Well it is that time of year again where with a glimpse of warm weather, thoughts of getting out on playing fields or the golf course become prominent again.
Before I get too far ahead of myself I just want to send my congratulations out to the Summerland Steam for bringing Junior B playoff hockey back to the Summerland arena.
It has been a number of years since we have seen good intense playoff hockey here (please bear in mind that as I am writing this column the Steam are in a playoff battle with their rivals from Kelowna).
The ever popular Summerland Skating Club Pop Concert will be held March 3.
Minor hockey tournaments coming up during spring break include the Novice on March 8 to 10 and Atoms March 15 to17; Ice Hawks (ladies) tournament will be held March 22 and 23, and of course the big Reds men’s and ladies hockey tournament held on Easter weekend.
As I mentioned earlier it is also time to be looking at all the spring activities as many of the organizations have registrations taking place.
Many now take their registrations electronically but if you need any information on the contacts for any of the organizations just call the Parks and Recreation office for more details.
I’ve debated whether to mention this in my column but one of the things I really enjoy about local amateur youth sports is how simple and fun it can be.
When I look at the world of high level and professional sports the innocence of our local sports impresses me even more.
Whether it be the greedy owners and players in the National Hockey league, the disappointment with the fraud Lance Armstrong really was or the problems with drugs in more sports than we even want to mention it is not a proud time for professional athletes and sports.
I do applaud major league baseball for finally making a stand and not allowing the drug users in their Hall of Fame but much more needs to be done to ensure our many athletes have the role models they need.
On a final note thanks to all the aquatic staff and volunteers for the great Tropical Paradise Swim held last Saturday.
Dale MacDonald has been Summerland’s Director of Parks and Recreation for the last 22 years and in his sporting past has won provincial championships in four different sports.