It takes a village… to raise an athlete!

April 22, 2013 - Chef-de- Mission, at your service!  

The last few months have been eye-opening for me, and that’s putting it mildly. I knew I would learn a lot from my Chef de Mission experience and I am discovering the fascinating behind-the-scenes workings of sport. In February, I visited Glasgow to tour the Games sites and meet with the Organizing Committee. Back home, we recently held the first official meeting with sport federation officials in Ottawa. What strikes me is the sheer number of people needed to build a high performance sport system.  The athletes (and I was one of them), always spontaneously give thanks to their own teams: coaches, therapist, and sponsors. If we were to work back up the chain and count all the people linked to each person present at an event and competing, we’d be in the hundreds. Hundreds of people, who ask themselves every day: “What can I do so an athlete can achieve his best performance ever?” It’s amazing, really.

This February, in Glasgow, I visited competition sites and met with all department heads. Construction on the Village is in full swing, work is progressing well and the energy is overwhelming. Whether you’re talking transport, ceremonies, sports or security, everybody is hard at work, proud to contribute to a sporting event that promises to be exceptional. Many won’t even have a chance to see the events, but every day, they give it their all so our athletes can benefit from the best possible performance environment.

Back in Canada, we spent a day with representatives from each sport. We shared our thoughts about the Glasgow visit, shared information about each sport and sector and asked questions. And that’s how it starts; building a team, step by step. The people over there are getting ready to welcome us. Here, within each sport federation, we are preparing our athletes. And at the Commonwealth Games Canada office, we are already working towards preparing the best delegation possible. For each medal, for each performance in Glasgow, it will be hard for me to forget all those people who worked behind the scenes.

What we all share is a passion for sport and a desire to provide our athletes with the best possible performance environment. No matter the department, I saw a spark in each person’s eyes.  It’s passion that makes you get involved in sport, that much is clear. 

After my first few months as Chef, the following thoughts come to mind:

Athletes: Take the time to say thanks, and think beyond your inner-circle. Thank the people at your federation and those you meet at events. They are part of the reason you can live out your dream.

Government officials and private sector: Keep in mind that sport is not charity, it’s a profitable investment. We do it for the athletes, our youth, and our health, of course. But sport is also an economic driver, filled with educated individuals with unique expertise that work and actively contribute to our economy.

And when I think back to all the people I’ve crossed paths with over the last few months, I better understand why sport moves us: those few seconds of glory are the result of so much work… there’s a little bit of magic in that!

Chantal Paetitclerc
Chef de Mission
Team Canada Glasgow 2014