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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 29, 2006 - 9 Bailey roasted over coals for good cause Former Olympic sprinter honoured at fundraising celebrity roast in Toronto By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Old age, arrogance and a love of spirits were just some of the cheap shots Donovan Bailey received Thursday at his 10th Anniversary Celebrity Roast in Toronto. In between the jokes and ribbing, though, the Oakville sprinter was praised for providing the country with what many consider to be the greatest moment in our sports history. "He's the first Canadian to win the 100 metres since Percy Williams, folks, in 1928," host and TSN sports personality Michael Landsberg told the more than 100 friends, family and athletes at Toronto's Eglinton Grand Theatre. "The guy that 10 years ago, brought this country to its feet." That 9.84 second world record time Bailey clocked July 27, 1996 in Atlanta was the focus of the night, which also featured speakers, comedian Jay Martin and live music provided by Toronto artist Divine Brown. Mayor Ann Mulvale couldn't make the roast, but sent a letter recognizing Bailey's achievements and thanking him on behalf of the Town. "What she said is it was a great moment DEREK WOOLLAM/ SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER A GOLDEN SMILE: Donovan Bailey was all smiles at a celebrity roast held in his honour Thursday. It has been 10 years since Bailey captured gold for Canada and became the World's Fastest Man. for the Town of Oakville, a great moment for her, and she's thrilled," said Landsberg, who added his own colourful language to other parts of the letter, to the delight of an enthu95 39 per month o.a.c. siastic and vocal crowd. In addition to the many athletes in attendance, including Oakville's Damon Allen of the Toronto Argonauts, Burloak Canoe Club product and 2004 Olympic kayaking gold and bronze medalist Adam van Koeverden, the National Hockey League's Jarrett Stoll, Raffi Torres and Kevin Weekes, several sports broadcasters attended the roast to reflect on Bailey's career. Long-time CTV and TSN sportscaster Rod Black, who read a poem he wrote about Bailey's historic win, called him "one of the greatest athletes Canada has ever produced." Black also praised Bailey, 39, for his charitable work. "You've never turned down an opportunity to help out charities, to help out kids," he said. In fact, the proceeds from Thursday's roast -- including money made from a silent auction of Olympic photos and autographs -- went to Right to Play, an athletedriven international organization that uses sport as a tool for the development of children in disadvantaged areas of the world. Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons, who at first took time to tease Bailey for his appreciation of a good drink, called him "forever the enigmatic Canadian." "I don't believe there's ever been another Olympian in this country like him," said Simmons. "So successful, yet so hard to define." Simmons has been covering sports for 27 years and has had a front row seat to some of the greatest moments in sports history. "To this day, people ask me what's the greatest thing I've seen in my career writing See Bailey page 10 as low as $ THE BIGGEST SALE ER! EV $ PLUS *$500 in Government Rebate on 14 Seer Air Conditioner 0 1FF O Treat the kids. Treat yourself. Furnace Check Up *Free central air Financing Available * Call For Details * The Same Day Installation FREE CENTRAL AIR (Installation Extra) Purchase a Hi Efficiency Furnace and Receive a Plus: NO Payment NO Interest For 6 Months O.A.C. Treat your wallet. alk kW Dr Ta un to Du Reserve now and you will receive a central air absolutely free. This is a great opportunity to replace your old inefficient furnace and air conditioner with hi efficiency and greatly reduce your utility bill. Call today to book an appointment with our Professional Home Comfort Advisors. d n W E S T 7 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER 905 849-4998 1-888-827-2665 www.aireone.com * For every entrée purchased, receive up to 2 Kids' Meals for $1.99 each. Maximum of 2 $1.99 Kids' Meals per table. Offer valid only at Kelsey's Oakville. Kelsey's Oakville 301 Hays Blvd · 905-257-5313 Oa k LIMITED TIME OFFER. LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. Oa Pa Ha rk B ys alm W ar Bl t vd lvd nd EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST. rR Rd as fa lga St E $1.99 KIDS' MEALS Tr a