Field research
3
Variety of crops tested at Brunswick Point farm
Culinary champs Local chef leads team to Canadian title
6
Inaugural recipient SDSS grad is first winner of Kushnir Scholarship
Series sweep
12
Delta Junior “A” Islanders advance to semi-finals
Optimist
Serene setting
Delta
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FILE PHOTO
Tsawwassen’s Brent Seabrook will bring the Stanley Cup to town this Friday.
Stanley Cup to pay visit courtesy of ’Hawks pair
The Stanley Cup is coming to town. Hockey’s holy grail will be in Delta tomorrow and Friday thanks to two members of the cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks. Tsawwassen’s Brent Seabrook and North Delta’s Troy Brouwer will each get their own day with the cup that will feature both private and public events. Tomorrow at 1 p.m., Brouwer will take the cup by motorcade from the North Delta Public Safety Building to Sungod Recreation Centre for an invitation-only event with minor hockey players. Seabrook will host a similar gathering for youngsters on Friday afternoon at the South Delta Recreation Centre, which will be followed at 4 p.m. by an opportunity for the public to view the cup. Both ’Hawks played their minor hockey in Delta, so they wanted to share the cup with the presentday youth of these organizations. Seabrook, a former minor lacrosse player, has also invited kids from the Delta Islanders. The two NHLers also have private events planned with family and friends.
PHOTO BY
ROB SHAER
Kelly Benefit Strategies swept the podium in Sunday’s Tour de Delta White Spot Road Race as Zach Bell celebrates the victory with teammates David Veilleux and Ryan Anderson. See more photos on Page 18 and at www.delta-optimist.com.
Cycling in the sunshine
Canadian champions crowned as thousands watch 10th edition of Tour de Delta BY
JESSICA KERR
jkerr@delta-optimist.com
Thousands flocked to watch world-class cycling last weekend during the 10th installment of the Tour de Delta. “It was perfect race weather for the athletes and the spectators,” said race director Mark Ernsting, who estimated the crowd at more than 5,000 over the three days. Ernsting attributed the good turnout to the beautiful weather, a quality field and some additions to this year’s program, including a performance by the Delta Police Pipe Band and the Kids Petit Prologue in North Delta Friday night. Another new aspect to this year’s event was the addition of the Canadian Criterium Championship. On Saturday,
PHOTO BY
DAVE WIELKI
European regular Svein Tuft narrowly missed winning the overall title. the Brenco Criterium in Ladner Village doubled as the national championship for both men and women. Young riders took both titles
this year. David Veilleux, a 22year-old from Quebec, captured the men’s crown in the final lap while Leah Kirchmann, a 20-yearold Winnipeg native, cut it even
closer by pulling away in the last 200 metres of the 40-lap race. Ernsting said organizers plan to apply to host the national championship again in the future. Veilleux, who rides for Kelly Benefit Strategies Pro Cycling, was also on the podium Sunday when he edged Svein Tuft by less than six seconds to win the overall Tour de Delta title. He also claimed the top young rider (under 23) award. In the women’s White Spot Road Race Sunday, local racer Claire Cameron, who was born and raised in Ladner, took the title with a sprint to the finish in the last 200 metres with her family cheering loudly from the sideline.
Photos ................ Page 18 Results ..... Pages 20 & 21