reflection and remembrance. That is the day, in different years, that Olympia lost two of its most dynamic and positive personalities who influenced many; John Petrushchak and Kelly Dunham.

To honour these legends I provide an excerpt of each from A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp. Hundreds of people have walked the grounds of Olympia over its 50-year span and these two were among the best. Coach P passed away on May 24, 2022, just a few days shy of his 83rd birthday. Kelly passed away on May 24, 2020 after a brief illness at the age of 51. That their journeys impacted hundreds is an understatement. John had a great career ar George Harvey and Runnymede CI and is one of Ontario's winningest basketball coaches. The players who model their lives after their mentor is an endless list. Kelly impacted young people at McMaster, Mohawk College, and Transway Basketball. Two things you'd experience whenever you're with these two great leaders; there would be laughter involved and you'd leave feeling better than when you came in. May the memories be a blessing.


An excerpt from Kelly. page 158.

"One night after playing in the field house, I came across to go to my cabin and I saw the northern lights. My cabin was 10 year-olds who were all asleep, but I couldn't let the moment go. I woke the whole cabin up and we all took our mattresses out on to the field and lay there watching the amazing show in the sky. Some of the girls even fell asleep there on the field. I got in trouble for it the next day but the reality is that those girls witnessed an event that is so rare. They had a moment that they will never forget. There are now a bunch of 20-somethings who remember that moment to this day. That's what Olympia is. That's what life should be, filled with unforgettable moments."

And Coach P. Edited from Chapter 4

The bigger- than- life personality of John Petrushchak has inspired hundreds in his teaching and coaching career that started at George Harvey CI in 1965 before his legendary and OFSAA-dominating years at Runnymede, where he won four Ontario Championships. Coach P remembers the players much more than the championships and the feeling is returned tenfold. 

" Funny, I never wanted to leave George Harvey because I enjoyed the kids so much. Some of the players I coached are among my best friends to this day."

One story he told brought 'Johnny' to tears in the retelling.

" I was at camp and there was a phone call from Toronto. A player of mine was hit by a car while riding his bike. He and I were so close. He was on life support, but never responded. His mother asked me to do the eulogy but when I got up there I looked at the coffin and I broke down crying and couldn't continue. "

"It's amazing how we impact kids and how they impact us." 

The true definition of mentorship coming from a true mentor.


A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp is filled with stories about heroes and their journeys. This blog will share such stories, or stories about heroes among us, through the new Olympia App and the growing Olympia Alumni Association. We envision the OAA as a way to share many more hero's journeys and for all alumni to have a vehicle to stay in touch.

 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 

The OAA needs your help.  If you are an Olympia Sports Camp Alumni we need you to register for the OAA and get those in your circle of Olympia contacts to do the same. The link is at:

 https://forms.gle/woWsggqM7zpUyHge9

OLYMPIA HAS AN APP! 


Olympia has created an App that will allow Alumni to connect with the camp events, read content about some amazing Olympia people, and maybe sign your child or grandchild up for the week of their lives. Simply use this QR code to get to the App and all it offers. It will take you to the Olympia website and so much more!




 If you have someone who you feel is a hero of their journey and who the Olympia community would like to hear about connect with me at coachdools71@gmail.com.  Within a community of everyday heroes there are many stories that people would love to read about, stories I would love to write about. 

Why should I buy a book?

- See the 12 steps of the hero's journey come alive

- Learn a lot about yourself by reading about the journey of others.

-Learn about the land of Interlaken, from its indigenous beginnings, to the European migration, to the Norwegians during the second world war, to the launch of Olympia Sports Camp.

- Learn about the Community of Olympia that spans over 50 years.

- Learn that Olympia is a Community of Everyday Heroes

- Learn that you, too, are a hero of your own journey

How can I buy a book

-available for order through Amazon and Indigo.ca

- available at The Different Drummer Book Store on Locust Street in Burlington

- available at the Olympia Tuck and Pro Shop

- Etransfer me $30 and I'll drive it to your house ! 

- available online at aherosjourney.ca

- audiobook version is available at Audible, Amazon, and iTunes 

If you would like us to come to your town for a book event or get copies into your favourite bookstore , email me at coachdools71@gmail.com. We travel well.


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