Athletes for kids program takes a different focus TRIATHLETES FOR Kids, a program which teams athletes with patients at Children’s Hospital, is changing its name to Athletes for Kids. And: according to. Athletes for Kids president Shane Collins, the new title reflects the broader focus the program is taking. Athteres from many sports are indicating interest-in the program, including the Vancouver Canucks organization. Although the program has - primarily operated with triathletes, : “we also recognize that there are - other athletes interested in helping \\ with the program," Collins said. Since its start-three years ago, Athletes for Kids has paired ap- proximately 20 kids with athletes. “The relationship between the _kids;. who tend to have ‘chronic ‘illnesses, and- their. athletes de- - ;pends on the individual. per- sonalities involved; but most ‘athletes visit or contact: their ““‘buddies'’ on a weekly basis and try, to: take them on occasional outings. to:focus:on other than “their: iil- *ness,”" Collins said. Spina: ‘bifi ida: patient Ryan Bon- 8 “son, : now’, a. ‘graduate’ “of the “program, . kept’ Collins’ ‘training log while he _ was “in Children’s “Hospital, ~~ ~ Collins is” encouraged by "the Canucks’: recent’ interest in the _program. He will soon. announce ‘which Canuck ‘will be an honorary captain of the program. . Not. only have: the | Canucls “They -cain’ get into: -something” By Elizabeth Collings News Reporter provided game tickets for the kids, the organization also set up a special meeting for cancer pa- tient Robert Ross who couldn’t see a game against the Calgary Flames because he was on a2 life support system. The Canucks’ Arthur Griffiths arranged for Robert and his athlete, Marty Grossman, to visit the Flames dressing room for a short while before the game. When Robert and Grossman ar- rived, Robert’s hockey heroes Al MaclIniss and Sergei Makarov came out of their hiding places to greet him. “It actually changed him — he got a rush out of it,”’ said Collins. “It’s nice for the children to have this kind of association.”’ While the program’s hook is the lifestyle of an athlete, not every athlete is suited to the program. “We're more interested in the emotional stability of the athletes tather than their athletic pro- wess,’” Collins said. In order to be accepted into the program, athletes aré screened by both Collins and Children’s Hos- pital. . For more information, call Col- ‘lins at 689-0027 or 921-5921. , "SPORTSLINE OCT. “2s.2%" The “26th - annual Vancouver. Ski Show. and. Sale: is eoming to.-B.C. Place Stadium. ‘Fhe show. will include snowboar- .. ding, freestyle aerials, Team USA ~rollerblade demonstrations, ski “fashions, “equipment - manufac- ‘turers demonstrations of the iat- + est. gear and draw prizes. For . more information call 250-9919. . 2#eo : / ocr: 25-27: B.C. Soccer Associa- - tion - will..hold a basic senior “weferee’s clinic for aspiring soccer -referees ‘at the Sheraton Villa Hotel, 4331 Dominion St., Bur- maby (Willingdon and Canada - Way): starting at 7 p.m. Friday “4° Oct. 25 and includes day sessions _ “ the.following two days. Successful . completion qualifies participant as a Ciass.3 soccer referee. Cost is $56 which ‘includes course-training package .and all materials. Pre- registration is necessary. To regis- ter or’ get more information, call 299-6401. @eec > SPORTSLINE RUNS every Wed- nesday.as space permits. If vou are planning an event, submit details by preceding Friday to the North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale ‘Ave., N. Van., V7M 2H4, Priori- y given to North Shore and fund- ‘aising events. ‘O)'/ - Lumberland - Save-On- SHANE COLLINS and Ryan Bonson, now a “graduate” of the look at Collins’ training jog. The Athletes for Kids program operates in conjunction with the Athletes for Kids program, Children’s Hospital. ‘Skil crouse imourttain . ages Ti and Up - moguls, Aerials, Ballet. Program offered by Tyee Ski Club_ Training Saturday.and Sunday and 2 evenings optional Nancy Greene Ski League ¥ (ages 6-12) ‘Registration for both at base of Grouse Mountain Cet. 20, 12 noon-3pm . Fer more information call Ken Everhardt 929-7872 Keith Spence 285-8614 $6,00 with the purchase of two 4 litre jugs of Prestone Advanced Formula Antifreeze/Coolant See stores for details Save up to - London Drugs - Overwaitea Foods - K-Mart - Zellers -Woolco - Cal-Van Auto White Heat,’91 Vancouver — Ski Show & Sale Oct. 25, 26 & 2 BC. Place Stadium Cail the Hotline 250-9919 Ge PITCH-IN AND RECYCLE!