adrenaline may 2011

1AdrenalineReginaSports.com

Extreme Racing

May2011

CharlotteKot

Reuben Ross

KevinHolness

May 20112


May 2011

06 Get to KnowReuben RossDiving into the international waters has become habit for Reuben Ross of Pilot Butte. Diving individually and synchronized with Alexandre Despatie, Ross is succeeding on the world scene.

12 Yudan InfightBrazilian ties strengthen Yudan Infight, a Brazilian jiu jitsu school in Regina. The Brazilian Infight head instructor and top black belt were in Regina teaching recently.

08 Charlotte KotA tryout in Toronto for the national team is both an opportunity and an experience for Charlotte Kot, the grade 10 student playing senior basketball and for Team Saskatchewan.

FEATURES

04 From the Editor

15Your Body, Your Mind

16Forever & Today

Kevin Holness

20Motocross

22Focus On

Cheerleading

24Corporate Challenge

26Sports Personality

Norm Banfield

28Where to Go

Lake Diefenbaker

30Y’er Welcome

May 20114

Column photo by Maurice Laprairie

been absolutely thrilling with amazing series, surprising results, and proof that in sport, anything can happen. Often one person’s victory is another’s defeat, which provides heated debates between friends, family and coworkers.

In the meantime here in the city we look forward to our summer sports. The recent floods in areas of the city and particularly in communities close to Regina were shocking and hard to believe. There is much devastation remaining, but what the flooding did show is the way communities come together to fight the elements, and how resilient Saskatchewan people really are. We hope summer arrives soon so we can get outside and enjoy. Stay active, stay healthy, and have fun.

Cheer hard,

Julie FolkEditor

Contact:Adrenaline: Regina Sports(306) [email protected]

To advertise: [email protected]

As we switch seasons from spring to summer, we look for excitement in a few different places.

Close to home, the WCP Cup provided action for three weeks of April. Soccer, a sport so popular worldwide, is played frequently here but not often watched or talked about. Loyalty to a team was obvious as fans packed into the EventPlex all of April, flags waving and their country’s colours accenting the facility.

Loyalties also come out through the NHL and NBA playoffs. This year’s NHL playoffs, so far, have

Excitement away from home

From The EditorAdrenaline: Regina Sports

Issue 18: May 2011

Editor-in-Chief: Julie FolkAdmin Manager: Allie FolkSales & Marketing: Ashley KasdorfCreative Director: Jay Roach

Contributors: Natasha Brotzel-Fry, Bob Hughes, Maurice Laprairie, Rob Weitzel, Jeff ZimmerPrinting: PrintwestISSN: 1920-4698 Cover Photo: Doug EngstromCover design: Jay Roach/AdSpark

Copyright covers all contents of this magazine. No part of the publication may be re-used or copied without the expressed written consent of Adrenaline: Regina Sports.

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May 20116

Reuben RossGET

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Reuben Ross has been making a splash around the world. The 25 year old from Pilot Butte began his career with the Regina Diving Club, and ever since has been competing in national and international events on his own, and in synchronized diving with partner Alexandre Despatie. Ross continues to push his goals even further, and is looking forward to the London 2012 Olympics.

Adrenaline Regina Sports: You are in Canada right now; what events are upcoming ?

Reuben Ross: We are diving in the World Series for synchro, which is by invitation only. After the next two World Series in England and Russia, there is the Canada Cup here in Montreal.

ARS: You grew up in Pilot Butte. When and why did you begin diving?

RR: I’ve always liked water and had fun in it. I took swimming lessons as a kid and we had a trampoline in our backyard growing up, which I liked to play on. My parents decided to enrol me in diving when I was about 9 and it went from there. There’s a funny story my dad always likes to tell. I was maybe 2 or 3, and we were in a hotel swimming pool and they had a diving board. I wanted to jump off and my dad said sure. So I go up on the diving board, and with no hesitation at the end, I just jumped off. I came up with a big smile, went to the side of the pool, and went back again. So I guess that was really my first time diving.

ARS: At what point did you realize that you could have a future in diving?

RR: I think probably when I was in my third year of diving – I was about 12 – and I won a silver at junior nationals, Photo by Scott Grant

Courtesy of Diving Canada Plongeon


which was really the big first step for me and the realization that this is more than just a sport and there was the potential for me to really take it further. There are always ups and downs. There are always times when you doubt yourself and your ability and your potential. When I was 12, the Olympics and high competition was a dream at that time and a long way away, but by the time I was 19 or 20, I really realized and understood my actual potential. It wasn’t a far off dream and I could make the Olympics – it was right there. Those were the two important points in my career.

ARS: You moved to Edmonton in high school and then went to the University of Miami on a scholarship. What was that experience like for you?

RR: I finished my degree there in civil engineering, and of course it was a challenge, but I really enjoyed it. It was a good move for me to go down to Miami. Before that, I was at a hard time in my diving career. I wasn’t enjoying the sport as much, and then I went down there and it reignited my passion for the sport. Going to school and diving was good – it was busy of course, but it was a nice balance. I would go to school and then at practice I could just focus on diving. It was a good experience.

ARS: How has your competitive career progressed?

RR: 1998 was the year I won silver at junior nationals, and then went onto junior worlds, so that was my first experience at the international level. Then 2004 was my first senior international competition. There’s a big difference from juniors competing with people your own age to senior internationals, competing against the best in the world. It takes a little while to get used to and get comfortable.

ARS: When did you begin synchronized diving?

RR: 2009 was the first season I competed with Alex. I did synchro before, just not with any success. Obviously Alex is one of the best divers in the world, and it certainly helps when you have a strong teammate. Diving with one of the biggest names in the country doesn’t do any harm. It’s been great, though, to dive with him. I think we’re a pretty good match, and obviously we’ve done well. It pushes me to keep up to him.

ARS: You dive both synchro and individually in various events. Do you prefer one over the other?

RR: I do individual everywhere I can – it’s just a matter of qualifying. At the Commonwealth Games I did individual 3 metre and 1 metre. I won silver on the 3m behind Alex. I don’t think I prefer one over the other. They’re certainly different. Even though they’re both diving and you get up there and perform, there’s a different dynamic and a different feel when I’m competing in synchro or individual.

ARS: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

RR: Winning the Commonwealth Games (in synchro) was awesome. It feels really good to be on the podium and see your flag being raised and hear the national anthem being played. That, and winning (the 3m) at Canada Cup in 2009 and getting the bronze medal (in synchro) at the World Championships in 2009.

ARS: You are training in Montreal now – what kind of training do you do outside of practice in the pool?

