Sports Clearing up some misconceptions After listening to the recent controversy pertaining to Sandown Raceway, I have to tell those of you who are wondering what it is all about, that fertilizer is alive and well and living in some of those reports. I am not claiming to be perfect but I can at least promise to inform you as honestly and accurately as possible. I will not be guilty of allowing you to rest on your laurels, letting you assume you can wager and win on the somewhat camouflaged authenticity of some reports. The stories that I have read, and heard on the air, sounded great. It’s just what I personally wanted to hear — Sandown is saved. Unfortunately stories make a good read and we tend not to look past what we want to hear. Yes, we will have hamess racing at Sandown starting in May. Hopefully we are not being misled into believing we will have a full season of racing. Back 10 the reports. I heard on a local radio station a few weeks ago that the B.C. Racing Commission was to make a decision, by vote, al the request of the horsemen, whether or not to move all racing to Cloverdale, thus forcing the closure of Sandown raceway. In order to make any voting decisions one must have a full board with active members. My suspicions were confirmed. There are only two active members on the board at this time, commissioner Dr. Gordon Davis and commis- sioner-secretary Robert Collis. How in all reality anyone could ponder making a decision beats me. I firmly believe that it is solely due to Jim Keeling Sr. that any hamess racing is appearing at Sandown this season, for which I and many fans are extremely grateful. The see-saw state the track’s existence seems to ride on is getting tiresome. Let me try and sort the sides for you. On one side we have the government's B.C. Racing Commission pondering the move to the Lower Mainland. We have the knowledge to realize the benefits for them. If the races were held in Cloverdale the handle would be greater, funny money. On the other side we have Sandown Raceway. The facts should weigh heavy enough to cause a balanced decision. First, Sandown is a significant tourist attraction with an attendance of over 300,000 per season. Second, Sidney and Victoria businesses benefit to the tune of $300,000-$400,000 per year. Third, local industry is fostered by horse breeding, rearing, training and boarding. Environmentalists will appreciate the fourth point. It’s non-polluting and compatible with the ~ Tural atmosphere of the Peninsula. Fifth, about 300 people are employed during the season. And six, the track requires a minimum of municipal services, yet North Saanich’s munici- pal tax base is enhanced by the racing season. Then there’s the obvious. The Sandown Har- ness Racing Club has put their time, blood and sweat into improving all aspects of the track. Seniors, children and adults alike enjoy the track as an outing. These statistics should make you stand and plant your feet soundly on our Island’s side of the see-saw. You are the central axis and if individuals come forward — whether it be for love of horses, the track or annoyance at the constant threat of losing the benefits — you can be responsible for leaning the decision in our favor. There is a petition already being circulated. Add your name to it or start your own. Take a few minutes out of your day and write your MLA or the Solicitor General. Write to me or phone your mayor It doesn’t take a great deal of ume to do any or all of the above and remember, you can make a difference. A couple of short reminders before I go. The next general meeting of the Harness Racing Club is March 6 at the Royal Oak Inn starting at 7 p.m., everyone welcome. There’s also Wednesday evening racing added to the intertrack schedule, and starting tonight @ | therefore the amount paid to the government there will be a free draw for a trip for two to Reno. : would be greater. 7 You have to be there to win. The club house S It would also save the commission money spent —_gpens at 5 pm. and parade to the post is 6:55 p.m. ee noi Pacific Coast REnCORNG SED — =a E ‘OOD BA Championship Wrestling will COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EEOEEING SEMEE to send officials over to make sure there’s no You can bet on it. TheReyiew Wednesday, February 28, 1990 — Bo ‘Now that you have tried the rest fj Come to Willi’s to look your best W's x. “THE MEN’S SHOP” “in the Marina Court” on 2ND ST. Tues. - Sat. 8:30-5:30 656-4443 OLDE FURNISHINGS ANTIQUES & REPRODUCTIONS UPHOLSTERING BRITISH TRAINED With 20 Years Experience 656-8126 Sidney Terry Huberts, va. Saanich & the Islands 2388 Beacon Avenue Sidney, B.C. Phone 656-6061 Office Hours 8:30-4:30 Monday - Friday STOP SMOKING Safe - Painless Weight control Program SIDNEY LASER THERAPY LTD 103-2527 Beacon Ave. 656-8086 (next to Sidney Super Food) toss each other around in Sanscha Wrestlers raise money for games for handicapped, run by jail inmates Tough guys with a cause will come to Sidney to help raise KODIAK ROOFING SERVICES Your Roofing Specialists (locally owned and operated) FIBERGLASS SHINGLES (the Best) 20 YR GUARANTEE CEDAR SHAKES & DUROID SHINGLES BH POLYESTER MEMBRANE (REPLACES TAR & GRAVEL) MEMBER BBB SINCE 1983 money for games of a decidedly gentler spirit. The wrestling event is a fun- 3 draiser for the Maxfield Games, a ~ set of Special Olympics-style competitions run in May by the inmates of William Head Institu- tion in Metchosin. A few hundred competitors from care facilities throughout B.C. come to the Games each year, said outside volunteer Allan Scott of Central Saanich. Scott said the Maxfield Games . committee hopes to raise about 2 $1,500 through admission and | concession sales at the wrestling event. “Tt certainly helps raise funds for the Games — for things like trophies and ribbons,” Scott said. A dance and ceremony are held for the handicapped participants after the yearly competitions. OUR WATERS OF BLUE Living in Sidney brings us in contact with the ocean almost daily. It may be a walk along the beach, a meal of fish and judging from the number of boats found at marinas and in yards, boating is more than a mild flirtation. The ocean touches our lives in many ways. The first part of this review features a book by Richard E. Thomson, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney. The book is a more serious exploration into the subject. “Oceanography of The British Columbia Coast” covers the history, topography. and general oceanography of the waters of our area. Leading experts have authenticated all material. Included are a comprehensive glossaly, relerences and color plates. Readers are assured of a practical guido lo (he nature of the ocean. “The Self-Sufficient Sailor’ comes from the well-experienced T the Maxfield Games Maxfield died in 1987. His brother Arlon continues the battle. : : ) THE PENINSULA’S Cl 12) (GAL oS FAVOURITE REALTY INC. REALTORS! COMP fatal disease ataxic telangiectasia, a neurological disorder. Jason Ce ae CALL DICK HOWES Home 479-6919 Work 652-4488 Trafalgar Square Brentwood Bay : sailing couple, Larry and Lin Pardey. They have been sailing the ins vue ue ee 8 *xUPHOLSTERY * DRAPERIES waters of the world for over eleven years. There is information on basic pm. a week from Friday at Sans- 4 ANTIQUES KETC. sailing, gear, safety and how to live inexpensively by simplifying. The cha. Admission starts at 510 for adults. Wrestlers from Vancouver will donate their time and travel expenses. Also contributing to the cause will be former World Wel- terweight Kickboxing champion Stanley Peterec, who will give a demonstration. _ The Maxfield Games are named - for two boys stricken by the rare, book also contains ample photographs and detailed illustrations. “The Self-Sufficient Sailor’ carries a healthy blend of informative points and personal stories. Readers will find enjoyment in the reading of either of these books whether for pleasure or a more practical point. Open 8 am - 10 pm EVERY DAY 6655 TRUDEAU TERRACE A BOOKSTORE & MORE BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. 2436 BEACOM AVE, SHOMEY. ELC. VOL 1X6 656-7345 -