Pages: 1

Date: Nov 26, 2009

Entry: We are tracking the Olympic torch's progress across Canada. Our grade 2's are printing off the daily update, discussing it in class, then adding the information to the board at the front of the school. Each week, student volunteers are announcing a summary of the torch's progress and the communities that it has visited. Take a look at our board!

McMillan tracks the torch!

Date: Oct 30, 2009

Entry: The Eugene Reimer Middle School Grade Eight football team has taken over the recycling at their school. After every Wednesday practice, they players go from classroom to classroom and collect the cans, bottles and juice boxes for the week. It is then taken out to and stored in a trailer beside the gym. The next day, they spend their lunch doing sorting. As well as helping the environment, the team is helping out fellow team mates. Profits go to helping any player whose family has a financial problem with paying fees to cover the costs of playing. Things are going so well that the players were able to use their recycling money this year to buy all team members a hoodie with the school name on both front and back.

Date: Oct 30, 2009

Entry: The Eugene Reimer Middle School Grade Eight football team has taken over the recycling at their school. After every Wednesday practice, they players go from classroom to classroom and collect the cans,...more

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: The Grade 1 students made the five olympic rings. Each student held a balloon in the colour to form the rings. A photo was taken at our campus. This is the kick-off to get Olympic spirit in gear at our school.
Just wait for our next event!

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: The Grade 1 students made the five olympic rings. Each student held a balloon in the colour to form the rings. A photo was taken at our campus. This is the kick-off to get Olympic spirit in gear at...more

Date: Oct 28, 2009

Entry: Our school has 140 students. Every morning the students walk/run around the school for exercise. At the assemblies we are starting to show different Olympic sports, yesterday we did our version of snow shoeing/cross country sking.

Date: Oct 28, 2009

Entry: Our school has 140 students. Every morning the students walk/run around the school for exercise. At the assemblies we are starting to show different Olympic sports, yesterday we did our version of snow...more

Date: Oct 28, 2009

Entry: To start off the year in a healthy way, and to show our support of the 2010 Olympics, our school's running and walking club, along with individual classes, are tracking the distance that students walk or run and are mapping the distance covered in a unique way this year. We are looking at how many of the Olympic venues we can walk and run to, as a community. Students have covered over 5000 laps of the school field, in school time and after school, and have run races at a Cross Country Race series. This is being recorded and displayed in our school's foyer on a display board that has the venues placed on a map. Attached is a picture of the board in progress. Look for an update soon!

The next project that we are undertaking is writing postcards to the athletes next week.

We have the whole school excited about the Olympics, and we have a committee planning a number of activities throughout the upcoming months.

We have the Russian and Chinese Speed Skating Teams training in our community in 2010, so we are hoping to get to go and see them in action, too!

We're on the move!

Date: Aug 21, 2009

Entry: IRB welcomes IOC Recommendation
(IRB.COM) Thursday 13 August 2009

"The International Rugby Board (IRB) is delighted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has recommended Rugby Sevens as one of two sports for inclusion in the Olympic Games. Rugby Sevens secured its recommendation in the second round of voting, obtaining the 50 percent plus one majority required with nine of the 14 votes. Five further rounds of voting ensued before the Executive Board confirmed golf as the second recommended sport. In October the IOC Members will vote in Copenhagen on the two sports individually with a straight majority required for Olympic Games' inclusion from 2016."

ABBOTSFORD INTERNATIONAL RUGBY SEVENS FESTIVAL

“Sevens” Rugby is a fast paced, highly entertaining version of the exciting sport of rugby. With only seven, rather than the usual fifteen players, Sevens Rugby players are an elite breed of athletes. Having gained considerable popularity worldwide, it has now been recommended to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an official sport beginning at the 2016 Summer Games.

In July 2009, the inaugural Abbotsford Rugby Sevens tournament was a huge success. Sanctioned by BC Rugby, the first event hosted sixteen teams and drew close to 2000 spectators. The tournament however, was just one day of a week of event related activities that included coaching clinics, personal player appearances, media interviews, receptions, and three public parties.

Modeled after other international Rugby Sevens events, feedback following the 2009 tournament suggests the Abbotsford Rugby Sevens is destined to become one of the premiere international sevens tournament in the Canada and the world. On July 24th and 25th, 2010 Abbotsford will host sixteen men’s teams as well as eight women’s teams. The event includes two days of pre-tournament activities, two days of game play and three days of entertainment and parties. This is a family event and everyone is encouraged to come and cheer their favourite team, bring your kids, family and friends and enjoy a fun filled multi-cultural sporting experience.

