Rally for Island Olympians

By Steven Heywood
July 9^th, 2008

Michelle Stilwelll, Trevor Hirschfield, Mike Mason, Tony Theriault and Travis Cross have a lot of fans in Oceanside.

The five Olympic athletes attended a rally in their honour Wednesday morning on the Parksville waterfront. Cheering, flag-waving children and adults greeted them as they drove up in vehicles donated by Oceanside Chevrolet for the event. Stilwell, from Nanoose Bay and Hirschfield, from Parksville, are both wheelchair athletes, dominant in their respective sports - track and field and wheelchair rugby. Mason is from Nanoose Bay and was feeling the effects of jet lag after recently winning the Canadian high jump championships in Windsor, Ontario. Theriault is a Paralympic rower from Nanaimo and Victoria and Cross, from Port Alberni, is an Olympic wrestler.

"I really wouldn't be able to do what I do without the support of a lot of people," said Stilwell, echoing the chorus of thanks from each of the elite athletes.

"I hope to come back and show you all a bright, shiny, gold medal," continued Stilwell, a current world record holder in the 100 meter and 200m wheelchair races.

"I have been busy for years, it's a lot of travel," said Hirschfield. "I feel there's support and all the fans here are nice to see. I hope to do you proud."

Hosted by the Spirit of B.C. (Oceanside) committee and Pacific Sport, the rally allowed fans to have the athletes sign post cards, along with the chance to get to know them. It was also an opportunity for the athletes to recognize their families, sponsors and fans.

The 2008 Paralympic games in Beijing, China begin Sept. 6 and run to the 17th. The summer Olympic games are Aug. 8 to 24.




Original Source:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/news/Rally_for_Island_Olympians.html