That is the motto of KTP Athletics owner and head coach Kurt Tempelmans Plat. To help reinforce the mantra at his High Performance Badminton Camp, he brought in Olympian Valerie Loker. Loker represented Canada in the badminton mixed doubles at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Loker is leaving Ontario Monday to take on a new challenge as head coach of the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton, Alta. In her third visit to North Bay for the camp, the growth of the sport locally has impressed the athlete-turned-coach.
"I think it's great what Kurt is doing, building the sport of badminton in North Bay," said Loker.
When asked why she has returned to North Bay for the camp, Loker explained, "I like to spread my passion for the sport. I certainly see now in year three that there are big improvements. Kids are more interested, more dedicated, more committed."
One of the perils facing developing athletes is specializing in one sport too early. Loker, citing a long season, with little downtime, stresses that it is imperative for young badminton players to also seek out physical activity minus the high-impact physical ailments that can be caused by badminton (or other court sports). She named cycling and swimming as alternatives that she recommended for badminton players.
Loker also coaches to reach her pupils in a technical sense, as well as in their day-to-day lives. "I try to motivate and encourage, and I stress the importance of goals and trying to achieve something. I pass that message on through sport, but I also remind them that this commitment is the same for their education or when they want to get a job."
"You have to work hard to be successful. I learned that as an Olympian," concluded Loker.
Tempelmans Plat, who also runs a rep badminton team as part of his badminton portfolio with KTP Athletics says the camp has grown each year in participation. Athletes range in age from 13-17 and receive advanced instruction throughout the week-long camp.
Tempelmans Plat added that his rep teams are always looking for new members. For more information click here.
On May's OFSAA Badminton tournament held at Nipissing University, Tempelmans Plat thought that the event was really well run, with many exciting matches. "I think the NOSSA group represented very well overall," said Tempelmans Plat.
One young athlete who won a bronze medal (with partner Nicholas Babich) at those OFSAA championships is Gabriel Pharand. He recently returned from two weeks in Toronto under Loker's instruction and is participating this week at the local camp.
Pharand, 15, says his athletic career is focused mainly on badminton now. This is his third year at the camp, and he appreciates Loker's expertise in the sport.
As far as goal-setting, Pharand says he aims to compete on the national stage soon. Long-term, he envisions playing as part of Team Canada.
According to his coaches, Pharand had shown the dedication to continue to move up the ranks. The former goalie has even given up playing hockey to do so.
