Rolling Rampage Wheelchair Relay, It's A Tough World But We're Not Alone, Hamilton TBN Marathon Video, Roller En Ligne's Dijon Coverage
Rolling Rampage Wheelchair Relay: If you participated or were at the Rolling Rampage between 2003 and 2005, you probably know that during the event, there was a wheelchair relay. Well the Rolling Rampage is taking place this Saturday at 9:00am around Queen's Park in Toronto and I am looking at getting at least on team of 4 skaters to take part in the wheelchair relay. If you're interested, please e-mail me.
Aaron Arndt in the relay in 2005
It's A Tough World But We're Not Alone: I recently applied for a grant from Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund). Even though my application was not successful, I think that what CAN Fund is trying to accomplish is worth mentioning and supporting. You can check out and explore their website if you like to find more information.
Even though I did not receive a grant, the CAN Now is making all athletes who applied feel as if they have a role to play in improving the sporting atmosphere in Canada; last night, I took part in a tele-conference with athletes from across Canada. The conference included paralympic athletes, rowers, gymnasts, canoe-kayakers, etc. It was a great opportunity to connect, share stories, and help raise awarenss and support for Canadian athletes.
What I feel most happy about is that I feel empowered to help initiate change and encourage support. I feel connected with other athletes; I know that my struggles are not only mine, but others share the deep and difficult challenges that I face. Even though it's a tough life to lead, I am not alone.
Hamilton TBN Marathon Video: The video of last Satuday's TBN Monthy Marathon is finally on YouTube. It took a few days to process, but it's all good now- click here to view or press play below-
Roller En Ligne's Dijon Coverage: Roller En Ligne has plenty of coverage from last weekend's Dijon FIC. I can link up to the content now that REL is back online- report, tons of great photos, Matthieu Boheur interview, and Frederic Bugli interview.
Dijon FIC- photo from Roller En Ligne
Dijon FIC- photo from Roller En Ligne
Dijon FIC- photo from Roller En Ligne
posted by Peter Doucet at 12:41 PM
6 Comments:
I don't get what's so hard.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 6:49:00 PM
I've found that being a top level athlete is something that requires a lot of support- and many of the supports aren't there or are difficult to arrange.
Some of the stories that came out during yesterday's phone calls included gymnasts parents re-mortgaging their homes to pay for fees, travel, and coaching.
A paralympic athlete needed some medical services and could not pay for them, until he receive the bursary.
Other stories that surfaced included athletes not being able to pay for equipment, having maxed out credit cards, having some federations threaten to pull their carding (funding).
Regular access to physio, massage, nutrition, professional help is another need that athletes have, but many don't.
Then there's the putting 'life on hold'; families being impacted, relationships being put off or ended; there are many choices that are difficult to make.
As much as being an athlete is a universal/ social experience, it can also be very lonely, difficult, and painful.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:34:00 PM
When I looked at the current recipients list, it seemed very heavy on Kayak, Rowing, Sailing and Canoe. Far more of those then for any of the other sports.
(^_^)/
mike. (dinobot71)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:49:00 PM
Thanks for commenting Mike- I suspect the reasons more canoe/ kayakers have been successful with their applications could include;
- communication within the sport- clubs and the NSO promoting the fund, which means a higher number of applicants from that sport
- the group of athletes may have had some help/ training in HOW to write an application
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 11:42:00 PM
No, I just meant with you, when you say struggles.
Thursday, June 14, 2007 12:18:00 AM
There's a number of struggles that I face- some I keep to myself, others many of my friends know about them-
Some of the struggles that I am willing to share/ talk about here include massive schedule crunches, finances (making ends meet and planning for the future), physical pain/ injuries and mental & emotional stress, lack of resources and facilities, and impacts on my friendships and family time.
Thursday, June 14, 2007 12:29:00 AM
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