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Special Olympics and Word On The Street

When James signed up to play Special Olympics softball he wasn't certain he'd be able to hold the bat, never mind hit the ball. He wasn't certain, either, how he'd catch the ball and throw it back to his teammates. After epilepsy surgery he lost the use of his right hand and right arm. In his customary style, though, he wasn't about to let this--or anything--stop him.

With the help of his awesome coaches, Dave and Pauline, and their crew of George, Sue, Ann and Heidi he has acquired so many new skills. He has learned to wrap both hands around the bat and in so doing he often hits the ball out of the field. He has learned to catch the ball with his gloved left hand--then lickety-split--remove the glove and throw the ball--still with his left hand--to his team mates on base. I'm not really sure how he does it, but somehow it works. And always, he has Dave and the gang cheering him on. Thanks, Dave,  Pauline and Special Olympics coaches everywhere for improving the lives of so many special young people.




Last week James and The Scarborough Sliders had their end of season banquet. Here's James with the incomparable Coach Dave. James loves Coach Dave's wicked sense of humour.


Word On The Street


If you love books and magazines, don't miss Sunday's Word On The Street. The annual event, first held in 1990, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Harbourfront Centre. This is your chance to hear hundreds of Canadian authors read from their works.

I can't wait to hear Lisa Moore, three time Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalist, read from her work (1:15-1:45 p.m.). I loved her book, February. I'm also looking forward to listening to acclaimed author, Helen Humphreys (11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.). I've never read any of her books but my writing friends say they are magnificent. I plan to buy at least one of Humphreys's books; hope she'll autograph them for me! I also plan to catch Kathy Stinson (11- 11::20 a.m.), author of one of my favourite children's books, Red Is Best. The weather looks sunny and beautiful for Sunday and best of all Word On The Street is free. See you there!

https://thewordonthestreet.ca/toronto/festival/




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