Re: “For Sidney Crosby, it’s hard to deke out of politics,” column, Sept. 30.
NHL players and the league have been accused by some in the media of not standing (or, more accurately, kneeling) with their athletic brethren in the NFL and NBA. They have been accused of taking an opposing side in a political dispute by simply continuing a tradition that began long before they were born.
Some have even gone as far as to label Sidney Crosby the “face of ‘polite’ Canadian racism.”
For simply continuing the tradition that has long been the norm during both Democratic and Republican administrations, Crosby has had his character attacked, his motives questioned and his intelligence maligned.
Their criticisms are neither fair nor accurate.
Crosby has done more to bring his country together over the past quarter-century than any other Canadian.
During the 2010 Olympics, while the nation held its collective breath, it was Sid the Kid who secured Canada’s record 14th gold medal with a stunning overtime winner. Millions of Canadians from coast to coast came together, in that magical moment, in an unparalleled embrace of happiness and national pride.
And even more fundamental than his on-ice accomplishments is how he achieved them, through the very embodiment of humility and grace — an unwitting role model to thousands of young Canadians.
From Wayne Gretzky to Alexandre Bilodeau, Sidney Crosby is the latest in a long line of Canadian athletes who have brought pride to their country and contributed immensely to the development of its culture and identity.
And for that, Sid, we thank you.
Aaron Gunn
Victoria
