Thank You TCI

My role of Sport Development Officer for the TCIRFU is slowly coming to an end and all I can say is thank you. Thank you to SportWORKS, Brock University, QESI, and the TCIRFU for providing me with the experience of a lifetime. This internship has given me a new perspective about the power that sport possesses to empower and build a positive sense of community. I will be leaving the TCI with a better understanding of the person I am and the direction I want to take my career in sport management.

The month of November was packed with some challenges, as the infamous rugby van–that is just about as old as me–went out of commission. I have been using an alternative vehicle to get around to my school and weekend rugby sessions and with less seating, I had to plan transportation accordingly. I also planned a school clean-up day at Enid Capron and it was quite the success. I had two teams compete to collect as much waste as possible, there were 8 full bags and a much cleaner school yard for the children to enjoy! The conclusion of my school sessions was a bittersweet feeling as I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends, but it is tough to say goodbye to over 275 students from 9 different schools. It was amazing to see the skills progression from the kids in the rugby programs and I hope they continue developing their athletic and academic potential.

This upcoming week, we have RAN regional officer Scott Harland coming down to the island to have an executive meeting on Friday evening. The weekend will continue with a coaching clinic on Saturday afternoon, I am looking forward to this experience and grateful to have the opportunity. The clinic and executive meeting will be beneficial to my professional development and will further my understanding of how executive sport meetings proceed.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the people and relationships I have developed while on the island. They made the transition of being 1500 miles away from home so much easier. I want to thank my supervisor Keith Burant and my co-workers for the resources and support they provided me during my time here. I would like to thank my roommates David and Danni for welcoming me with open arms to their apartment and making me feel so at home. I would like to thank all the schools that allowed me to be part of their community and to all the kids that showed so much enthusiasm to rugby. I would like to thank my co-workers in the office for helping me get settled and answering any questions I had, especially Hendriks, Franco, Mario, and Tyrese.

Lastly, I want to thank the people of TCI for their positive and friendly attitudes and making a Canadian feel at home in a foreign country. I will be trading in the sandy beach for cold snowy Canada soon, but I came to realize something very important the more time I spent here: I realized that you can make any place feel like home with a positive mindset and by creating meaningful relationships.

 

 

That’s all from me,

Brendon Ward