The recommendation to include Sevens Rugby in the Summer Olympics is demonstrable evidence of its enormous and growing popularity. Google reports 74,000 searches per month on the phrase “rugby sevens.” The target market for the Abbotsford Rugby Sevens tournament and related events is diverse. While the core target for tournament play are those already active as players, support personnel and fans – described as “young, upwardly mobile, well educated with expendable income – recent media coverage regarding the Olympic recommendation as well as the additional components of the event, is expected to draw from the broader sport enthusiast market, as well as the much broader entertainment consumer market. Of significant note, with international teams participating, the tournament also attracts a diverse cultural demographic. The total number of direct participants for 2010 is estimated at more than 4500 with an additional remote fan following of 400,000.

Abbotsford is Sporttown Canada for many reasons. Tourism Abbotsford and City of Abbotsford have consistently attracted international sporting events to the city, in addition they also manage world class facilities. We are delighted and priviledged to host the Abbotsford Sevens tournament in Abbotsford and also honoured to call Abbotsford home of the biggest international rugby sevens event in Canada.

Abbotsford Sevens
www.abbotsfordsevens.com

2010 Abbotsford International Sevens Festival

Date: Apr 29, 2009

Entry: In commemoration of the 2010 Olympics and the centenary of 5 pin bowling, Abbotsford will host the Bowl 2010.
Teams of 4 will bowl until a score of 2010 is recorded at Galaxy, August 1st till 14th. Medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd are then awarded at a closing concert held at Exhibition park on August 17th.
Registration is required (galaxy 604-853-1366). Info at 604-302-4004.
There is also planned an attempt at a world record. The concert will showcase local talent and Olympians.

Bowl 2010

Date: Apr 28, 2009

Entry: It’s not every day that you meet an Olympian. So, it was with some considerable nerves that I dialed the number of one Richard Ikeda, retired gymnast with an illustrious resume that includes appearances at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, World Cup and the World Championships, to name a few. He was the victor at the Canadian National Championships four times (‘96, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03), Elite Canada three times (‘92, ‘99, ‘00), won a gold team medal at the 1994 Commonwealth games ( as well as silvers and bronzes individually at the Commonwealth Games) , plus silvers and bronzes at the Pan American Games and the Jurassic Classic. Evidently, Richard Ikeda was no one-hit wonder; here was a successful, decorated, travelled, world-renowned athlete. I was straining my mind to think of a meeting place worthy of such a man, a veritable legend in B.C. sport history.

So, when Richard Ikeda suggested that we meet up at a Tim Hortons to shoot the breeze, I breathed a sigh of relief. Success had not gone to his head, at least in terms of his favoured coffee-shops.

This first impression of Richard Ikeda was confirmed at our meeting. Firstly, he apologised for being (only slightly) late, and then proceeded to answer all of my questions with honesty, eloquence and thoughtfulness that, at times, made me forget that I was sitting with such an acclaimed athlete.

Obviously, his professional career was a focal point of the interview, but so was his life as a father, and his new lease of life as a coach, and also the city of Abbotsford.

I asked Richard whether he would like his son to become a professional gymnast, continuing the family legacy (both of Richard’s parents were gymnasts, and are now coaches, and Richard’s brother is an active gymnast and coach), ‘I would, deep down,’ he confessed, ‘At the same time I just want him to do all different kinds of sport... Right now, he does gym twice a week. It’s still recreation. My mother, his grandmother, coaches that group, so it’s fun... As long as he enjoys it. If he wants to do it, great.’ I got the feeling that Richard was more concerned with his role as a father to his young son than as a potential mentor or coach. Although there is no doubt in my mind that Richard would be overjoyed if his son were to follow in his father’s footsteps, he made it clear that that was a decision for his son to make on his own.

As a follow-up, I asked how his new career as a coach compares with his competing days. Richard’s answer showed his fondness for both sides of his professional career, ‘Good and bad. As a competitor you have total control over your fate, right? Which you get used to. As a coach, at a competition, you have nothing you can do. You can encourage and support, but when it comes down to the performance you just have to watch and see if everything ... pans out. The first time I went with my brother... as a coach... it was stressful, you know, just watching from the sidelines... when he’s on the event ... you’ve got to wait and your hands are sweaty, you get nervous...that part’s hard to get used to.’

From Richard’s answer, it appeared that he was the type of coach who makes every move, twist, turn and jump in his head while he watches, and his enthusiasm for performing seems to have definitely carried on into his coaching days. Also, he did highlight the positive side to his post-performing days, ‘It’s easier physically! (laughs) I wake up on competition day and think... ‘What do I need?’ Not much! I have my tracksuit, and that’s all I need’.