RR: We do a lot of dryland training – trampolines and dry board, which is like a diving board but going onto a mat. We do weights, which I know people find weird, but for diving, especially springboard, you have to be strong, then the higher you can jump to make a dive. Mental training takes practice. I think that’s something that has helped me with my success. The better I can get at visualizing, the better I can be at diving.

ARS: In addition to receiving the Diving Canada Male Athlete of the Year (in 2009), you were named Saskatchewan Athlete of the Year (in 2008). Do you receive a lot of support from home?

RR: Most of my family is in Regina still, and I have a lot of friends here who follow what I do. I feel a ton of support, and I’m thankful for it. I’m obviously focused on diving and that’s been a huge part of my life that I’m working on right now, but I want to be more than just an athlete. I want to try to be a good example. It makes a big difference to say hello to the kids – I know it did for me. Especially with kids from Regina, because that’s where I’m from. I feel the connection.

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May 20118

This year she’s going even farther, upon an invitation to the Canada Basketball

National Cadette (under-16) team identification camp.

“There was no notice or anything, we just got an email one day with lots of information,” said Kot. “It was a very exciting day at my house.”

Kot received the news in mid-March, when she learned that she would be travelling to Misissaugo, Ontario from April 21 to 25.. She had heard quite a bit about the program before, as her friend Joe DiCimon, who attends LeBoldus High School with her, played on the male team last year.

“It’s always been a dream,” said Kot of playing on a national team. “I’ve played on the provincial team, and that has been a great experience. I’ve been thinking about this for the past two years, but I never suspected it would happen; it’s just been a goal I was aiming for.”

Kot made it to the final group of 20, but was not selected for the final roster that will play in the world championship this summer. She will, however, remain with Basketball Canada’s High Performance training program and has a promising future at that level.

Aiming high

Laura Hunko has coached Kot on many different teams – including Basketball Saskatchewan programs – from the time Kot was in Grade 5. Hunko said she could always see the potential in Kot and is proud of her accomplishments.

“I remember the first time I coached Charlotte, and coming home and telling my parents how amazing she was as an athlete,” said Hunko. “She always wants to know more and be better in every single way that she can be. She’s a coach’s dream – she’d do anything for you. I just think types of athletes like Charlotte are rare. I always knew that she was going to be phenomenal as she

has that spark in her that you can’t teach; it’s just ingrained in her.”

Kot began playing basketball even before she was old enough to play in a league – she would play with older sister, Madison’s, team. She then began playing in the RCBA (Regina Community Basketball Association) and later with her club team, the Dawgs, which her father, Joe, coached. She said having her dad as her coach has helped her immensely over the years – in addition to games and practices, they’ll watch basketball games on TV together, or go check out University of Regina Cougar games.

Charlotte Kot has always played at the highest level of basketball possible.

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By: Julie Folk

May 201110

“I’ve coached a lot of wonderful kids, but I’ve never coached a kid who loves (basketball) more than she does,” said Charlotte’s father, Joe Kot. “She loves her teammates, she loves her coaches, she loves the competition, she loves the group functioning together, winning or losing. She loves it all and she soaks it all up.”

While playing with the Dawgs, Charlotte and her teammates would always play in a division higher than their age group, which helped their development. Many of the girls from the team are now playing with the LeBoldus senior girls high school team, with whom Kot won a city championship this year. She was only in Grade 10, but was asked to try out for the team, which went undefeated in league play throughout the season.

“It always gives you an edge to play (senior),” said Kot. “The speed of the game really changes from junior to senior. I didn’t play (every game this) season because of an injury, but I still learned a lot from watching, which was good.”

Kot also plays with the Centre for Performance, a program that exists in each province. Basketball players from Grade 8 to 12 try out to play with the program. It was there last spring she tore ligaments in her knee, and after surgery in July she was rehabilitating her knee for several months until rejoining the LeBoldus basketball team just after Christmas. In the meantime, she would practice and shoot.

“The injury was fairly severe,” said Joe. “Not being able to play the sport, she replaced it with rehab, doing all the work seven days a week for at least an hour a day for eight

months. It’s unusual for an injury like that to happen to a 14 year old, and to fight through it and be back where she was is simply a reflection on her work.”

When she went through physical testing, Charlotte proved her knee was back to the same strength it was at pre-injury.

“When I get into game mode, I don’t even think about it,” said Kot about the healed knee injury. “It hasn’t given me trouble.”

While LeBoldus lost the provincial final to Holy Cross of Saskatoon at Hoopla, the 2011 city championship win is one Kot won’t forget.

“The last shot in the city final was so exciting,” she said. “Our school had such great cheering at that game. When the last shot went, the entire court just flooded with fans and everybody was so impressed with how great our school was with our cheering. It was like the whole school had won, not just our team. So that was a great feeling to have that support.”

Kot will continue with her development this summer through provincial basketball, and she was also asked to join a Saskatchewan Gold Team in softball. In 2009, Kot was the Team MVP on the Saskatchewan U-15 Gold Softball Team. For the most part, the seasons of sport have worked out well for Kot.

Even though she is in Grade 10, Kot has worked with coaches at various university and collegiate programs, but she is keeping her options open for the future. In addition to working with coaches and players through the Centre for Performance, Kot was a team host at the 2009 CIS National Basketball Championship in Regina. Because she is bilingual, Kot was also an interpreter for the Laval Rouge et Or.

“Charlotte is an all around phenomenal human being, and that adds to why she’s successful in her game,” said Hunko. “She’s very humble and especially at her age she’s such a hard worker in every aspect.”

Kot said with the various aspects of basketball – her school team, club team, time on her own in the gym, and tryouts for other teams – she is always excited to hit the court.

“I’m just excited to see how good you have to be,” said Kot before leaving to Ontario. “A tryout at such a high level is giving me so much experience and lots to learn from. It’s a great opportunity.”

Photos, previous pages, by Madison Kot.Photo, this page, by Jamie Wilson.

“A tryout at such a high level is

giving me so much experience

and lots to learn from. It’s a great

opportunity.”

- Charlotte Kot


To this end, the Canadian Sport for Life initiative (CS4L) has identified a new approach to long-term athlete development (LTAD) to encourage youth sport programs to steer away from competitive and intense sport-specific training for children under the age of 10 years old.

