The world is mourning the loss of one of the greatest athletes (some say the greatest that ever lived), an icon. Mohammed Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay, passed away last week from complications as a result from him having Parkinson’s. The most famous “Louisville Slugger” of all, transcended all sports and had a huge influence over so many people, not just sports figures, over so many decades. He was known for his fast fists (Olympic champion, three time heavyweight champion, 54-5 record) but even more so for his mouth (the Shakespeare of boxing), boldly making accurate, descriptive and poetic predictions on so many of his fights. He was a man who stood up for Black America (said no to the Vietnam War) and stood along side Mandela and King, he was a superhero to so many, he was priceless, he will be missed.
The Rio (Brazil) Summer Olympic Games are less than two months away and there are still so many outstanding questions and doubts that need to be discussed, analyzed and thoroughly answered. From health hazards (Zika virus), to air and water pollution, to crime, corruption and political scandal (they’re trying to impeach their president), the Brazilians have a logistical and major PR mess on their hands. Not only will thousands of tourists probably stay away, a number of athletes who have already qualified have told their respective federations that they will not attend. Don’t be surprised if you see these numbers increase.
And then on top of all of that, throw in the controversy on whether or not the IOC and/or the IAAF should even allow the Russians or Kenyans to attend the Games because of their ongoing probe into those countries state sponsored “doping” (PED) programs. It’s bad enough when individual athletes try to cheat the system (use performance enhancing drugs) but when their governments actively approve, finance and sanction such illegal activities, they should be punished severely. The IOC have the witnesses, they have the proof, I say ban them from competing and send a strong message to the rest of the world that this type of “behaviour” will not be tolerated and that there will be consequences. But in this politically correct world that we live in, don’t hold your breath. We don’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers, do we? Hats off to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic who became the first man in 50 years to hold all four tennis majors at the same time when he finally won the only tournament that has avoided him, the French Open, to go along with his Australian, Wimbledon and the US Open titles.
The San Jose Sharks avoided being behind the 8-ball when they won Game 3 of their Stanley Cup final series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. But it’ll be all for naught as the Pens should be able to reel in and land the Big Fish in no more than six. The only real question that remains is, will they stick with rookie net minder Matt Murray or go back to their #1 man Marc Andre Fleury.
The Virden Oilers are back on the winning track after an opening season loss, beating the Reston Rockets and Elkhorn Expos, and tonight will entertain the undefeated Oak River Dodgers. They will then host a doubleheader in Virden on Sunday with the always strong Wawanesa Brewers followed by the Souris Cardinals. They’ll cap off their home stand on Wednesday when the tough Hamiota Red Sox are in town.
Congratulations goes out to Virden Junior High student athletes Quincy Flecknor, daughter of Cory and Marcie Flecknor and Amy Lewis, daughter of Colleen and Jason Lewis, for making Manitoba’s Under 14 volleyball team that will be competing at the Western Canada Summer Games in Steinbach from August 10-13. This is a huge accomplishment and is a testament to all the hard work and effort, not to mention coaching, that these girls have gone through.
Until next time...
