Children's Wish Foundation big winners at Tournament of Champions
By Bill Rea

In addition to being a great weekend of equestrian competition, Tournament of Champions includes a number of fun events, all for a good cause, like the Children's Wish Foundation.

That was the case Saturday, as the annual Celebrity Ride 'N' Drive entertained all at Caledon Equestrian Park. That was followed by an inspiring evening at the Home Depot Children's Wish Charity Gala.

The Ride 'N' Drive featured 10 celebrities behind the wheel, teamed with top riders who first had to guide their mounts through a course, and then drive the car as well.

CTV News Sports Anchor Lance Brown teamed up with rider Yann Candele to take the title. Olympic medalist Curt Harnett and rider John Pearce were second and the combination of John and Ashley Fleischhacker took third.

The Tournament of Champions, over the years, has raised more than $650,000 for charities, including the Children's Wish Foundation. This year the Tournament granted horses to three young children with potentially life threatening illnesses. Unfortunately, none of them were able to attend, but Jenna Poole, who 10 years ago, as a five-year-old, was the first recipient of a horse from the Tournament, was on hand in their place.

"I have learned to count my blessings and not my troubles," declared Poole, who was diagnosed with leukemia as child.

"There really is a wonderful connection made between horse and rider," commented CFRB's Carol Mott, who was hosting the gala.