The CS4L models tells us that children under the age of 10 should be focusing on developing fundamental movement skills as an essential component to their ongoing success and participation in sport. Such skills include running, jumping, kicking, throwing, and balancing, to name a few. If children miss out on this critical time to develop these skills, it becomes more difficult to develop these skills later in life. These movement skills are used in a variety of sports and an athlete that does not possess these fundamental skills will face many challenges in developing the sport skills needed to enjoy and be successful in sport later on. A child that does not enjoy a

Fundamentals in Youth Sport

sport is more likely to quit and will miss out on the opportunity to be active with their friends and peers. According to CS4L, less that 40 percent of Canadian parents feel that their children have developed these skills. Providing children with the appropriate fundamental movement skill instruction in fun and non-competitive settings is the best way to encourage children to participate in sport. Whether these young athletes participate competitively or recreationally down the road, their ongoing desire to play is highly increased if they have mastered these fundamental movement skills and have had fun while doing so.

ICANPLAY Sports and Girls in the Game are programs for young children that are developed based on the CS4L long-term athlete development model and fundamental movement skills instruction. They offer non-competitive and fun sport experiences

for children, introducing their participants to ten different sports a year. These programs are committed to fostering a love and passion for a variety of sports within each child. ICANPLAY and Girls in the Game coaches are trained Fundamental Movement Skills coaches through the National Coaching Certification Program of Canada, working as leaders in the area of youth sport instruction. These unique programs have already begun to positively impact hundreds of young children. Be sure to check out their websites, www.icanplaysports.ca and www.girlsinthegame.ca. Your child will love the positive experiences they offer through sport!

By: Jeff Zimmer

Less than 50 percent of Saskatchewan children participate regularly in organized sport, and starting at the age of 11 this percentage begins to steadily decline. We face many challenges in terms of recruiting and keeping children active and engaged in sport as they go through life.

Photo by Rob Weitzel, www.sportsshooter.ca

May 201112

Chris Desautels and Joe Bossenberry joined together

their knowledge and passion for the sport in a new school, which opened in November of 2010 and has grown faster than they could have imagined within the past six months. Through an affiliation with the Brazilian Infight school, students have the opportunity to learn from Regina black belt instructors Desautels and Bossenberry in addition to Rogerio Poggio, the head instructor of the Rio de Janiero Infight, and one of his top black belts, Eduardo Cadena.

“We built a bond with them right away,” said Bossenberry of the connection with Infight in Brazil, where jiu jitsu is a culture and a way of life.

“They started coming here for seminars and we went back to Brazil to train specifically at their school.”

“They welcomed us completely,” added Desautels. “We were training for a long time (Bossenberry since 1994 and Desautels since 1999), but we didn’t belong to a team. They welcomed us with open arms.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the fastest growing martial art in North America. It became

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

popular due to its association with Mixed Martial Arts; however they are not the same sport. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a sport on its own, with some of the techniques used by MMA fighters. Yudan Infight is a BJJ school exclusively. Desautels and Bossenberry are two of only five black belts in BJJ in Saskatchewan, and of 80 black belts throughout Canada. Their extensive background and love of the sport is what led to the opening of the school. They have competed on a national and international level, adding to their experience.

At Yudan Infight, all levels of skill, ages, and demographics are welcomed. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a sport that anyone is able to do.

“The emphasis behind Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has always been that by using grappling and leverage, a small, weaker person can defeat a larger, stronger opponent,” said Bossenberry.

“I compare it to judo,” said Desautels in describing BJJ. “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is 20 percent throwing, 80 percent ground grappling, whereas judo is the opposite of that. We have similar takedowns, throws, and techniques, only they have developed their takedowns further, and we’ve developed the ground techniques a lot further. We focus on group grappling and techniques, such as submissions and sweeps.”

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Chokeholds, respect, joint locks, and a positive attitude make for the perfect combination at Yudan Infight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

By: Julie Folk


Some people come to Yudan Infight to compete; others come to learn, or for recreation and fitness.

“We’re discipline and we have a structure and we’re organized, and we have expectations that we hold our students to in and out of school,” said Desautels, who has been with the RCMP for 10 years; Bossenberry has been a corrections officer for 13 years. “The philosophy is to have a positive environment. We only want people here who are going to contribute to that positive energy. The jiu jitsu culture is very family-oriented. When we go to Brazil, we walk in the school and even the guys who don’t know us give us big hugs. We want the same culture here.”

While there is a line of respect at Yudan Infight, there is also a camaraderie and friendship between instructors and students. Sean Quinn is one of the top mixed martial arts fighters in his weight class in Canada. He has worked with Desautels and Bossenberry for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aspect of his training, and he is most known for jiu jitsu and wrestling, as he competed as a wrestler for the University of Regina Cougars.

“It’s a fun place to be and has a good structure,” said Quinn of Yudan Infight. “They have a syllabus they follow, and you learn through repetition. It’s well organized, and Chris and Joe are personable guys

– it’s fun to be around both of them, which makes it more enjoyable.

Even tournament training, which is more intense, they’re able to keep it enjoyable. When training for a tournament, or a fight, it gets redundant at times and your body is breaking down, but I can’t say I’ve missed many practices. When you have a good team supporting you, you get through it.”

Once each year, Poggio and Cadena travel to Regina from Brazil to hold seminars for the athletes at Yudan Infight.

“They love jiu jitsu and you can tell they love talking about the sport and teaching it as well,” said Quinn.

“They come here, and they’re teaching the basics, but in such detail that it makes a big difference.”

Desautels added that the affiliation with the Brazilian Infight school helps keep him and Bossenberry up to date on the newest aspects of the sport, and when he takes the athletes from Yudan Infight to Brazil to train and compete, they all come back much improved and knowledgeable about the sport and the culture.

In Regina, Yudan Infight trains at Spirit of the Dragon. Desautels knew the owners of the Spirit of the Dragon

from the martial arts community. Spirit of the Dragon contacted Yudan Infight when they heard they were looking for a place to train out of.

“Part of the reason we have had so much success in a short period of time we attribute to (Spirit of the Dragon),” said Desautels. “They have been running a martial arts business for over 20 years, and we benefit from their professionalism and learn from them.”

Yudan Infight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu trains anyone from the age of 13 and up, and they may begin youth classes in the fall of 2011. For more information, call Chris at 527-6657 or Joe at 541-7309.

May 201114

Photos by Maurice Laprairie


What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic treatment for the health of people for more than 3,000 years. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific places on the body called acupoints. Only sterile, disposable “one-time-use” needles are used. Acupuncture is used most frequently for treatment of acute and chronic pain, muscle spasm, tenderness, and headaches.

Each acupoint lies within the skin and muscle region, and is related to the location of pain. Needles may be placed in the local area of pain or quite distal to the area of pain. The needles may be stimulated by hand, electrical stimulation, or heated locally.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s neuroendocrine system to produce its own natural pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins.” Endorphins help the body to heal itself and are excreted by the brain into the circulatory system.

What will you feel?