Inevitably, the conversation turned to talk of Richard Ikeda’s glittering career as a gymnast. Having performed at a professional level before in Vancouver (most recently at the Canadian Men’s Nationals in 2005, which was Richard’s final professional event), I asked whether having ‘home advantage’ plays a part in performances. Richard’s answer was unequivocal, ‘It does help a lot... when you need some help or support, or when things are going really well, that energy (can give you that extra lift)’ before adding an anecdote from his experience of how important having the B.C. crowd behind you can be, ‘We had the ’94 Commonwealth Games, here in Victoria, and we (the team) were going in as the underdogs... We had a good weekend. The home crowd was there, television, the media. And we won (the gold medal).That energy really helped us.’

At the mention of this, I enquired as to which of Richard’s many achievements was his personal best. Unsurprisingly, in a career filled with success, singling one out was tough, ‘1996 was a really good year for me... I won Elite Canada and the National Trials. Everything fell into place. There was a whole selection process, because (Canada) could only send three guys (to the Olympics)... I made the three. Actually going to the Olympics was the extra icing on top, but getting there was my biggest achievement, I think. And the ’94 Commonwealth Games (in Victoria) ... Because it wasn’t just about me, it was about the team... we all went out there at home, with all the pressure on us, and we won. Plus, I won a couple of other (individual) medals there’.

Another unsurprising answer was Richard’s answer to my question of whether he had any regrets professionally, ‘No...I’ve done everything I wanted to do. I competed in all the events – Commonwealth Games, Pan Am, World Cup, University Cup, Olympics, World Championships. I’ve gone to many countries, met people, made friends. I can’t say that I have any regrets’. Having travelled all over the world for his profession, picking out a favourite city or country in which to perform was another tough question, ‘Cuba, when they held the Pan American Games...was just crazy... The support there was just incredible...Every competition and city has their own special charm, like Denmark or Belgium...It’s kinda hard to pick!’

The conversation turned to the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008, and the controversy that arose, due to China’s human rights record. I asked Richard if that was something he agreed with, and whether athletes should be subjected to so much political pressure, ‘I don’t think (athletes) should be subjected to it... They’re only going there, really, to do their sport. If (an Olympian) has an opinion on it they should express it, but it doesn’t really reflect what the whole Olympic idea was about...it is outside of Olympics and sport. I totally understand where people were coming from, but, at the same time, putting the two together… I have mixed feelings’. I also asked whether Richard agreed with the current air of negativity in some sections of the Vancouver press in relation to the cost of staging next year’s Winter Olympics here in B.C., ‘Everything costs money. The Olympics costs a lot, and it’s always getting bigger... But, for sport, for Abbotsford, it’s totally helping’.

For me, Richard’s answers, especially to the above questions, were insightful and intelligent, and showed a depth to his character that transcends his fame as a world-renowned athlete.

The Ikeda family are an integral part of the ever-growing culture of sport in Abbotsford. The family runs Twister’s Gym, and mother, father, and sons are always giving back to the community by passing on their skills to a new generation of potential Olympic athletes, so no interview with an Olympian from Abbotsford would be complete without asking how the city itself has helped shape his career. ‘My parents are Japanese. I was born here (in Canada), I grew up here, so ...my personality is more Canadian... As for gymnastics, if I wasn’t born here in Canada, I probably wouldn’t have done gymnastics. If I grew up in Japan I most likely would not be in gym. I’d be doing baseball, because it’s a bigger sport there. So that helped me, being born here, and being exposed to gym’. Despite having moved around Canada at an early age, ‘I was in Kamloops till I was nine, Nova Scotia three years, Toronto two’, the Ikeda family has made its roots here in Abbotsford for the last twenty years, ‘Most of my gymnastics career and training was here in Abbotsford. This is home. The community’s always supported me, and gymnastics, and the club (Twisters Gym)’. Richard was full of praise for his home town, ‘It’s great, because it’s a sports town; they’re trying to get more sports (to raise the profile)... They’ve always supported us. I think it (Abbotsford) is good for all sports, across the board. Abbotsford is that keen on sport’.

I was also interested to hear how Richard thought the city would benefit from next year’s games, ‘We’ve benefited from the Olympics, with new venues being built, and more facilities. I think you’ll have athletes using Abbotsford Airport, finding places to stay around here, training sites... people will be looking towards Abbotsford for a site’.

Richard, as well as an amiable, well-spoken and genuine person, seemed enthusiastic and optimistic for the future of gymnastics in Abbotsford, ‘We’re always trying to expand...not just in Abbotsford, but B.C. and Canada. We’re trying to raise the profile of our club...our goal is to always be here, and always be part of the community. I run into so many people around Abbotsford who say, ‘I remember you, I have a daughter/son, who went to your gym’. A lot, a lot of people have gone through that gym and I’m sure a whole lot more people will be going through it’.

