Calgarian Hugh Baker and his bobsleigh team have their sights set on the 2010 Olympic games, but no matter what, they’re making a mark on the sports world already.
Baker and his team inspired a Paul and Talya Shore children’s book called, Bobsleigh Jellybeans.
Baker and his team stayed with the Shore’s during their selection races this year in Whistler, B.C., and teammate Chris Ripley actually illustrated the book.
The book follows the four friends — Adam Anderson, Bobby Staniforth, Ripley and Baker — from when they were children sledding in the backyard to racing together at international competitions.
“It’s just a really good story about friendship, fun, teamwork and following your dreams,” said Baker.
Baker’s bobsleigh team currently race at the development level and are hoping Canada will qualify to send three bobsleigh teams to the Olympics in Vancouver.
They will then have to qualify as the best development team in order to live their Olympic dreams.
Proceeds from the book will go to cover team expenses for this season.
Baker hopes the book will encourage young athletes to work towards their goals and dreams.
“You can do anything you want as long as you put your mind to it and you remember to just have fun”
Baker adds they don’t always win in the book but “the important thing is that every time we had fun”.
