Canadian Athlete Family Program

Keeping Her Cool - Interview with Connie Dorion, mother of Paralympian Marc Dorion

Following our interview with Louise Berman, we also had the opportunity to speak with another sledge hockey team family member - this time Connie Dorion, mother of forward Marc Dorion.

Along with Connie, about 12 other members of the extended Dorion family traveled to Vancouver to cheer on Marc and the Canadian Paralympic Sledge Hockey Team.  Connie's husband, Roch, is the Equipment Manager for the team.

How did Marc get started in Sledge Hockey?

When he was about 4, Marc went to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.  The doctors were having a game of sledge hockey against some junior players.  We'd never heard of it before.  Marc was asked to participate - he tried it once and was totally hooked.  He asked me, pretty much every day after that, "When does hockey start? When does hockey start?" He started playing soon after that experience and made the National Team when he was 16.  We joked that he was the 16 year old rookie with 12 years of experience.

 

When Marc first started playing sledge hockey, he wasn't very big - we had some trouble finding equipment that fit.  For example, when we put him in his hockey pants, they were too big and just pooled around him like clown pants.  So we had to get him suspenders to wear with his hockey pants until he grew into them.

The age range on the team is pretty big; Marc is 16 and the oldest player is 52. How does that impact Marc?

Playing on the national team is all about ability - if you can keep up, you can play.  Marc wouldn't be where he is today without the older guys.  He has the passion and a natural ability sledge hockey but they are able to give him tips about equipment and advice on the technical aspects of the game.  Invaluable to have them as mentors - he's like their kid brother.

How has your time been here in Vancouver?

It's been a great experience - truly proud to be Canadian.  When you see the turnout of everyone: volunteers, Hockey Canada, the Petro-Canada Family Program - everyone has treated us amazingly well.  There has been a real opportunity to bond with the Sledge Hockey Team and all the family members, particularly at the pre and post game receptions.  It's been lots of fun.

We were able to go to Turin to see Marc win gold, but this has been a different experience - very Canadian.  It's been great to share this with him.  Especially for Marc's dad, Roch - he's played hockey for years, a goalie, played since he was 7 or 8.  We're definitely a sporting family and it's been wonderful to share this with Marc.

Have you ever lost your cool at an event?  At a referee or another fan?

Hmm .. I don't know that I've ever lost my cool, but I am the first to admit I've lost my composure :) The games are such an emotional roller coaster ride.  These guys can have such a struggle in their daily life - but then they get on the ice and demonstrate such skill and talent.  And it's a place where someone like Marc who is 135 pounds will get into the corner with someone like the captain of the Norwegian team who is practically twice his size and absolutely hold his own.  Marc has no fear.

What's next for Marc?

Well, he's so young. He's only 22 and the Worlds are coming up.  Plus, he's in his third year at the University of Ottawa studying criminology.

~

Thanks so much to Connie and the Dorion family!  Congrats to Marc and to the entire Canadian Sledge Hockey team - you gave us some thrilling and inspirational moments at these Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games!

Image Courtesy of University of Ottawa

Cheering on the Sledge Hockey Team is a Family Affair - Interview with Louise Berman

Sledge Hockey has been one of the most popular sports of the Paralympic Games.  Canada's sledge hockey team is an amazing group of men with a range of ages from 20 to 52 years old.  And while they didn't repeat the Gold Medal they brought home from the Torino Paralympic Games in 2006, they certainly won a place in the nation's hearts. Every member of the team has an amazing story of personal triumph to tell.  We were privileged to speak with family members of two players of the men's team. 

First, Louise Berman, girlfriend of Paul Rosen - one of Team Canada's goalies.

Louise has been attending the Paralympic Games and cheering on Paul accompanied by her three kids and two of Paul's kids.  Paul is, of course, staying in the Paralympic Village with the team, but Louise and all the kids are staying together and they've been having a great time here in Vancouver.  

What's it been like here in Vancouver? Both for your families as well as meeting other Paralympic family members.