There is often a small pinching sensation as the needle penetrates the skin. This is often followed by a dull, aching sensation referred to as “chi.” Overall, the entire procedure is relatively painless.

Possible side effects

Adverse effects are not common, but are possible. Al-though extremely rare, these risks include, but are not limited to:

• Bruising• Temporary aggravation of symptoms• Nausea• Fainting• Infection• Bleeding

Acupucture By Natasha Brotzel-Fry, ACFI (Acupuncture), BScPT, Physiotherapist

Live life now.Stapleford Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic is a quality wellness centre in Regina. We offer a wide range of programs and services to get you back to optimal health. Our team of professionals are friendly and knowledgeable. We want you living life to the fullest. Call our office at 543-0990 or visit www.staplefordphysio.ca.

376 McCarthy Blvd N., Regina, Saskatchewan • Phone: 306.543.0990

PhysiotheraPy • exercise theraPy • occuPational theraPy • Dietician

Please advise your therapist if you experience unusual symptoms during or after your treatment.

Notify your therapist immediately if you think you may be pregnant. Many acupuncture points are not safe to use on individuals who are pregnant as they can cause contraction of the uterus and possible early labour.

What to expect from treatment

Some people obtain relief immediately, some notice improvement after a few hours, and some after a few days. Some require several treatments before responding. Some do not respond. Generally, acupuncture has a cumulative effect over several treatments. Therefore, a trial of four acupuncture treatments is recommended before deciding if it is effective for you. Occasionally, symptoms become worse before they improve. This usually only lasts one to two days. The number of treatments required varies with each person and condition.

YOU

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May 201116

FOR

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“I had in my mind since I was four years old that I was going to play professional soccer

and play for my country,” said Holness. “Every day of my life playing soccer, it may sound like a cliché, but I strongly believed that I was going to make it.”

Holness was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved with his family to Regina when he was young. His first soccer coach was his dad, Keith, who introduced him to the game. Kevin’s father and mother, Bev Munroe, provided Kevin every opportunity to play in city and community leagues when he was growing up. In the meantime, he spent every chance he could kicking the soccer ball against the fence, or playing in the park or the street with his friends. Coaches such as Gord Baker, Pancho Bravo, Eugene Seckler, and Ken Philson motivated Holness as he moved through his soccer career.

“What I learned from them, about being a coach and a player and a father, it really taught me a lot about the game and the different perspectives,” said Holness.

When Holness was 15, he was playing for Team Saskatchewan. One weekend a scout was flying from Toronto to Vancouver and had a layover in Regina. Saskatchewan was playing

Kevin Holness

Manitoba, and the scout saw Holness and recruited him for the national team program. Holness spent the next 12 years in national team programs – from juniors to youth to the Olympic level to the senior men’s national team. He is one of the few Saskatchewan players to play at that level.

“Throughout my career on the national team, I’ve had coaches and players tell me that I would never make it to the next stage,” said Holness. “It’s almost like they look at a player from Saskatchewan and say, ‘you’re lucky if you get there next time.’ When I came back to Regina, all the coaches there pushed me much harder, so I was always more than prepared going into training camps, and it surprised a lot of the national team players that I could keep up and even excel stronger than some of the other players. I worked twice as hard away from training camp, away from organized practices and games, spending a lot of time trying to master my trade.”

When Holness was scouted to try out for the national team, he joined 15 year olds from across Canada at the training camp. He said the experience was extremely harsh and gruelling, and everyone was counting down the days until the end of training camp. After Holness was chosen as one of the 22 players from the camp to make

the team, he travelled with Team Canada to Holland, where the challenge was then playing other countries, such as the Dutch team, which had players who had already signed multi-million dollar contracts to play soccer professionally.

Holness was scouted to play professional soccer through the Olympic team program. He was drafted by Hamilton, and the Vancouver 86ers then acquired his rights, as Holness was training in Vancouver with the Olympic team. The equipment manager

Kevin Holness spent his childhood and early soccer career aspiring to play for Team Canada and in professional leagues. When he reached his goal, he always vowed to give back to Saskatchewan, as coaches who inspired him did when he was young. Now he continues to do all he can to grow and promote the sport of soccer in Regina.

By: Julie Folk


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Your event could become Regina’s next success story.

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sport test.indd 1 2/23/2011 11:21:44 AM

from the youth national team Holness had trained for then became the head coach of the Winnipeg Fury, and he traded for Holness as he was rebuilding the team and bringing in young players. Holness later played in the North American Soccer League, which would later become Major League Soccer. In the winter, he played indoor soccer with the Edmonton Drillers.

“It’s tough; when you live in Regina you have to move to play at that level,” said Holness. “There are no opportunities here. It may sound farfetched, but we’re definitely looking for opportunities to bring some amateur or semi-pro soccer to Saskatchewan. That’s always been a goal of mine and I’ll continue to seek that goal to give kids locally something to achieve to.”

Holness said when he would come home to Saskatchewan, coaches and players would ask about drills or any secrets from the professionals. But he said more than anything, it’s about the repetition and practice.

Holness retired from professional soccer in 2001, and played for Team Canada up to 1997. He had a few experiences along the way that stand out.

“I had the opportunity to play for Canada at the Francophone Games in 1989 in Morocco,” said Holness. “We ended up winning gold and I scored a goal to beat Morocco in the final. We were playing in front of over 60,000 people in a new stadium. On the bus ride there, there were people jumping on our bus, rocking it at the red lights; they were throwing eggs and tomatoes at us. Every opportunity they can get to intimidate the opposition and gain an advantage for their home country, they go to extremes.”

In countries around the world, soccer is second only to religion. Many times in Canada, fans for the visiting teams would outnumber Canadian fans. When Holness was playing in the Caribana Cup in Toronto, he was playing against Jamaica. Jamaican fans filled over half the stadium in Toronto. “I went to grab a ball that went out of bounds to throw it in, and all these Jamaicans started calling me names, like ‘you traitor,’” said Holness. “It was awesome and I just loved it.”

Holness is now the technical director of the AC Futbol Club in Regina. He continues to work with kids in the city, giving back as he always said he would. The biggest initiative he

has undertaken is WCP Cup, which began as a result of his vision seven years ago. The annual soccer tournament, which features 1200 participants in men’s, women’s, youth boys and youth girls divisions, includes players from Regina, throughout Saskatchewan, and even Canada and beyond representing nations of their heritage. The event continues to grow each year as WCP Cup has become one of the main events Regina sports fans look forward to each year.

“Our whole vision for WCP is to promote and grow the game,” said Holness, who is looking at expanding WCP Cup to invite soccer teams representing their heritages from across Canada to play in a much larger outdoor event. “If we can get a stronger relation with the youth, I think that’s going to motivate them even more to stay in the game.”

