This week we can all celebrate two milestones in this community.
Last Thursday we had the honour and pleasure to accompany the Chatelech senior boys' basketball team to North Vancouver as they continued their quest for a North Shore title.
The gym at Collingwood Secondary was packed with Sutherland and Chat supporters, all trying to out-cheer each other. The Chat fans won the cheering battle, and the boys did their part on the court, bringing home a title to the Coast and a trip to the provincials next week.
We've been covering this team for the past two years and have seen all the blood, sweat and tears that have been shed by this team. This group of players, coaches and managers should be commended for this accomplishment. They have handled themselves with class, both on and off the court. They represent not only the school but the Coast as well. We hope there is more in store next week in Kamloops as the boys try for that elusive provincial title.
Good luck, guys. We're behind you all the way.
While we were coming down from this high, word came on Saturday that Gibsons had won an international contest that voted Gibsons' water the best in the world.
Gibsons water beat out more than 60 municipal entries from around the world to win the best water title at a contest in Berkley Springs, West Virginia. At the council meeting Tuesday night, Town of Gibsons staff and council toasted their success with (what else?) a refreshing glass of water. We have to admit we were a bit skeptical when Mayor Barry Janyk proposed the idea in January of entering the contest. Some councillors also wondered at that time whether it was worth it to spend the money for an entry to a water contest. But Janyk was persistent and that persistence paid off with this major recognition. You can't buy more positive public relations. Gibsons has been featured in both major Vancouver newspapers, on Global television and on CBC radio. It's a great honour and something to be very proud of.
Our congratulations and a toast to you, Gibsons. We're reaching for our water glass as we speak!