The most loved person in the Town of Whitby today is Anne Ottentbrite. With those three gleaming Olympic medals, she has given this community a sense of pride that it has rarely felt before.
While Whitby claims her as their own, we should not forget that the person primarily responsible for her achievements is Anne herself.
She has proven herself an inspiration not only children and young people of Whitby but to Canada as well.
During her welcome home Monday (Aug. 13), it was the children who wanted to touch her, see her the most. They gave her a welcome: that is probably reserved only for their favorite rock or television star. Anne proved to these people that at a young age they can make a meaningful contribution to the community and the country in which they live. She showed them through her actions that dedication and hard work brings the stuff that dreams are made of.
To be Olympic champion is something Anne will carry with her all life, and what’s more than that, she will carry the love and affection of the people of Whitby for the rest of her life. While Anne has been getting most of the attention because of her success, Whitby should not forget Glenn Beauchamp. While he did not bring home a medal from the judo competition at the Los Angeles games, he, too, is a winner in our mind. Just being selected for the Canadian Olympic team is a great honor and proves that you are among the best Canada has to offer.
Both of these young people have given something to this community, and in return, all we can give them is our heartiest congratulations and our undying affection.
Thank – you, Anne and Glenn. Whitby loves you both.
