When an athlete reaches the pinnacle of their sport, their countless hours of sacrifice and hard work can often only be matched by one person- their mothers.

This is why on Feb. 24 there will be a special tea party being held at Canada Olympic House by Cold-Fx in honour of the mothers of Olympic athletes both past and present.

Attending this very special event will be Veronica Beers, whose children have figured prominently in Merritt's own athletic legacy.

Beer's son John represented Canada in the 1972 Munich Olympics in high jump.

“With ten kids it was nearly impossible for mom to give our sports a lot of individual time,” says John Beers.”

“But she always made an effort to attend our competitions.

“She even traveled to New Zealand to watch me compete.”

For most people, moving with children is a daunting task.

Make that eight children, a new language and a new country and it is almost unimaginable.

Yet for, Veronica Beers, that was her reality, when in 1960 her husband Nic and their eight children set out from Zwaag, just outside of Amsterdam in Holland, arriving in the Okanagan after an arduous boat and train journey.

“As you can imagine, it wasn't easy traveling with eight children but we managed,” say Beers.

They settled in Vernon near her brother until two years later a fire on Easter morning destroyed their new home and set them on the move once again.

This was a much shorter and less demanding journey though, bringing the family to Merritt with Nic pursuing building opportunities as a contractor in the Nicola Valley.

It was here the family settled, raising ten children, all of whom were intense competitors in sport and school.

John's brother Eddy played in the NHL and was a popular coach for the Merritt Centennials.

His sister, Vera, broke many high school and provincial records in hurdles and all of the children were strong and competitive athletes in their various sports.

Beers is looking forward to the event and will be accompanied by her son John to the high tea.

“I am the luckiest woman alive!” adds Beers.

“I have such wonderful children, grand-children and great grand children.”

“I am truly blessed.”