Soccer club does it right
The Editor,
There are a lot of things wrong in youth sports, but there are a lot of things right. Right now we are losing too many good coaches, referees, volunteers and kids in all youth sports because far too often the environment is toxic. Richmond is very fortunate to have individuals such as Nigel Shackles, Cody Kusch, Kathleen Wong, Terry Kehoe, Steve Smith, Carolyn Hart, David Weber and many more who work together heading up associations and clubs taking on legitimate challenges in youth sports, while ensuring that we all remain focused on developing people, and not just athletes. These often forgotten individuals have put “PLAY” back in our sports.
I can think of no greater recent example then to thank our local football club, Richmond FC. Richmond Boys Soccer is run by some of the finest people I know and have ever encountered. Myself, I have walked the sidelines and dugouts of the Lower Mainland as both a professional and a volunteer coach for 27 years. But, on March 23, 2014 all my coaching came to an abrupt stop due to a diagnosis of cancer. This is when I learned what being a part of a club is truly about.
Without ever asking, individuals such as Tania Webster, Mike Laing, Linda Calvert, Sean Grant and all the coaches of the U11 Division, even coaches outside the division were there for me, my players and my family. These individuals ensured that not only did our players have a great season, but they supported each other and they supported our family. I was proud this past January to walk out on the pitch with the sun shining down, be greeted by so many supportive individuals that I am blessed to call my friends and my family.
I cannot thank these individuals enough or the leaders of so many other associations, for their outpouring of support, assistance and love during a difficult time and I want to remind all parents out there that your kid is all you’ve got — you can’t trade them in for a more talented athlete and they can’t exchange you for a different or more supportive parent. We both only get one shot at this, make sure to provide your children and your whole family with a healthier, more positive and rewarding experience on and off the field. Richmond FC you got this right.
Dave Gillis
Richmond
Ottawa, we have a problem
When, in the history of Canada, has a group such as this come out in opposition to any government bill (Bill C-51) as it currently stands: four former PMs (including two Conservatives), 18 Supreme Court of Canada justices, ministers of justice and of public safety, solicitors-general, members of the security and intelligence review committee and commissioners responsible for overseeing the RCMP and upholding privacy laws.
Clearly, we have a problem.
Dale Jackaman
Richmond
We could all use the loo
Dear Editor,
Re: “Next stop: Steveston’s washrooms,” News, Feb. 20.
TransLink needs to show more concern for the paying public who have no union to represent them. I am a regular user of the bus service between Steveston and Richmond Centre and I am appalled at TransLink’s behaviour towards the paying public who use their services. Steveston is the terminus for six major bus routes, yet TransLink cannot or will not provide a basic shelter for those passengers waiting on the north side of Chatham Street for the 410 and 407 buses heading north and east. When it is raining, this is a most uncomfortable place to wait, particularly for seniors and handicapped customers in wheel chairs. Often, there are buses parked along the curb when a 410 bus appears from the rear of the que and stops in the traffic lane while customers scramble to get on as traffic is being held up. The bus stop for buses 401, 402 and C93 on the south side of Chatham Street does have shelter and a bench.
The fact that TransLink can rent premium space for its employee’s comforts should be extended to their paying customers. TransLink needs to show more concern and provide a portion of the space for the needs of customers who have the same needs as bus drivers. There is more than enough leased space to be shared. Unlike for drivers, there are no washroom facilities for customers at the 22nd Street SkyTrain station in New Westminster. This can result in a very painful ongoing situation for customers.
Alan Johnson
Richmond