Kevin and his wife, Dawn, have a six-year-old son, Kairo, and 12-year-old daughter, Kiah, who are both becoming involved in soccer as well. He would like to have them love the sport as much as he does, but said he’d like to let them come into the sport on their own. In addition to organizing WCP Cup, Holness plays with Team Jamaica, and also plays soccer with masters teams.

Holness would like to see more Saskatchewan soccer players get to the national and professional level, but he said it all starts with the development of the sport, and bringing more awareness to soccer as a competitive sport in Saskatchewan. Soccer has always been a way of life for him, and he looks forward to keep giving back at home in Saskatchewan.

Photos: Opposite page: Holness playing with the Edmonton Drillers. Courtesy of Kevin Holness and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. Above: Holness playing with Jamaica in the 2011 WCP Cup. Photo by Aileen Anthony.

May 201118

These Rogues have done quite a bit of travelling, but the difference is they always have a place to call home.

The Regina Rogues have a shorter history than a few of the rugby clubs in Regina, but it’s certainly a lively history. It has led to multiple championships in recent years at the city and provincial levels in addition to highly skilled players who have gone on to national success.

In 1981, Karl Fix, Greg Tomczak, Chris Bayda, and Leo Lane saw a need for another rugby club in Regina. There were only two clubs in the city, and more competition was required, as was a club for younger players to join. Most of the players came to the team from LeBoldus High School. John Schofield agreed to coach, and the Rogues began.

“Initially we got our butts kicked,” laughed Tomczak. “Then as time went on we got more and more competitive.”

One factor contributing to the improvement of the Rogues was the tours the club participated in. They began by visiting clubs on the west coast of Canada in 1983 and 1985 to bring together the young team as well as take in some high quality rugby. The tours then expanded to countries such as the United States, Europe, Germany, Trinidad and Tobago, and Cuba.

“You’re travelling to these different countries and making new friends, and it’s all part of your education,” said Fix.

“Rugby is about having fun and new experiences. Once you go on the first (tour), there’s that bonding. That was a great success, and we used that as an avenue to attract players to the game.”

On one tour, the Rogues played and beat the Cuban national rugby team. They also played the German national

Regina Rogues

team at home in Regina. In addition to travelling, the Rogues have hosted many international teams as well as international players – often players from other countries will come play with the Rogues for a season.

The Rogues’ current success began in about 1997, when Dick Cornish came to play with the Rogues. Cornish, and later Jered Kirkland, became involved and helped put together a core of players.

“It’s from consistency and the fact that we’ve had some good leadership,” said Tomczak of the Rogues’ success. “Jered Kirkland has been the captain for the past six or seven years. He’s a great player and an inspiration for a lot of the kids who have come to the club.”

Kirkland and a core nucleus of players who have remained with the club have driven it in recent years. In addition to local success, there have been Rogues playing with Team Canada.

In the 1980s, Tim Sinclair and Mike Holmes played with the senior national team; today DTH van der Merwe and Scott Franklin play with Team Canada. At the junior age grade national level, Rogues such as Jeremiah Cowan, Don Alexander, Zeljko Stefanovic, and Jon Benson have all played.

Off the field, the Rogues have been interested in growing the sport of rugby in the city and the province. The Rogues are working on expanding the youth leagues in order to grow the sport. The club also holds a shinny tournament on Boxing Day, and have raised $4,000 for an orphanage in Uganda, in addition to participating in many other fundraisers.

The Rogues were also the first club in the city to begin a women’s team.

“I’m very proud of this club,” said Fix. “They’ve had their fair share of success and have shown leadership off the field in administration and coaching. Many Rogues stick around after their playing days and help further the game with the club as well as the RRU and SRU.”

There are three teams within the Rogues club – the division one team, a division two team, and a female team.

For more information: Men’s - Greg Hanwell at 535-0079 or [email protected]’s - Jess Barre at 530-0918 or [email protected].

Be sure to watch Adrenaline Regina Sports for the next two months as we continue to profile the four Regina Rugby Clubs. For more information see www.saskrugby.com.

At times, Rogues are defined as vagrants, people who travel from place to place.


Saskatchewan Rugby Union

saskrugby.com

Call for more [email protected]

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Ensure Crownsremain public entities

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Support the growth and preservation of our Crowns

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Opposite: The Rogues after winning a championship.Above: The Rogues on one of their tours, playing the Cuba National Team.Photos courtesy of Karl Fix.

May 201120

Motocross is a family sport; it is a great opportunity for the family to get out of the city and enjoy

some fresh air, exhilaration, and exercise. That’s right, exercise. Those who are unfamiliar with the sport of motocross often comment, “How hard could it be? You just sit down and twist the thingy there and you go, right? You’re motocrossing.”

The truth is that riding motocross is like a 15- to 20-minute mechanical bull ride and as you get better, the ride becomes longer – up to 40 minutes. A modern motocross bike weighs in at 225 pounds and puts out 30 to 55 horsepower. They must be controlled by a rider through 12-inch deep ruts, mud, and sand; and over jumps in excess of 120 feet from takeoff to landing. This all being done while trying to maintain a consistent rate of speed which is faster than anyone else on the track. At the highest levels, the professional motocross racer often has a heart rate near maximum for an entire 40-minute moto (race), twice per race day. Studies have shown that a professional motocross racer must have the strength of a gymnast and the endurance of a long distance runner.

Of course at the local level things are toned down a bit but still taken quite seriously. The amateur motocross moto lasts 12 to 15 minutes and is repeated once per race day. There are many classes for different age groups and skill levels from four to six year olds

Hitting the dirt

racing 50cc bikes, to women and vet classes for those who can’t act their age (me). The Regina Motocross Club will host the regional race on Sunday, June 12, 2011. There will be a set of practises early in the morning and racing should begin around 10 a.m. We are really hoping for better weather this year as the 2010 race day was a struggle due to rain.

The Regina and Area Motocross Club is one of the largest off-road riding groups in the province. It has over 125 members and was formed in the early 1970s, and affiliated with ten other clubs across Saskatchewan through the Saskatchewan Motosport Association.

The main goal of the club has always been to provide a great facility for off-

road riding and motocross racing with a family-oriented atmosphere. The club has hosted five Canadian national events featuring top riders from across Canada and the USA. This is not our sole focus, as we host a Saskatchewan regional race each year. In addition to competitions, Wednesday night rides are for both racers and non-racers to enjoy. These short club races are held just for fun, and are a great way for non-racing riders to get a taste of competition in a laid-back setting. Riding and bike maintenance clinics also help riders improve their skills. The riding facility, Moto Valley Raceway, has a motocross track, a vet track, a dirt track oval, a separate

Springtime and I can’t wait to ride my dirtbike again. The memories of all those perfect sunny summer days with a cool breeze and the sound of motorcross bikes all around me, images of Moms and Dads sitting in the shade watching closely as their childern ride lap after lap on motorcross bikes ... this winter has been too long!

