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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, February 21, 2014 | 6 We've seen the ags in the windows, the Canada mittens on the skaters, the lifestyle changes to accommodate watching a competition or two. We in Oakville have much to be proud of. Not only have two women who call our town home, stood this winter on the Olympic podium -- collecting gold medals -- at the Winter 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, but they are among many who have inspired us. We have been inspired to show our Canadian spirit, to wave our ag higher and larger. We have been inspired to get moving, to reach for our dreams. Inspiration such as that is priceless. Yesterday, the Canadian women's hockey team, led by Oakville's Brianne Jenner, came from behind and amazingly took the win and the gold (see story p.4). Yesterday, the Canadian women's curling team made Olympic history in Sochi, and Oakville's Kirsten Wall had the best seat in the house (see story p. 7). The 38-year-old Wall, who had retired from curling two years ago to spend more time with her daughters, was the alternate on Jennifer Jones' rink that defeated Sweden 6-3 to become the rst women's curling rink to go undefeated at the Winter Games. Wall did not play in any of Canada's games in Sochi, but she contributed behind the scenes and has been rewarded with an Olympic gold medal. Both teams headed into their nals yesterday already a winner -- the only question being, would it be gold or silver on the podium. Nice choices. Best results. As others who have gone before -- most recently summer Olympians from Oakville, 2012 Summer Games kayak silver medallist Adam van Koeverden, men's eight rowing silver champion Doug Csima and women's soccer bronze medallist Diana Matheson -- they are encouraging and inspiring a new generation of athletes to reach for their best and beyond in their chosen sport. They are not alone. Hockey's John Tavares, though sidelined with an injury himself, has yet to see the completion of this year's Olympics nals for his team. Erika Brown, skip for the U.S. women's curling team, also calls Oakville home. And while it may have been the Canadian team that took gold, Brown should be proud. Similarly, rewind to the London 2012 Olympic Games where Kyle Jones, in crossing the line in 25th place, was the highest- nishing Canadian triathlete in the Games. Oakville's Tera Van Beilen just missed reaching the nals of the 100m breaststroke after participating in a swim-off against Jamaica's Alia Atkinson. It's our local sports clubs and Oakville's world-class facilities -- not to mention that all-important support from family and friends -- that assist athletes in nurturing their talent from a very young age, allowing them to go on and excel in international competition. As we always are, we are so very proud of all the Olympians, especially the hometown athletes, whose careers we have watched over the years and who we've been cheering on -- this winter, in Sochi. Thank you. You have brightened our winter days. You have given us opportunity to show our Canadian spirit. You have given us much reason to be proud. Most of all, you have helped us dream of what's possible. Way to go! Editorial I C I N G O N T H E C "Connected to your Community" A K E 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 23 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 The annual Kid-A-Palooza, recently hosted at the Halton Regional Centre, featured children's themed activities, performances, tness and arts programs. Here, Veronica Wylde, 2, enjoys the icing on this cupcake. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS Awards a salute to local businesses Orla Johnston Oakville Chamber of Commerce Chair My View MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager e love to watch the Olympics -- the drama and anticipation of who will be awarded a medal, our admiration for all the athletes who have risen to this elite level and the pride we feel in having them represent our country. There is a relationship between personality and performance. For an athlete, visualizing success can be one of the most important aspects of their training. The belief that one can successfully perform a task, or sport-con dence, is a powerful tool. For business owners, there will always be challenges; some may seem insurmountable. Put in the work and then be con dent in yourself, your team, and your business. Every business owner who succeeds, sets an example for those who follow. To all business owners and entrepreneurs: thank you for inspiring a new generation of business people to be leaders -- and not just spectators -- in the sport of business. Celebrating Oakville businesses is what we do W at the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence Gala coming up on March 27. Now in its 19th year, we come together as a community to celebrate the risk and reward that de nes the life of a business owner -- large or small. Beyond the outstanding level of service, commitment and hard work that the nominees exhibit to earn them a nomination, it is what they give back to our community in many ways that deserves our support and recognition at the awards gala. Businesses large and small are the economic backbone of our communities. Oakville businesses contribute to the local tax base, support local arts, recreation and charities and employment opportunities. And people like to shop locally because they know doing so supports and strengthens the local economy. Oakville businesses subsidize the outstanding lifestyle our community is so fortunate to enjoy. There are awards in multiple categories to capture large, medium, and small businesses, entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, professional services and community builders. These awards are a joint initiative between the Oakville Chamber and the Rotary Club of Oakville West. Proceeds from the event support Rotary youth initiatives in our community. Please join us March 27 to celebrate and give back to those who give so much to our community. Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association 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. 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