June 28, 2001
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

4:28pm. I just sent this off for tomorrow's publication in the Telegraph Journal, the local Newspaper. It might not make it in until Saturday... or maybe not at all, but it was worth a try.

The Vision of Youth Canada Day Skateboard Competition
...a celebration of unity and dreams made reality.

Skateboarding tricks are difficult and dangerous. To be good, a skater needs intense focus and determination, and will practice for months, or even years, praying to perfectly land just once. Hosted by The Vision of Youth, dozens of these athletes will assemble on Prince William Street to compete Canada Day.

I first read about The Vision of Youth in a Times Globe article reporting on a community clean-up the group had conducted. A short time later, I met Janet Scott, who chairs the committee, and I asked for permission to attend a meeting.

There I found community leaders, passionately intent on fulfilling recommendations set forth by the youth of Saint John. Luke O’Hearn, a Saint John High student, curious and eager to contribute, also joined the task force that night. The committee was seeking ideas for the Canada Day celebration, so we suggested a skateboard competition.

Now, here it is... and it will be great! Steve Mackin will MC and Hollow will electrify the crowd and the skaters with their energetic music. Dairy Queen, A&W and Pepsi have donated food and prizes; skate shops, Zone Sk8’s and West 49, donated complete skateboards and clothes; Xerox printed the posters at no cost; and almost everything else is being paid for by a grant from the Government of Canada. The grand prize winner in the 16 and older category will be awarded the opportunity to participate in a unique and challenging course offered by The FAR OUT School, which consists of kayaking from Fredericton to Fundy National Park, and includes five days of rock climbing and hiking, as well as instruction in photography, martial arts, landscape sketching, and acoustic music(valued at $500, plus free kayak rental donated by The Outdoor Adventure Company: havefun.net). The grand prize winner in the 15 and younger category will be awarded a rock climbing or kayaking day adventure, valued at $100, also donated by The FAR OUT School(solomax.com/farout.html)

Canada is a great place to live! United with others who support our dreams, we can to do anything! Without threat of war or starvation, we are free to throw big street parties, or travel to other countries to help those less privileged. When this day of united celebration for our nation arrives at 12am on Sunday morning, I’ll be sitting around a bonfire on a beach with a bunch of friends, singing "Oh, Canada!" as loud and proud as I can. Where ever you are, I invite you to join in. It would be spectacular if the whole city was singing together.

For more information about The Vision of Youth, or offer suggestions to improve the quality of life in Saint John, visit the website: www.thevisionofyouth.com or call: 632 - 6130.