By: Craig Hillrich


track for 50 cc bikes, and large open areas for play riding. Soon, an enduro-cross track featuring tractor tires and log crossings will be added to the facility.

In motocross, riders follow the natural landscape – in Regina, the track takes advantage of a natural valley that runs through the area, with man-made obstacles challenging riders. The track has hard-packed soil and a backward-falling starting gate.

For more information regarding our club or events visit www.reginamotocross.com or email [email protected].

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for the family to get out of the city

and enjoy some fresh air,

exhilaration, and exercise.”

- Craig Hillrich

May 201122

FOCU

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Cheerleading in Saskatchewan has grown the same way. And for many

athletes, their passion for the sport is evident in the effort and energy left on the floor.

“It’s a combination of stunting and dancing,” said Carley Weisbeck, who is in her first year with the University of Regina Cougars cheerleading team. “There’s stunting, there’s pyramids, there’s twisting and flipping, and all those elements combine into a routine where you have to smile and look pretty and wear lots of makeup.”

Cheerleading has developed over the years from a cheer team on the sidelines of football and basketball games to a sport in itself. The change began in the 1980s, and while today cheerleading teams are still very much involved with other sports, they also stand alone.

“I’ve heard people say, ‘football groupies,’ which is very upsetting, because that’s not at all what we do,” said Weisbeck.

“You’ve got to see it to believe it.”

Cheerleading

The Saskatchewan Cheerleading Association, which originated almost ten years ago, recently held provincials in Regina. Age divisions from tiny to collegiate included pom, small, and large stunt groups, and all competed for the provincial titles, which are the culmination of competitions throughout the year. There are now both school teams and club teams competing in various divisions.

Each routine featured athletes – male and female – performing dance, stunt, and group routines in the LeBoldus gym, as fans packed into every seat possible to watch each team fly through the air and show off their moves. It’s really a sport that has to be seen to be truly understood.

Alora Biram and Brittney Bisbanathan competed for the Balfour cheer team in the senior large school and the group stunt competitions. Both athletes came to cheerleading from a dance background. The school teams begin by teaching basic skills and work up to more complex routines.

“We both starting stunting at Balfour,” said Bisbanathan. “Our coaches are really good about teaching us and making sure we understand what we need to do.”

“When I was in Grade 10 and first starting on the team, we went to workshops at the U of R, and had cheerleading camps, which helped a lot,” added Biram.

Both athletes look forward to the future with teams such as the U of R Cougars – who won the 2010 PCA National Championships in the small school division – and the Saskatchewan Roughriders Cheer Team, who became one of the CFL’s few stunt teams in 2007. Bisbanathan has another year with Balfour, while Biram is graduating this year.

“Cheerleading is probably the best time I had in high school and what I will remember most,” said Biram. And now, it’s not a sport that has to end at high school.

Pyramids begin with a strong foundation. Many elements then come together to build it to the top and finish with flair.

By: Julie Folk


“It’s not just a placeholder or a social activity anymore,” said Faye Matt, the vice president of the SCA.

“It’s a physical, athletic, competitive sport. It’s all about school and club teamwork and spirit, but it’s also a very competitive sport... For high school aged open athletes, they have something to move onto after. There are places to go with it. This is a small, tight-knit community. Many athletes from the U of R and Rider teams are involved in coaching, judging, and helping with these events.”

Cheerleading is a judged sport, in which competitors in the various divisions are judged on their technical skills – the difficulty of the skills and their execution of them – and then also the routine skills, which is how everything comes together.

Many athletes come to cheerleading with gymnastics or dance backgrounds; others come to try out the sport without any particular experience in one or the other. The number of males in cheerleading is also growing all the time. Canada often follows the collegiate teams in the United States; many of the elite teams are half male. One issue in following the U.S. is that there are some safety statistics from the U.S. that keep school boards away from the sport. However the SCA, who were recently given emerging status with Sask Sport, are adamant about putting safety in place and making sure all teams follow safety guidelines.

“There are limitations as to what they can do (at each age group),” said Matt. “As an association, we strive to train our coaches. We provide them a coach’s conference and learning opportunities so they can learn about progressions in what they’re teaching.

We promote that the proper equipment be used. Teams need to practice on mats. At provincials, we have a sprung floor. Then at competitions, there are spotters there to help the teams in competition when some of the nerves are there.”

As competitions continue to grow, there are more and more teams all the time and the level of competition continues to increase. What is also changing is the perception of cheerleading.

“I think once people see it up close and personal, they realize what it’s all about,” said Matt. “But people need time to get the awareness and be educated. It’s a matter of getting people out so they can see what’s actually happening. People look at all the glitter, but if they saw the hours in the gym and the time training and the athleticism, it changes the perception.”

May 201124

There will be laughter, shouts, action, and most of all – fun.

No, it won’t be school children or university students playing – it will be Regina’s corporate world, taking a day to participate in fun activity while raising funds and awareness for KidSport Saskatchewan.

It’s the KidSport Corporate Challenge, now entering its 15th year of competition.

“The day as a whole is a lot of fun and really brings people together,” said Blair Ledingham of Greystone Managed Investments, who has been involved in the event for the past five years. “It’s great to see your coworkers together in a different situation from work. We’re a tight-knit group over here, but that really tightens the bond. As a corporation, you get that type of benefit in addition to giving back to something that’s making a difference.”

Ledingham challenges other firms to try to topple Greystone from its championship perch. “Last year we had two teams from here,” he said, as each team is made up of eight people. “Monetarily we do some different things to raise funds overall. Last year we had a challenge between the two teams from Greystone. But

Out of Office

it is equally as important to encourage other corporations to become involved and step up both financially and from an athletic persepctive.” There’s also the opportunity to give while becoming involved and having fun as well, he noted.

KidSport is an organization that resonates with many people. Sport and athletics holds an important place in the lives of Regina citizens, both in the corporate world and throughout the city. Sports create opportunities, life lessons, and help structure many childhoods. Fundraising for KidSport is giving back so all can become involved in sport, and not restrict children from involvement due to financial reasons.

