2010 Winter Olympics

Comments

Billy

The decision on which city will be host to the 2010 Winter Olympics is coming up shortly. Of local interest is the fact that our country’s own Vancouver is in the final three along with South Korea and Austria. It’s been fun watching the maneuverings of the BC government to attract the necessary attention needed to win the vote of the mighty International Olympic Committee. Of special interest was the vote held in BC just to see if the province should spend the time and money to pursue this world-class event. The good folks from Canada’s West Coast voted in favour by 64%. A tip of the hat…to the Vancouver citizens.

My good friend and a great Edmonton sportsman, Chuck MacDonald got hold of me recently to help him get an autograph for a Margaret (MacBurnes) Vasheresse. The signature he wanted was Wayne Gretzky’s. I wasn’t really sure where to start, but a name came to mind and that was none other than Hall of Fame Journal sports writer Jim Matheson. I contacted Jim and he didn’t hesitate when I told him who the autograph was for. Margaret, who just turned 94-years-old, played for the world famous Edmonton Grads basketball team from 1926 to 1936. The Grads were world and Olympic champions many times since their 1914 beginnings. Thanks for getting Wayne’s autograph Jim, and I know Margaret also appreciates the favour.

Regardless of what the team USA sports broadcasters said about Mike Tyson prior to his first round knockout (49 seconds) over Clifford Etienne – they are all eating crow now. Wow! What a right hand. Even Lennox Lewis wouldn’t stay on his feet if Tyson hit him with a blow like the one on Etienne.

I was sorry to hear about the recent passing of Edmonton’s Father of Country Music, Dick (Dad) Taylor. Yours truly had the opportunity to sell for CHED Radio back when Dad ran the station library. Can you imagine, Dad stayed at CHED for 28 years? He was a terrific person and was always one of my favourites among the local radio people.