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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, February 26, 2014 | 6 Hard work pays off and anything is possible. These lessons of life have been played out in real time for all of Canada -- and the world -- to see, thanks to our Olympians in all sports. Canada's men's and women's hockey teams are tops in the world. It's not because of luck, but because they are committed athletes, passionate about their sport. They deserve the chance to shine. As Dave Jenner, father of gold-medal-winning women's hockey player Brianne Jenner says, (see story p.3), he hopes his daughter can be an inspiration to young women's hockey players, whatever their goals might be. "I think just the fact that young girls can see women's hockey on centre stage is important," Dave said. "And, clearly, to see one of their own have an impact at a high level has to provide them with some notion that they, too, can get to their next highest level. Even if it's making the local AA team, or whatever it is." Thanks to the hard work, dedication and sheer drive of our athletes, we are all able to participate in their success and celebrate their joy. Be it the cold days, early mornings, injuries and heartaches along the way, as the athletes stand in the spotlight -- whether on an Olympic podium or for a team photo -- we can all bask in their glory of the moment. So a special thank you to Brianne, along with John Tavares, member of the Canadian men's hockey team, who was unfortunately injured in the Sochi games but who came home with a gold medal, and women's curling team alternate, Kirsten Wall of Oakville, who also came home with a gold medal thanks to her team's historymaking victory. Dave Jenner, himself a former netminder, who played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League in the mid1970s, knows the hard work that goes into becoming an Olympic athlete. "What's impressed us for many, many years is (Brianne's) devotion to the game and her willingness to put in the effort, sometimes very quietly, just sticking to her business," he said. "Whether it's those early-morning practices or seeing extra ice or seeking out extra coaching, it's all been very self-driven. It has to be for a national athlete. You can't fake it. It has to come from within." Those with such passion can easily be recognized -- as Brianne was by her parents. They are athletes with an unwavering interest, a constant passion, and an overriding drive to take them further and higher. This is not con ned to the world of sports. There are many talented people, some of whom are recognized for their aptitude and achievements, others who are not. Nonetheless, it is their dedication that propels all of them forward. We are lucky in Canada there are open doors and opportunities. In many countries, children cannot even attend school to obtain an education. In many places, women in particular, are not afforded opportunities. Canadians are fortunate. Our nation is respected globally. We are a country with laws and values that set the stage for people to excel, pursue their passion and set an example for others to do the same. Everyone deserves a chance to shine Editorial P R O V I D I N G P E A C E O F "Connected to your Community" M I N D S 447 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 52 | Number 24 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS From left, Heather Sibley, Paula DiFrancesco and Kelsang Kongtsa take part in Saturday's fth annual Peace of Minds Yogathon hosted at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario fundraiser was aiming to raise $12,000 in support of the support programs for those affected by serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia and psychosis. The event consisted of a full day of yoga classes led by instructors from local studios. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ HaltonPhotog) MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Thanks from the girl in the purple coat On Friday, Feb. 21, I was walking home on Rebecca Street when I saw two dogs without owners running around Donovan Bailey Trail. I approached them and was struggling to keep them close to me so I could read their collars. A man then pulled over because he saw me struggling with the two dogs and asked if they were mine. I said that I had just found them in the Letter to the Editor park. The man then went and got one of the dogs and put it in his car to check out the dog's tag. He called the owners and they got their dogs back. I would just like to say a huge thank you to the man who came to help me. You are truly awesome. The girl in the purple jacket. Riley Theune, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Prompt care came about thanks to kind strangers On Thursday evening, my husband was walking to Pizza Pizza on Lakeshore Road at Chisholm Street when he fell on the ice. A very kind stranger, who was driving south on Chisholm, along with another man walking along Lakeshore, stopped and helped him into the restaurant, where he was able to get out his phone and call me. After a few hours in emergency, it was determined that he had a break in his upper arm. He is now immobilized in a sling for six to eight weeks. His arm is very bruised and swollen, but thanks to the kindness of strangers, we were able to have it looked at right away. I hope that these two men will read this and accept our deepest gratitude. Nancy Campbell, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 5040 Mainway, Burlington ON L7L 7G5 or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. 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