The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

24 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 14, 2006 FIFA World Cup - Join in the fun! The beautiful game. The most popular game on earth. Football. Futbol. Soccer. Though the name may change from place to place, the passion that unites team to team, and players to country never wavers. Nor should it, as soccer has proven to be the one sport that immediately transcends language and culture, economics and environment, finances and social classes, and steadfastedly remains "the game" we play.Whether on the emerald fields of England, the beaches of Brazil, the hillsides of Mexico, the shores of Madrid, or the plains of Africa, there are always 22 men, two nets, and one ball. In the World Cup, we come together regardless of past, or future and enjoy a moment in time where we are all united in the love of a nation, and of a game. To showcase their game like never before, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) developed a plan at the turning of the century to convene a unique kind of tournament: One that would unite nations in competition and serve to bring fans together in a common affection for the sport. It would also once for all determine whose brand of the game truly was the best. Grand ideas sometime shave slow beginnings, and it wasn't until 1930 that the first players in the World Cup would take the field. Host nation and recent Olympic champions Uruguay welcomed just 13 teams to this first event. Europeans teams arriving by Ocean liner included only France, Belgium, Yugoslavia and Romania, and so, in a stadium completed just days before competition began, the first World Cup was played to raucous crowds in a festival like atmosphere. Behind the play of their team's Emotional leader Hector Castro, a man who has lost his left arm in a childhood accident, Uruguay would go on to take this first Cup and inspire so much of what would follow. Continuing to grow through tournaments in Italy in 1934 and France in 1938, the Second World War saw a temporary end to competition as nations turned to fighting for their survival. In 1950, the World Cup was reborn and redefined as Brazil took up the reigns and showed the world why, for them, soccer was less sport, and more a way of life. England also joined the World Cup parade at last, and though the two powers did not meet in this particular tournament a rivalry would be born that would play out across fields and nations for generations to come. By 1970, the World Cup and soccer had gone global like never before as for the first time, television cameras would capture and broadcast the event from the playing fields of host Mexico to homes across two hemispheres. In 50-degree heat, players pushed themselves to compete with the Brazilian juggernaught that featured a returning Pele ­ an athlete who had angrily vowed 4 years earlier to never set foot in world cup action, but who would change his mind when seeing the vast potential of the new Brazil squad around him. Eventual winners, this Brazilian squad is sometimes referred to as the very best that ever played the game. Still, the series may be most remembered for a more lasting reason ­ the ball. Finding that television cameras of the day had great trouble in picking up the brown and tan leather ball commonly used,Adidas developed something they felt might be more `viewer friendly'. The resulting black and white checkerboard patterned ball would become synonymous with the game of soccer to a generation, and eventually find a home everywhere from the largest stadiums in South America, to your son and daughters soccer field in towns across the world. Argentina, Spain, America, Mexico, and even Korea have all played host to the world's largest gathering of sports greatest fans. Over the years strategies and coaches have come and gone, star players have been made, excelled, and ultimately faded to be replaced by those who once watched them as children. And through it all, the game endured, prospered, and remained. For whether you race down fields yourself in front of wild crowds, or help children to learn and play the most graceful of games in quite city parks, this game in inarguably `our' game. And its permanence is a testament to us all. Sports, recreation and a vacation! Discover Oakville and surrounding areas this summer Looking for something fun to do this summer outdoors? With an abundance of sports and recreation options ­ you are sure to find something to do. Oakville is the home to multiple trails and parks, soccer leagues, baseball leagues and so much more. For a complete list of all sport and recreation options in Oakville visit www.oakville.ca If you are planning on getting out with your buddies this summer and are looking to stay local, then Oakville is your perfect destination. If golf is what you are in the mood for ­ then you are in luck, with seven beautiful courses in the vicinity and a variety of driving ranges, golfing in Oakville with your buddies is a great day out. For a complete list of golf courses in the area visit www.oeda.ca. If you are thinking about escaping the city ­ then consider going up north for a fishing weekend or haow about renting a cottage to relax, boat and water ski. With Oakville being conveniently located just a couple hours away from cottage country ­ your options are endless! But book soon ­ cottages and campgrounds this time of year book fast! For information visit www.ontarioparks.com or www.ontariooutdoor.com. In the mood for some excitement? Think about venturing off to the casino! Niagara Falls is the home to two fabulous casinos. With and abundance of entertainment, hotel and dining options Niagara Falls is sure to please! Casino Rama is less than two hours from Oakville ­ and is nestled near the scenic town of Orillia. This casino has a beautiful on-site hotel, multiple restaurants and of course ­ lots of gambling options! Nautilus 2ST The 20 minute workout 3 times the results in a fraction of the time FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL EACH GOLFER WILL RECEIVE A SHIRT, HAT, & VOUCHER, REDEEMABLE IN THE "MOE NORMAN LOUNGE" Must present this ad at time of check in. 10 - 1 hour Sessions with Trainer Included in Membership Nautilus Equipment New Free Weight Room (Atlantis Precision Series) Cardio Room & Theatre 10 WEEK NAUTILUS DIET PROGRAM LOSE 20-30 LBS. OF FAT! · No Waiting in line for equipment · More Cardio Equipment per member than any other fitness club in Oakville · QUIET ATMOSPHERE (AVERAGE AGE 45) · Cleanest Club in Oakville · Free Indoor Parking Call for your FREE Workout today! 905-844-1610 Owned & Operated by Paul and Nancy Neufeld since 1982 HORNBY (MILTON), ONTARIO (905) 693-9966 OR (877) ROYAL 18