It's really been a great bonding experience.  At home, I would never go "out on the town" with my kids (they're older and don't want Mom hanging around), but here we've been hanging out together.  It's really a unique opportunity to celebrate this great event.

And I've had opportunity to connect with other family members of Paralympic athletes.  Every one is so warm and friendly - there is the great camaraderie at the Family Program hotel.  We eat meals together and travel on the bus together - we even have our own uniforms from Petro-Canada.  So it's been both a little easier financially as well as a good time socially!

Have you been able to see Paul at his games before?

I've only seen Paul compete at one exhibition game in Toronto before.  This is really a dream come true for him - to have people who love him in the stands, cheering him on doing a sport he loves to play.  We have special signs that we've made "Go for gold, Rosie!" and "We love you, Rosie - #57!!"  We dress up in red and white and we dance, scream, cheer, do the wave - it's so much fun in the stands.  But it's kind of a bittersweet moment - he loves the game and the team, but he's 49 and this will likely be his last Paralympics.

Does Paul have any pre-game rituals or "pump up" songs?

Well, he is pretty superstitious. When he's goalie, he prays in the net before the game: he sits inside the net, facing it and says a little prayer - he gets his bearings and then he hits the net with his stick.    He also takes the people he cares about most into the game with him.  He has my name and face painted on the side of his mask, the initials of the kids are on the back of his mask and the names of people who are special to him are written on his blocker.  Paul is so grateful for the people in his life - if you do something nice for him, he will never forget it.

You can read more about Paul and Louise in this interview with the Vancouver Sun.

Stay tuned for our next interview with Connie Dorion, mother of Marc Dorion - a forward for the Sledge Hockey Team.

Photo Credit: dawn (via Flickr)

Andrea Dziewior's Dad, Ed, Helps Her Keep Her Balance

If you look up "Proud Parent" in the dictionary, we're pretty sure there is a picture of Ed Dziewior, father of Andrea Dziewior one of Canada's Paralympic Alpine Skiiers.  We caught up with Ed after Andrea's first day of competition on the hill at Whistler.  We talked about what the atmosphere is like at Whistler, Andrea's drive and success, and how Ed instilled the idea of "no limits" in his daughter. 

What's the mood like up at Whistler for Andrea's races?

The number of people at the races is incredible.  It is so thrilling to have large crowds to support everyone - all the athletes whether or not they win a medal.  Whistler is really full of energy and electricity! There was a HUGE crowd in the stands.

This is the first international event at which Natalie (her step-mother) and I have been able to see Andrea compete - it is really incredible.  And it's been great to be a part of the Petro-Canada Athlete Family Program - we haven't had to worry about anything: tickets, transport, etc.  Even with the some of the events being postponed, it was all handled for us.  It really took a load off my mind and especially Andrea's.  She didn't have to worry about us.

Tell us a bit about Andrea and how she got started skiing.

It has been her dream to represent Canada at the Paralympics!  She's been skiing since about age 6 or 7 - she first started at Grouse Mountain for a few years.  And then she moved to a program at Mt. Washington under Herb Bradley who started the skiing program for people with disabilities. Through this program at Mt. Washington, Andrea really developed as a skier.  She was noticed first by the BC provincial Disabled Ski Team and head coach Phil Chew - then was recognized by the national team.

Andrea's a tough competitor but she can have a stubborn side.  When she was growing up, I knew that one of the important things to keep helping her learn was how to keep her balance.  I thought that teaching her to skip rocks - where she would have to balance on the cobblestones beside the river - would be a good exercise and lots of fun.  Well, she did not initially want to go.  But I insisted we go down.  So, we stood side by side at the river and I showed her how to throw a rock.  I told her to try and was looking out at the river when I felt a big "WHAP" up the side of my head.  I still have the scar.  Heh, a kid's aim can be pretty good when they want it to be.

Is your family a big "sporting" family?

When I was growing up, I participated in sports like football or track and field.  But I learned to ski because of Andrea.  We learned together.

