By JEFF HELSDON
The News-Record
Community spirit was in high gear last week, when more than 325 people came to honor Delhi's champion cyclist Godeleive Van-Maele.
She won four gold medals and set three new records at the 1993
United States National Seniors Sports Classic IV in Baton Rouge, La. earlier this month.
The reception at the Delhi Belgian Hall, an event organized by Mary Ann DeBlock and a committee of volunteers, was an emotion-filled event with lots of hugs. Local businesses and other donors contributed to the event to cover the costs.
Jim Broomfield, a local cyclist, commissar of the Union Cyclists International and chief commissar for the province of Ontario among other titles, was master of ceremonies.

On hand were the people who were cheering Mrs. VanMaele on at the event. There were fellow Silver Spokes Cycling member and Louisiana competitor Albert Coulier, and relatives and friends of Mrs. VanMaele.

Several presentations

Presentations were made by local officials, including Haldimand-Norfolk MP Bob Speller, City of Nanticoke Mayor Rita Kalmbach, Brantford Mayor Bob Taylor and Township of Delhi Mayor Gordon Lee.
"What else can you say, but Godelieve, you made use proud," Mayor Lee said. "You set a great example for the young people of the community.
"And when I think of what you did, it tires me out," he added with a grin.
Norm Ramsey, president of the Delhi Legion, read letters from invited officials who couldn't attend, including federal NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin, Premier Bob Rae, Township of Norfolk Mayer Hector Verhoeve and Simcoe Mayor Jim Earl. Another letter was read — one that is sure to be a collector's item — from the scheduling assistant for former Minister of National Defence Kim Campbell.

Appropriate songs sung by local talent Tina DeBock entertained the crowd in between presentations.

Local groups such as the Delhi Legion, German Club Bowling League, Delhi District Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club od Delhi and Big Creel and the Silver Spokes Cycling Club,

"A couple of days before she went, I was riding with her and she was talking about all the support she had in Delhi and said she had to win," Silver Spokes vice-president Gord Pennington said.

"I told her to just go and relax, but she said she had to win.

"Coming here tonight, I can see the support she has, and she did have to win. These people want a party."

Coulier recounted some of the events that happened leading up to the competition. He told of one competitor, Sister Schaffer, who had won the events in the qualifier a year earlier. Mrs. VanMaele set her goal to beat Sister Schaffer.

Mr. Coulier said not to just worry about her, but the other competitors as well.

He was right — the sister finished fourth in every event. He overheard her talking to one of her friends after Mrs. VanMaele had won.
"With a name like God-elieve, how can you beat her."

Mrs. VanMaele was presented with a page that will appear in the heritage album at the Ontario Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre. Proceeds from the evening will fund other pages for the album with her name as the donor.

The community spirit that allowed this event to happen was highlighted by the MC and organizer.

"We're a close-knit community, and nothing points that our more, than me standing in front of you,"

Mr. Broomfield said. "When you look at this town of Delhi, the community never cares where you came from or what you are, it's who you are and what you accomplish that counts."

"This community is something I hope you realize is fantastic," Mrs. DeBlock said. "I think the volunteers, along with the merchants, can take a bow. If the merchants didn't provide food, they gave money to purchase food."

In response to the evening, Mrs. VanMaele was overwhelmed and just gave a short thank-you.

"I'd like to thank Albert and the cycling club because I wouldn't be there if it wasn't for them. I have to thank the service club and everybody who donated tonight. And I have to thank Mary Ann for tonight."