July 23, 2013
Coaching Team Canada @maccabicanada
For those of you who don't know I am in Israel coaching the sprints and hurdles for team Canada at the 2013 Maccabi Games. I have been here since July 11th and will be here until the 31st. My Junior athletes and I participated in a pre-camp prior to the games starting. Although we are here to compete we have visited many sites, trained and got to know Israel. It is a beautiful but complex country.
My athletes and I participated in the Opening Ceremonies this past week. Where we walked in behind an Olympian Josh Binstock who plays volleyball for team Canada. He was quoted saying “This is by far the greatest honour that has been bestowed upon me in my entire athletic career.” We walked with the other countries through Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem in front of 30, 000 people. The ceremonies were viewed by even more people all over the world on television. It felt as if we were at the Olympics. There were people screaming, waving Canada flags, and wanting high fives. Everyone was taking tons of pictures and cheering us on. It was surreal and by far one of the greatest moments in my life.
I am excited for our competition to start next week. Despite communication barriers, transportation issues just to name a few problems I believe that my athletes are ready to compete at their best. I am honoured to have been chosen to represent my country as a coach at such an amazing event. This is truly the highest point in my coaching career to date. I am only 30 and hope that this is the doorway to many more high level coaching opportunities. Never give up on your passion, goals or dreams. Hard work and dedication will always be rewarded and I am living proof.
My athletes and I participated in the Opening Ceremonies this past week. Where we walked in behind an Olympian Josh Binstock who plays volleyball for team Canada. He was quoted saying “This is by far the greatest honour that has been bestowed upon me in my entire athletic career.” We walked with the other countries through Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem in front of 30, 000 people. The ceremonies were viewed by even more people all over the world on television. It felt as if we were at the Olympics. There were people screaming, waving Canada flags, and wanting high fives. Everyone was taking tons of pictures and cheering us on. It was surreal and by far one of the greatest moments in my life.
I am excited for our competition to start next week. Despite communication barriers, transportation issues just to name a few problems I believe that my athletes are ready to compete at their best. I am honoured to have been chosen to represent my country as a coach at such an amazing event. This is truly the highest point in my coaching career to date. I am only 30 and hope that this is the doorway to many more high level coaching opportunities. Never give up on your passion, goals or dreams. Hard work and dedication will always be rewarded and I am living proof.