What impresses you most about Andrea as an athlete?

Well, first of all, Andrea isn't just an athlete! She's completing her bachelor of business administration degree this July.  I don't know how she's managed to excel at both!  She's been prepping for the Paralympics plus doing her degree for the last three years.  But, as an athlete, I'm really impressed with how generous Andrea is.  She is considerate of her fellow competitors and acknowledges their talent. She is very grateful for all of the support she has received from individuals and businesses on Vancouver Island and she continues to acknowledge them.  Plus, she is so grateful about how she was brought up - I told Andrea growing up that she can't accept any limits and in order to succeed you can't be afraid to fall down - that she wants to share that message with other kids who might be in the same situation she is. She speaks to lots of school groups about people with disabilities.  Heck, the day before she came to the Paralympics she spoke to a school group.

Before she competes, are there any rituals that you have together?

Well, I don't want to give away all her secrets … but we do make a point of having her over for her current favourite meal before she heads out to a competition.  After that, before she leaves, there will be high fives and kisses all around! 

Many thanks to Ed and Natalie for talking to us! Andrea skis today in the Women's Downhill - Standing and later in the week in the Super G - Standing, Super Combined Slalom - Standing, and Combined Super G - Standing. We wish her and the rest of Team Canada all the best!

Amazing Paralympic Performances - and a Pin Giveaway!

After a stirring - and sold out! - Opening Ceremonies, the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games are underway and already our amazing Canadian Paralympic athletes have done Canada proud with six medals!

First off, congratulations to cross country skier Brian McKeever, who, with his brother and guide Robin, won the first gold for Canada in the men's 20K cross country race.

In the 10K cross country sit-ski, Collette Bourgonje won the silver for Canada - her 9th Paralympic medal (these are also her ninth Paralympic Games!)

Things have been going well for the downhill athletes as well:

In the standing slalom, it was double medals for the Canadian women's alpine ski team - Lauren Woolstencroft won gold in the event and her teammate, Karolina Wisniewska, took home the bronze. 

In the visually impaired slalom, Viviane Forest, with her guide Lindsay Debou, won the silver medal. And in the sitting slalom, Josh Dueck took the silver.

We'll have more Paralympic coverage coming up later this week, starting with an interview with alpine skier Andrea Dziewior's biggest supporter - her father, Edward. 

And in the meantime - it's time for a pin giveway!

Just leave a comment on this post telling us your favourite Paralympic winter sport (make sure you have a valid email address - it's our only way to get in touch with you - but don't worry, it's not made public) and you'll be entered in a draw to win a Petro-Canada Paralympic pin. And don't be worried if your comment doesn't appear *immediately* - they are held in a queue for moderation.

We'll be drawing for the winner by 5 p.m. PST on Wednesday, March 17 - just in time for St. Patrick's day - so get your comments in now!

So long, thanks for the ... well, everything! (the fish was good too!)

Well this is hard...I mean I knew it was coming, but did not relish the moment it would arrive.

Now that the time has come, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics officially closed, and the nearly 24 hour coverage of Olympic events no longer on television, I won't lie it does feel like there is this void that needs to be filled (and not just in my daily television schedule). But at the same time there's also a feeling of joy that we were able to witness something like this right here at home in Canada.

The chance to be at the Olympic Games was phenomenal, the opportunity to get further insight into our athletes was the icing on the cake. And even as these Olympic Games come to a close, as sad as it is to see them go there's nothing but great feelings and memories left behind.

Meeting the families of Olympians? Wow! Could not have asked for anything better, that was quite the way to take in one's first trip to the Olympic Games. Now we didn't have an opportunity to really talk to the athletes themselves though, so Dan and I actually went around and asked some artists: TV personalities, music groups, dancers and an award winning professor, what it's like to perform in front of your friends, family and the nation as a whole. You can find the videos we put together here (thanks to Make Your Exit for providing the soundtrack for the videos):

Dan talks with dancer Meghan Lessard and award winning lecturer, University Professor Dr. Stephen Hill

Mike talks with TV/Radio host Josie Dye and an indie rock group Make Your Exit

What were we able to take away from the Vancouver Winter Olympics? Well a lot of it had to do with our own national identity. No longer too polite or too quiet to make a big fuss, Canada let its voice be heard! Canadians have always known we've had this fire inside us though, even if the world has just caught on now. While still kind and courteous we are also a proud, passionate and supportive bunch as well. And we always have and always will cheer on our own, regardless, and with all our hearts.