By inviting corporations and the general public to spend a day in sport, it

reinforces what KidSport is all about, creating awareness in addition to raising funds. The Corporate Challenge

On May 28th, the University of Regina will be alive with activity as the campus and the surrounding athletic surfaces will be filled with Shot in the Dark Bench Volleyball, Football Fantasy Challenge, Wheelchair Rugby, Dodgeball, and Ping Pong Baseball, to name a few events.

By: Julie Folk


KidSportTM is a children’s charity dedicated to assisting children of families facing financial obstacles to

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is a day of activity for teams to participate in. Some teams dress in costumes – one year the Flintstones attended and another year a team was dressed in business attire for each event. The activities change slightly from year to year, and use the University of Regina’s Kinesiology building, the swimming pool, the basketball courts, the soccer field, and the football fields as playing surfaces.

“At the end of the day, there are a lot of tired people!” said Chris Chepil, executive director of KidSport Saskatchewan. “We try to keep it goofy and fun. It’s unbelievable how much some of the teams raise.”

The idea, which began in Saskatchewan, is now spreading to other provinces, as they are incorporating it into their own fundraising calendars. And why not with the success seen so far in Saskatchewan?

The KidSport Corporate Challenge will be held Saturday, May 28th. There are 26 teams in the sold-out event. There is a minimum entry fee, and teams are encouraged to raise additional funds. For more information, see www.kidsport.ca/sk.

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May 201126

“He gives everything of himself to help swimmers

be successful,” said Sandi Pettit, whose two children, Maggi and Patrick, spent many years swimming with Norm and the Marlins. “He committed a lot to the swimmers, and he got a lot of commitment back from them.”

Banfield has a love of many sports and while he has always had a passion for swimming, he could – and has – coached in many different disciplines.

“I love working with kids,” said Banfield. “And I’ve always liked swimming. I watched my brother doing fly-back in the ’50s when I was about 8. I was impressed with how he did it and that’s why I got into swimming. It’s something I’ve always, always loved.”

Banfield is originally from Halifax but his military career has taken him across Canada. When he was with the Airborne regiment in Edmonton in 1975, his job changed to a physical education instructor in the military, and he worked at the air force base. They needed a swim coach, so they appointed Banfield. He continued coaching when he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis in Digby, Nova Scotia, and in 1977 he was one of the first

Norm Banfield

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When Norm Banfield began coaching the Regina Y’s Men’s Marlins Swim Club, he thought he would stay two or three years. Fifteen years later, Banfield is retiring from the Marlins, though many swimmers in the club can’t imagine the Marlins without him.

coaches to take the NCCP Swimming Technical 1 clinic in Canada.

“It just snowballed from there, because I was doing something I loved,” said Banfield. He also coached university volleyball and has experience competing and coaching in hockey and sailing. Along the way, he had many interesting experiences with swimmers, such as billeting his team on the floor of his mother’s house in Halifax, coaching a 10-year-old boy in Chilliwack who was called “Wayne Gretzky of the Water,” and coaching CFB Shearwater in Dartmouth, where his team broke 18 provincial records over a two-year span. Then in 1996 he was to be posted to Victoria, but

instead decided to look for a job in Regina where Lucy, who is now his wife, lived. There was an opening for a coach with the Regina Marlins; Banfield applied and the club took off from there.

“When I started, we were here at the Y(MCA) and only swam from 6 to 7 a.m. in one lane. It was pathetic,” said Banfield. “After two years, it totally changed. We have more hours now, more lanes, and this year we have 52 swimmers.”

Banfield’s coaching utilizes everything from underwater video (he was one of the first in the province to use it) to


cross training (the club plays basketball and floor hockey every weekend and also does weight training and yoga) to his whistle, which almost every swimmer and coach can instantly recognize.

“I don’t want to be too hard because of my military background, and I don’t know if that makes me soft,” said Banfield. “One of the kids I had also played football. He said the thing his football team could have used was me! I was amazed at that.”

Pettit said Banfield, who Swim Saskatchewan named the 2007 Coach of the Year, certainly taught life lessons to his swimmers over the years.

“He didn’t accept lateness for any reason,” said Pettit. “When my kids were swimming with him, it was not uncommon that if a swimmer was late for practice, there was a consequence. For a long time it was four (sets) of 200 fly. We joke about it because some of the kids became pretty good at fly! But his expectations were no more for the kids than they were for himself.”

Banfield said he is never late for a practice and has always put the swim club first. Banfield was a masters swimmer and his own physical fitness has continually been important to him. But he would always make sure he never worked too hard himself so that he wouldn’t be tired while coaching his swimmers. Once retired, he expects he’ll be back in the water quite a bit more.

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Coaching here – as a civilian, he would say – is a bit different than coaching with the military. In CFB Halifax, where he was posted to after his last tour, Banfield had 7500 students a week through his gym, where he also supervised 28 staff. In Regina, he has three or four staff, but with a smaller club, he gets to know all of his swimmers quite well.

“Norm truly loves what he does and his love of the sport really rubs off on his swimmers,” said Maggi Pettit. “He not only aspires to make you a better swimmer but he also helps you to succeed in all areas of your life.”

Banfield travelled with the Marlins to swim meets, and if a swimmer from another club didn’t have a coach attending, Banfield would include the swimmer as one of his own. If Banfield couldn’t attend an event, he kept in close contact with his swimmers.

“My son Patrick went to the Western Canada Summer Games in 2007,” said Pettit. “He was doing the 1500 m free, and I was on the phone with Norm because Patrick had taken off. Norm was so excited listening to the race. Patrick broke his personal best by 45 seconds, and Norm was on the phone with him after, just so excited. He was like that with everybody.”

Upon his retirement, Banfield and Lucy plan to travel to the Caribbean. But Regina swimmers, coaches, and parents of swimmers have a hunch they’ll see Banfield quite a bit at the pool – whether he’s swimming himself, or helping coach when he can.

Photos courtesy of Sandi Pettit

May 201128

Lake DiefenbakerThe summer sun shines down as you gaze out over the lake. The calm, clean water stretches out for 225 kilometres. Sailboats and motorboats dot the horizon, as the vast openness of the lake allows room for everyone to fish, windsurf, sail, and boat at their leisure. It’s the perfect summer getaway.

By: Julie Folk

Lake Diefenbaker is the largest lake in southern Saskatchewan, and

provides all the room you need for a summer of entertainment and a little bit of paradise on the prairie. The lake itself is surrounded by 800 square kilometres of shoreline, and plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation.

