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Off-roaders waiting to assess fire damage Jessica Peters The Progress
Continued: FIRE/ p5
Chilliwack athlete Joanne Bunnin is congratulated by Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz Tuesday, following her return from a triple gold-medal performance at the Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles. SAM BATES/ PROGRESS
Special Olympian Joanne Bunnin returns with gold Sam Bates The Progress Local athlete Joanne Bunnin arrived home from the Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles with three gold medals in powerlifting. She was welcomed back in celebration by friends, family, fellow athletes, and community members at Staples on Aug. 4. When Bunnin arrived to the cheering crowd, she was thrilled. “I don’t believe this this is so awesome!” she called out. As dozens of people filtered in, Bunnin made sure to thank and hug everyone who came to celebrate her success. While the competition was fierce throughout the twoweek Special Olympics World Summer Games (July 25 August 2), Team Canada’s 114
athletes put up a great fight. Canada brought home 144 medals, consisting of 70 gold, 48 silver and 26 bronze. Team Canada “shattered expectations, set a new standard for National Team excellence and represented our country with great class,” noted Johnny Byrne, Team Canada Chef de Mission, in a press release. Bunnin took home three gold medals of her own in powerlifting for: Female Bench Press (score of 52.50 kg), Female Dead Lift (score of 120.00 kg), and Female Combination Bench and Dead Lift (score of 172.50). “I wish you could have seen me lift,” Bunnin said to the smiling crowd. Her years of training in the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre have certainly paid off,
with an outstanding performance in L.A. “We’re thrilled that you’ve represented not only B.C. and Chilliwack, but Canada, in the World Games,” said Wayne Williams, Chilliwack Equipment Coordinator and coach at Special Olympics B.C. (SOBC), as Bunnin was presented with flowers and a congratulatory plaque. Bunnin, who has been participating in Special Olympics for over 10 years, was “overwhelmed” by the warm wishes and congratulations that she received from all who attended. But her applause was welldeser ved, said Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “Everyone who wants to get anywhere in life knows that it doesn’t come easy; it’s hard work,” said Gaetz.
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“Congratulations on your determination. You’ve made our city so proud.” Bunnin has been supported as an athlete by her family, her local coaches (Bill Stewart, Jason Bertrand, Lynn Martinow, Michelle Riley, and Jo Newell), as well as the National Team coaches. Without their direction and training, as well as Joanne’s dedication, this would not be possible,” said Williams. Staples Canada, in partnership with Special Olympics Canada, has raised more than $680,000 for SOBC athletes like Bunnin with their annual ‘Give A Toonie. Share a Dream.’ campaign. For a complete list of Team Canada results, visit http:// teamcanada.specialolympics.ca/ results/.
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Once the fire near Harrison Lake stops burning, local off-road enthusiasts will be some of the first to venture back into the area. On Wednesday, as the fire was still burning at 650 hectares, they chatted online about possible clean up efforts, getting up there to assess the damage, and eventually rebuilding the area they love so dearly. It’s been a hard fire to watch for regular visitors to the area, as the flames quickly spread through the underbrush and into the trees on Sunday. Myles Denman was one of the first to stumble onto the scene of the fire, when it was just starting, as he and his wife were four-by-fouring in the area that morning. “We probably came across it around 11:40 a.m. or so,” he said. “We were on our way to Hale Creek, a favourite spot for us wheelers.” While it was still relatively small, it was beyond anything they could handle alone. “It was clear that it needed major resources immediately,” he said. “Nothing we could do with a couple shovels and no water.” They called it in, with the little reception available, and stayed a safe distance away to watch the initial firefighting efforts. “They did everything they could, trust me,” he said. “We watched the whole response.” Hale Creek was one of the areas members of the Four-Wheel Drive Association have been hoping won’t be destroyed by the fire. Denman goes up there every couple months, he says, but it’s a busy recreation site with off-roaders going up there daily.