 

Apparently it took one great big party to let everyone else in on our secret identity, that side we may have hidden away for a little while (a result of our politeness no doubt).

And wow, what a party it was! Vancouver not only set the tone but raised the bar with an electric atmosphere each and every night, putting the rest of Canada on notice. It was warm, welcoming and always a lot of fun!

Canadian Olympic Families say "Thanks" to Petro-Canada.

Steph and I are were so very thankful for being Petro-Canada Family correspondents. We were able to take in so many events during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Thanks to Petro-Canada, Steph and I will share memories to last a lifetime. 

Our trip was unique. It allowed us to take in the Games and Vancouver in a way that very few ever could. Not only were we able to take in 4 events and 2 victory ceremonies we were also able to meet and interview several of our Canadian athletes family members who shared the same warm feelings on Petro-Canada's generosity.

We both noticed when interviewing the athlete's families their "GLOWING HEARTS". They radiated with LOVE and PRIDE for their families. These families have been thru it all together -- the heart wrenching lows as well as incredible highs such as the 2010 Winter Games. 

Thanks to Petro-Canada, Canadian athletes' families participated in "The Canadian Athlete Family Program" which allowed them to attend the Games fully coordinated and funded. Petro-Canada has been investing in our athletes, coaches and families since the 1988 Games in Calgary. This go round, they helped send 2 members from each Canadian athlete's family. The goal was to make it less stressful on the athletes (take out logistics and finance issues) to help enhance their performances as well as provide them with their own personal cheering section (emotional support).  Clearly this initiative has had a positive impact on our teams performance. 12 GOLD and counting. 

Here are a couple quotes on how Petro-Canada made it easier for many of our Canadian athletes' family members: 

• " The Petro-Canada Canadian athlete program was beyond our expectations" raved The Groves. 
• When the Mercedes' Nicoll's family were asked about the program they replied "With the parents being taken care of it takes the logistics out of the equation,... it's the most incredible program". 
• Ben and Judy Hoy (Drew Neilson SBX)  had only good words about the Petro-Canada Canadian athlete program as well, " We came worry free. We appreciate the program so much. We were roomed, fed, transported, given tickets and clothed...head to toe!" 

Here is a short montage of how the program made a difference to a handful of Canadian. We are sure this sentiment is echoed by all the families who participated in the program.

What we know for sure after interviewing these families is that for all Canadians, as we quoted in our very first submission,  "It's all about family."

"...And that's the Brown Low Down"

A Gold Medal Mom -- Nancy Ricker

Check out this great interview with Maëlle Ricker's mom, Nancy Ricker. She is so proud and so darn nice! It's clear that Maëlle had great family support all along the way ... right to the top of the podium. Congrats to the entire Ricker Family!

The Olympic Experience: In, Around and Over Canada

We've been fortunate enough just to have attended the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, however being able to get a feel for the pulse of the nation in different regions throughout these Winter Olympics has made this adventure much more unique.

From catching events live in Vancouver, to the bars on Granville Street, to back here in Toronto and even 30,000 feet in the air, it's been a lesson in the sporting culture of Canada delivered. And both Dan and myself have appreciated every moment along the way.

In Vancouver

The events themselves were lively, no question about it; a lot of fun, supportive, and rowdy. Certainly all the talk about the atmosphere at Curling matches is true, and that's coming from someone who didn't even get to witness the home team curl either. It was just that good!

The spectators delivered an atmosphere of camaraderie as well as every competitor was cheered as they crossed the finish line, placed one on the button or scored a goal (well, in hockey obviously Canada became the focal point when they were playing but from watching the other games the crowd supported those teams well).

