Before they were grandparents, they were champions
Inspired by the stories our caregivers are privileged to hear on a daily basis, “Before They Were Grandparents” was our way of bridging the digital gap between old and young generations. By launching our website with a live storytelling event, we helped breathe life into your photo and video submissions in a unique, offline environment.
Recently, with our social media agency Village&Co., we hosted our second live event, this time exploring Vancouver’s sport legacy. Featuring storytellers who have represented our city around the world and who hold places in the BC Sports Hall of Fame, we celebrated their achievements in the fitting venue of Vancouver’s Athlete’s Village under the title, “Before they were grandparents, they were champions”.
Before they were grandparents, they were right on schedule.
This amazing shot is one my all time favourites in my vintage photo collection. From the nearly identical looks on each man’s face, to the superb fashion of the man on the right, and of course we can’t forget about this truck. You just know that even back in this era a delivery guarantee was something you could hang your hat on.
-Anthony M.
Before they were grandparents, they were off to market.
This photo has been passed around our family for a few years now. My grandmother found it at a yard sale several years ago and was convinced her grandmother is the woman about to cross the street. Even if this is just a photo without any familial ties, we’ve put a lot of our family history into it. And that makes it special.
-Madison N.
Before they were grandparents, they had two left feet.
I am so happy someone snapped this photo back in the ’40s. The boy on the chair? That’s my grandfather. It looks like he’s not into dancing but he confided in me that he was always jealous of the guys who could dance. “They always seemed to woo the girls”, he said. Since he told me that, I’ve noticed two things:
1- I could use a dance instructor. 2- He was right.
-Barry H.
How a Bicycle Was Made in 1945
A British Council Film from 1945 documenting the design and manufacturing of Raleigh bicycles. (via Devour)
-thanks to our follower Meaghan K. for the link!
Before they were grandparents, they were old pals.
Just some good old boys hanging out on the farm. My dad’s always been very proud of this photo. I used to wonder why, but after years of looking at it, I realize that because of this group of men, our family was able to survive as a farming family. The history of labour in this photo is beautiful.
-Allan Y.
Before they were grandparents, they were causing a racquet.
Tennis has been a long standing tradition for my family. Lessons, coaching, doubles, singles - we do it all and we can thank my grandfather for this familial passion. He had never picked up a racquet until his 22nd birthday in 1943, but after one game he said he felt like he had played for a lifetime.
-Danny B.
Before they were grandparents, they were beach bums.
With summer around the corner, and more and more Vancouverites flocking to Kits Beach on the weekend, I can’t help but think of this photo. It was one of my grandmother’s favourite photos, though I don’t think she is actually pictured in it. But it doesn’t matter to me - it just doesn’t feel like summer until I look at it.
For our second storytelling event, we gathered a group of Vancouver’s most celebrated athletes and BC Sports Hall of Fame alumni. Dan Cumming, Arnie Hallgren, Barry & Louise Soper, and Cindy Crapper have represented our city across the globe. Their stories crossed many genres from those of love, to overcoming adversity and celebrating personal triumphs, but at the heart of it all was a clear devotion to sport.
We’d like to thank everyone for joining us this past Thursday, as well as participating online with our Twitter and Instagram hashtag #BTWGchampions. Thanks to our special guest emcee, Vancouver radio legend Red Robinson for providing us with a few extra laughs. And a special thank you must go to our storytellers - you were truly inspirational.
Before they were grandparents, they were champions
Arnie was the first BC baseball player to make the 40-man roster of a major league ball club, and he will likely tell you he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Before Ted Bowsfield, Larry Walker, and more recently, Jason Bay, it was Arnie Hallgren’s trail around the bases that BC’s Little Leaguers wished to follow.
