Lest we Forget.

Routine is important. During the first few days when some teams were here but practice schedules were not defined, athletes were getting antsy. Just hanging around isn't good. Even the cyclists got their bikes all set up but had to wait to figure out where they could go fir a ride and get their legs going. Some nations, Colombians in particular, were simply riding around in the inside court of the our building. Our residences consist of 4 long rectangular buildings organized in a square with a large grassed area in the middle.
Now everyone is organized, transports are coordinated and gyms / tracks / velodromes are booked. Athletes are separating their days in train, recover, get therapy, eat, sleep. Coaches are analyzing and preparing.
But there is the social concept which is great to see. Last night there was some loud cheers and laughter coming form across the clinic. It was coming form the athletes' lounge. They had a large group "competing" (of course) in a massive Cranium contest.

Got a short ride through interesting neighbourhoods to get to the Aquatic and Tennis centre yesterday. Impressive facilities in an area that appears less impressive. We have 2 tennis players, Joel and Philippe and their Coach Kai. Although I need to get to see as many venues as possible to see their medical and emergency equipment, it is also a perfect opportunity to hang out with the coach and hear them "coach". I learn so many insights in the sports they are involved with. Even the elite level athletes receive advice from the technical to the strategic point of view. There were just the 4 of us at the court and, although I had seen wheelchair tennis when in Beijing at the Paralympic Games, I learned tons of interesting facts by listening to Kai's coaching advice. This is not a slow game at this level. This is intense and hard hitting. I can't believe their strength and mobility. I noticed a very interesting backhand and asked Kai if it was an optical illusion (as the racquet moves so fast). It appeared that the backhand is hit with the face of the rackey. The same as in the forehand but with the outside (small finger) of the hand leading in a vicious top spin technique. One is accustomed to the thumb side of the hand leading the backhand. I learned that this is relatively new and is now favoured in wheelchair tennis due to the height of the player on the chair making it hard to hit the ball on a high bounce. It is pretty nice to see and does create quite the shot with appropriate top spin. In this sport, the player often wins points with a lot of spin on the ball especially  after the forward spin on the ball makes it kicks high over the head of the opponent.

Joel Dembe

Philippe Bedard

Pac Man!

Another thing I thought was great was the warm up. You have to make it interesting, effective and fun. Challenging the speed and agility but getting your heart rate up. What better idea than "Pac Man". The athletes and the coach can only circulate on the lines of the court and try not to "get caught" by the one who is "it" (like in tag, or the bad guys in Pac Man). It was fun to see the guys all serious about not getting caught. Just like in the game of Pac Man, one can get caught in the wrong line especially when there is one who plays the Pac Man and the other 2 are the bad guys. I loved it.

Also a good time to try and get some action shots of our athletes at work.

He made that shot!

Today: Game time. Canada vs USA in a exhibition women wheelchair basketball  match.

We are also organizing a Remembrance day Ceremony.  A few local Canadian Veterans will be invited to take part.

Lest We Forget.