Outside of the venues watching the games on Granville Street, at Irish Bar and other locations around the area, the crowd was very loud and excited. It really created a unifying moment. Screens were put up everywhere and eyes glued to them, never wavering.

In the sky

On the way home our flight actually left at the time of puck drop for the Canada-US round robin game. You know it's Canada when I didn't even have to ask if the game would be shown on the flight since at least three people in front of me had already posed the question.

Watching on the mini-televisions on the back of the seats in front of us every time Canada scored hands would fire up in the air and a cheer would resound through the plane. The cheers were a little more subdued, we were flying in an airplane afterall, but based on the laughing reactions from the flight attendants every time the silence of the flight was broken by an outburst I'm sure it was loud enough.

Lounging with Lorraine Lamoureux

We were fortunate to have a quick chat with Lorraine Lamoureux, the mother of Canadian snowboarder Justin Lamoureux. Justin competed in the Men's Snowboarding Half Pipe this year, finishing seventh overall.  Both Lorraine and Justin were very happy with the seventh place result. Justin had actually competed in the previous Winter Olympics in Torino but failed to make it past the qualification round. According to Lorraine he was very thrilled with how he finished this time around.

It's been a great road to success for Justin, who decided upon the completion of university that he wanted to go into competitive snowboarding. Lorraine was pretty honest with her feelings at that time, laughing that her initial response to Justin was something along the lines of, "Are you mad??"

 

Justin has competed ever since university though, referring to his snowboarding as 'going to work'. And clearly it has paid off with great success over the past eight years, making the Canadian roster for the last two Winter Olympic Games. And he comes to Vancouver very composed, calm and relaxed - just not that worried about the pressures of the 2010 Winter Games being hosted here in Canada.  

Lorraine is very appreciative of everything done for the Canadian Olympic families at the 2010 Winter Games. When she made the trip to Torino, there were not nearly as many options for the Canadian families to get together. Canada House was around, but nothing like the this year, including a hotel for the Canadian families, transportation and, most importantly, the ability to meet a lot of the families of Justin's friends.

Lorraine is very happy with her son's result, the setup in Vancouver and appears to have really had a great time overall with her Olympic experience. Whether Justin continues on with competitive snowboarding or moves on to other avenues, Canadians are proud of his accomplishment this year and wish him nothing but the best. Many thanks to Lorraine and the Lamoureuxs for the chat! Hopefully the rest of your time in Vancouver went just as well.

Photo Credit: ctvolympics.ca

Mush! Michelle Kelly's Journey in Skeleton

Denis and I sat down with Marlyne Blatz and Sandra Kelly, mom and sister of Canadian Skeleton athlete Michelle Kelly (a.k.a. Mush) and talked about the sport, the Olympics and Michelle's athletic journey that brought her to Vancouver in 2010.

Marlyne and Sandra talked about Michelle's competitive spirit and the determination that has kept her in the sport for some fifteen years. Skeleton is demanding and punishing to the body, but Michelle's family says she considers it to be the least dangerous of the three sliding sports. Michelle likes to be in control and loves the feeling of sliding head first down the track. Check out our interview with her mom and sister:

For the 2010 Winter Games, Michelle Kelly's cheering section was twenty plus people strong. Her sister said in addition to herself and their mom, there would be their older sister and her two kids, an aunt and cousin, two sets of family friends as well as four or more of Michelle's friends. They brought two flags that were taken around Grand Prairie, Alberta and signed for Michelle as keepsakes.  Her mom said they also had 12 Canada t-shirts made up with a maple leaf, Michelle's name and "Skeleton" on the back for the cheering section to wear. They must have been hard to miss at the Whistler sliding centre! 

We want to thank Marlyne and Sandra for taking the time to speak to us while we were in Vancouver. We wish Michelle all the best in her future endeavors! We're sure we'll be hearing more from her.

Photo Credit: ctvbc.ca