The John Dumont Classic

Register@ http://www.johndumontclassic.ca/

I have found it difficult to write about John this summer, mostly because everything about summer reminds me of him and how much we loved this time of year together as a family. When the boys were little summer time meant that John was able to do all the things he loved with them; camp, bike, hike, swim, run and of course tackle any sport or game in the yard that he could… John was a master at making everything into a competition and the boys loved it, even if occasionally it meant that there would be tears shed because of it! With John, anything was possible, you name it, the boys in all likelihood have tried it; from skim boarding, to waterskiing, riding their bikes (with no hands), fishing, shooting a BB gun, canoeing, cliff jumping, or learning how to use a bow and arrow, John had a part in each of these experiences with his boys. Being active and indroducing them to new things was what he loved most. It is a wonderful reminder that memories are encapsulated in the experiences and not the things that you give your children; John was not big on buying the boys the latest or greatest of anything, he hated wasting money on "things" and he had a knack for coming up with random activities that no one had ever heard of, but still proved to be entertaining and competitive. Whether it was fetching a metal ring at the bottom of the pool, hitting a target with a tennis ball using your nondominat hand, or balancing on one foot while shooting hoops, John could turn anything into a game. I was always amazed by his enthusiasm for these unconventional activites, so it is no accident that even today the boys seem to be able to turn everything they do into a competition.

Last summer, as John battled his cancer, his family, friends, and former teammates came up with an idea to host an event that would celebrate the ideals and values John stood for; it was an opportunity to bring community, competition, comradery and the sport he loved so much all together in one place. Unfortunately John was not well enough to attend this Inaugural Event and sadly passed away 12 days later. On August 26, The 2nd Annual John Dumont Classic will be held at the Richmond  Olympic Oval.  Jack, Hunter and Cole know their dad would be so humbled and honoured by this continued gesture. Missing John this summer has been particularly difficult, he is not here to relish in the success of the boys and their latest accomplishments. However, knowing that no one can take the memories that he built with with them away, allows me to feel extrememly grateful. We hope to see all of you at this event to share a beer, a few stories, and enjoy some basketball...John would not have wanted it any other way :)