In closing, I asked Richard Ikeda if he had any advice to aspiring athletes. His answer went some way to revealing just why he had been such a powerful force in world gymnastics throughout his career, ‘Never give up. You don’t sometimes see the end goal, and you get blinded by other things that are going on in your life, but don’t give up. Always believe that you’re gonna get to where you planned on getting. Sooner or later, you’ll realize that goal’.

It is obvious that Richard Ikeda and his family will ensure that the future will be bright for gymnastics in Abbotsford for many years to come.

Interview With An Abbotsford Olympian

Date: Apr 3, 2009

Entry:

Abbotsford is fast becoming the "place to be" for BMX enthusiasts as we offer one of the few permanent outdoor World Class BMX tracks which is used during our outdoor season that runs April through to October. We also are one of only 2 facilities in Canada that is able to offer an indoor BMX and 4X racing season that spans November through February. Both of Canada’s Olympic BMX athletes - Samantha Cools and Scott Erwood have not only competed at our tracks, but have trained here as well. It is not a rare occurrence to see some of the world's best BMX riders making Abbotsford their home during the winter training months

We, at Abbotsford BMX, are continuing to strive at improving our facilities and increase our profile in the BMX World. We were proud to host the Tim Horton’s National Canadian Championship in 2006. It was a huge success, attracting a record 524 riders making it, at the time, the biggest race that a CCA track in Canada had ever hosted. In 2007 we completely re-built our track with generous local sponsorship and UCI track builder Tom Ritzenthaler in order to upgrade and allow us to host the UCI Pre-World’s BMX Race. It was at this International event that Abbotsford BMX became the focus of the BMX community. Our club of volunteers, along with great support from the City of Abbotsford, Cycling BC, and track builder Tom Ritzenthaler, we were able to pull off what seemed to be a miracle. Due to rain causing the cancellation of practices, and threatening the cancellation of the Pre-Worlds Race; riders, their families and supporters were witness to an overnight track build at our indoor facility which allowed the event to take place the next morning! Way to go team! This just goes to show the commitment and determination of our club to make it happen for the riders! 2008 brought on another challenge, as the world stage was being set for BMX to be showcased at the Olympics in Beijing. With this, brought about the need for the Tim Horton’s Canadian National Championship Race to take place much earlier than normal. With the high risk of poor weather causing a race cancellation, Abbotsford BMX was asked once again, to host the race due to our track record from the Pre-Worlds, and knowing that no matter what, the race would take place! Once again, it was a huge success, and went off without any miracles needed. The 2009 out-door season is one that all riders are looking forward to here in Abbotsford. We again stepped it up a notch and had the corners on our track paved just after the end of outdoor last year. Riders can hardly wait to start training on this world class tack and
test its new speed!

Abbotsford BMX, sanctioned by the Canadian Cycling Association encourages a fun, family orientated atmosphere. The cycling community continuous to work diligently to foster the development of new and existing riders and is committed to providing opportunities through the hosting of races and championships. If you happen to be in BC, traveling along Highway 1 - be sure to bring a bike, and take Abbotsford, exit # 87 - Clearbrook Road, and stop by our track - no experience necessary - only FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!

Abbotsford BMX Strives to be an Olympic Training Ground for BMX

Date: Mar 6, 2009

Entry: It was late in the evening on Wednesday, February 18th when I had my first real 2010 experience right in my own community of Abbotsford.

The Abbotsford Curling Club hosted the USA Wheelchair Curling Team Training Camp just prior to the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Vancouver. The local club invited the community to come on down and watch the practice Wednesday evening. After a long day of work, making supper and general clean up, I pushed myself to not sit down, relax and watch TV for the rest of the night but to go down to watch the action and boy, it was one of those decisions you look back at and say, "Thank goodness I did".

A group of us were in the upstairs lounge and gazing in utter amazement the skill level of these players.

As they wrapped up practice and packed up their equipment, they took the time to talk to us "community folk" about their goals and experiences and how much they loved Abbotsford.

I felt so proud of our community and personally thanked each one of them for being so friendly and gracious.

I was planning to head home feeling good about the whole experience when K from the Abbotsford Curling Club said that they would love for you to come down tomorrow and curl with them.

Well, I text messaged my boss right away and said "We are curling tomorrow afternoon with the team - Work will have to wait".

To think that they took the time to talk to us and teach us (really me, my boss is a great curler) meant the world! And the pictures are proof of the excitement we felt. We also had a local wheelchair curler join us!

I hope that more people in BC get to experience what we did in the months to come!

And Abbotsford is really truly Sport Town Canada!

Respectfully submitted with much excitement and enthusiasm for the 2010 Games.

Learning to Curl with the USA Wheelchair Curling Team

Pages: 1

It Starts with Your Story

Community Tags

Take the Pledge