The lake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and from many different styles of summer vacation. There are resort villages, such as the Resort Village of Elbow which holds a harbour of dozens of sailboats. There are three provincial parks – Douglas Provincial Park, Danielson Provincial Park, and Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park; two regional parks – Palliser Regional Park and Prairie Lake Regional Park – and numerous municipal campgrounds that invite campers in tents or R.V.s. In addition to Elbow, communities such as Beechy, Central Butte, Davidson, Macrorie, Outlook, Riverhurst, Tugaske, and Whitecap Dakota First Nation all welcome visitors and offer accommodations and entertainment for everyone.

This manmade lake, created as a result of the Gardiner Dam and the subsequent flooding of the South Saskatchewan River Valley in

1967, is just a 90-minute drive from Regina. In addition to restaurants, accommodations, services, shopping, and other amenities, Lake Diefenbaker is a place to be for sports and recreation enthusiasts. We’ve looked at a few different ways to enjoy the lake and area.

Water Sports

There are many different ways to have fun on the water of Lake Diefenbaker. The lake is home to various kinds of watercrafts. Rip behind the boat in a tube, cut through the

water on a water ski or jump the wake on a wakeboard – there’s plenty of space to do so behind a speedboat. For a more leisurely ride, houseboats are often seen on the lake. Jet skis zip over the waves while many yacht charters, boat launches, and river tours are also available. Then you can move on your own power - or the power of the prairie winds. Sailboats and windsurfing is quite popular as the Saskatchewan winds blow and the open waters provide the opportunity to fly through the air and over the surface of the lake.

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Fish

In the past three years, two world record Rainbow Trout and the world record Burbot have been caught at Lake Diefenbaker. Bring your fishing rod in the hunt for the fish you’ve been dreaming about. There are also plenty of smaller and tastier fish for those looking for supper. Lake Diefenbaker may be most well known for its world-class fishing, in particular for species such as trout, walleye, northern pike and perch. For more competitive fishing, the Annual Lake Diefenbaker Walleye Classic is held in May and the Saskatchewan Landing International takes place in July, with several other local fishing derbies through every season.

Hunt

Off the water, the area around Lake Diefenbaker is home to wildlife and waterfowl. With many nearby establishments offering guided hunts and lodging, hunters will have success in the search for geese, Hungarian Partridges, ruffled grouse, and duck. The whitetail deer live in the area, and with the richness of the natural outdoors, hunters are assured to find optimal game.

Hike

To spend an active day off the water, a hike may be the best answer. Walking, hiking, and riding trails surround Lake Diefenbaker, with portions of the Trans-Canada Trail in the area offering optimal views of the lake. The Skytrail, Canada’s longest pedestrian bridge, spans the South Saskatchewan River at Outlook. It is 3,000 feet long and 150 feet above the water. There are also tour companies in the area with guides, maps, equipment and accommodations for serious hikers.

Golf

There are six golf courses in the Lake Diefenbaker area, each offering a unique experience. The courses follow the natural landscape of the area, taking advantage of the beauty of the land. The Sage View Golf Course, the Sask Landing Golf Resort, and the Harbor Golf Club & Resort offer spectacular views of the lake and the terrain of the course, while closeby courses round out a golf vacation.

For more information or to plan your trip to Lake Diefenbaker, see www.lakediefenbakertourism.com.

May 201130

FROM THE DARKEST OF TIMES

By Bob Hughes

You have to first remember those

times. Remember the darkest of moments in the frail history of man’s inhumanity towards man. Remember the thousands of children, God’s Children someone once called them, being closeted in a dark and suffocating isolation

that virtually choked the hope and life out of them almost from the very day they were born. It happened everywhere, this sorrowful chapter in the history of mankind. It happened in Europe, it happened in North America, it happened right here in Saskatchewan. And, were it not for the election of a U.S. President soon to be felled by an assassin’s bullet, things might not have changed when they did.

There was a time when those born with an intellectual disability – mentally retarded they were called – were doomed to a life virtually alone. They were hidden away by parents, who became ashamed by what they had produced, and they were shunned by society, castoffs in an uncaring human jungle. Nobody wanted anything to do with them, and, sometimes, you think that had it been legal, they would have been put down.

It was not until the 1960s that somebody stood up for all the intellectually disabled and said, “Enough is enough! They are as much people as anybody is, and they should be treated that way.”

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was that person. A member of the powerful Kennedy family of the east coast, she had a sister who was intellectually disabled. The child was kept in the Kennedy house, hidden from view from everybody. When Eunice’s brother John was elected president of the United States, she called a family meeting. She said it was time somebody did something for the thousands of people in the United States who were intellectually disabled. Her brother, the president, agreed, and he was a powerful ally. Eunice wrote an article for Saturday Evening Post telling her sister’s story of how she had been shunned by society and family, and that it was time for this to end. Within days, the outpouring of support for her exploded, the gut-wrenching stories from parents of “God’s Special Children” began to pour in, and a new movement took flight. Camps were organized for the kids, and they filled up quickly. And, from that one article was born the Special Olympics movement.

Y’E

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CO

ME It swiftly spread. Today, there are over 3-million

Special Olympic athletes in almost 200 countries worldwide.

Canada has over 32,000 athletes. And, Canada’s Special Olympics start had its beginning because of one man who had had enough. His name was Harry (Red) Foster, an advertising guru in Toronto. Harry Foster was a giant in the public relations world. He had pioneered play-by-play broadcasting in events such as wrestling, rowing, bike racing, polo, track and field, and university and Canadian Football League football. In 1969, he started Special Olympics Canada. Why? Because of his love for his sister, who was intellectually disabled.

Saskatchewan has a Special Olympics movement which is growing. There are about 2,000 people involved in it throughout the province. On a per capita basis, our province produces a high number of intellectually disabled athletic stars on the world stages. There is no more joy in sport than to watch a Special Olympian compete because they, simply, compete for the joy of sport. And, isn’t that what it’s all about?Support for Special Olympics in Saskatchewan is continuing to grow. One new initiative is the George Reed Golf Tournament for Special Olympics Saskatchewan. This will be the second year it’s been held. It goes June 27th at the Wascana Golf and Country Club. Reed, the legendary Saskatchewan Roughrider fullback, has been involved with Special Olympics since the early 1970s. “There’s nothing I enjoy more,” he says. “It’s among the most rewarding and inspiring things I have ever been involved in.”

Special Olympics has come a long, long way since that day Eunice Kennedy Shriver said she had had enough. But, it has to keep growing. And, one way that can happen in Saskatchewan is for people to support, in a meaningful way, the golf tournament.

Yes, I do have a bias here. I am on the organizing committee for the tournament. But if you could attend just one Special Olympics sporting event, just one, you would become a fan of Special Olympics for life. Simply put, it touches your heart in a way few sport events can.

Y’er welcome.

Column photo by Maurice Laprairie

SHONE TWO BRIGHT STARS


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