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WH]ITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAROR 2,1988, PAGE r) Twice within my generation Cana da bas played host to the Olympies. If we are lucky that wii happen a third timhe (Toronto, 1996) but few solvent gamblers would lay even But twice. Montreal, 1976; Calgary,' 1988. The national legacyoftheseeventswillbedifficulttoprediet. For pure pageantry, nothing could match the procession ofthe Olympie Flame across this country; fo r pure in- volvement of citizens, nothing could have equaled it. We Canadians are basicaily a docile lot, and hesitate to get excited about antything -unless, of course, someone else bas told us that itis worth getting excited about. That many shed tears over the thrill of Olympic spec- tacle, then, augurs wrell.That Otto Jelinek, minister of fit- ness and physical culture, bas promised a continuation of funds for sports participation, also holds promise. But whether or flot Canadians actually become in- terested in Olympic sports -beyond the thrill of the television feast that assaults us every four years -depends onotherfactors. Already, bickering bas emerged between Sports Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee about the shape that training for future Olympicswiltake. On the onebhand are the medal counters, who insist that Canada's Olympic program be measured in a medal count. That mentality bas brougbt the wbole Olympic concept to tbe brink of ruin. This faction dlaims that Medals equàls Success. And you win medals by taking only those athletes who have a realistic shot at a medal and pouring money, time, and coaching expertiseitothem.. If the athlete wilts in such a pressure cooker, then let's find another who is tougher. This is no game for sissies. This mentality barred Canada's Jerome Drayton of a possible marathon medal in Munich in 1972. At that time, 1WITIOUR FEET Up by Bill Swan A ch.ange' in attitu* de Drayton had won the Fukuoka Marathon (the Stanley Cup of marathon running) three times; he was unquestionably at the top of bis form and had demonàtrated bis-abiity to trounce the world's best not once but three times. He should have been a shoo-in to represent Canada. In- stead, wben be failed to meet tbe Canadian Olympic Com- mittee's unrealistically high qualifyin standard in the Olympic trials, he was bencbed. Wben it was pointed out later that Drayton had failed to meet the standard Iargely because the course had been mis-measured be was still left off the team. Frank Shorter went on to win that Munich marathon. Draytonstayed at home. The populist approach to sport promises more benefits. That is, funda should be poured Into sports which enjoy ý' broad base of support; eventually, medals will emerge.' More important, more young citizens will be exposed to sports --in a healthy atmosphere, we hope -and wiil bear. lifelong benefits in health and attitude. Based on Canada's performance in Calgary, figure skatig and skiing are the only sports In whichCanada is world class.*Hockey should be added to that liat, too. Despite'IOC IÉule changes, we still sent a third-rate team, since our best are still locked in professional contracts. How many times have the. Olympics been held in a city which is home to a hockey team that could defeat the Olym- pic champions? Butbased on hockey success, we know how a sports programn must grow. -Abroad base, is required; the sport must be culturaily accepted; the media must pay attention, and provide us with coverage of local and regional com- petitions -and not just in Olympiecyears. And more important, sports fans must take an interept. S§ay what you want about the hot-dog, Yew-Niohted-, Tates of Americaw approach to the Olymipics: Winning is a justification of theAmnerican way -they still know how to supportlocal and college programs. In the States, track meets, college basketball, football or hockey, ail can f111 stadiums. Not so here. Canadians -I'm flot talking about dedicated parents here -prefer to stay at home and eat chips and watch it on television. .Until our attitudes change toward ail Olympic sports, we'Il have precious few Olympie stars.. We can provide the funds to encourage popular sports, We can provide the expert coaching for elite athletes. But. until we fans begin to care about resuits and meets between Olympie years, then it is all for naught. Rossland Rd. widening this ye ar *Rossland Rd. from Thickson to Garden will be widened to five lanes sometime -in- 1988. - The work will be done to handie an inc reasing volume of traffic on the raod, according *to Durham 'Region works chairman Gerry Emmý. "There are 1,200 cars a "day using that road.. That is a substantial amount," said Emm. The widening is expected to cost $1.6 million. Also, improvements will be made by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to the Hwy. 12 gnd Rossland Rd. intèrsection. Emm said the improvements involve- work to the lights and a realignment of Rossland Rd. through the intersection. No cost was available for the work. Emm could not give an exact date as to when the work will begin, saying only "as soon as possible but definitely in 1988." * Hydro substation opened Whitby Hydro will hold the "official" opening this afternoon (Wednesday) for the new substation, located on Highway 12 about a mile south of Brooklin. The station, which cost about $1 million, will "update reliability" in Whitby's north area, including Brooklin, Ashburn and Myrtie and the new development between Rossland and Taunton Rds., according to a Hydro spokesman. European Women's Health Club AEROBIC GUEST, PASS This aerobic guest pass entitles you and a friend to ONE FREE VVEEK of aerobics, gym, vihirlpool, showers.and sauna. EXPIRES - MARCH 15 By Appointment Only. (The management reserves the right to revoke this card at any time.) DRU DON ANDREW is pleased ta. announce the opening of Nis practice in FAMILY MEDICINE by walk-in,,and appointment at the DOCTOR'S OFFICE walk in1MU Medicol Care* Kendalwood-Park Plaza c01mb Hours: 1801 Dundas St. E., Whitby Weekdays 8a.m. - lop.m. 436-9977 Weekends la.m. - 6p.m. FUNACE FI NANCING FOR ONLY ~h. $35 PER MONTH INCLUDES: *Absolutely no interest *Installation and Taxes