Page 36 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 107

36 Issue #107 December 2021 www.sportsenergynews.com

Brought to you by Ming & Associates Christmas Wish List
Athlete of the Month
Athlete of the Month

in everyone’s stocking and fill the
Riley Andre Complex one night soon? The kids
deserve to play in front of a few
Age: 17 Grade: 12
thousand fans.
School: St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary
By Thom Racine
Hometown: Long Sault And speaking of the Complex, I
An articulate young man, Riley tells his story: would really like to see a Bishop Cup
I am a fan of all sports. Growing up, I played soccer, baseball,
basketball, and have achieved my brown belt in Kung Fu. Although I game in March.
love sports in general, I feel that my passion lies mostly with basketball
and baseball. I have asked you this many times
I began playing house league basketball at a very young age. When I in the past: a play-off appearance for
Dear Santa,
was in the fourth grade, I tried out, and successfully made the Cornwall Lions Major Atom Rep team, the Cleveland Browns.
even though I was a year shy of the age group. I have been playing for the Lions travelling team every Good golly, good golly! It’s time
year since. Throughout the years as a Lion, I have won multiple MVP awards and have assisted my The Maple Leafs are playing well.
teammates to many tournament victories, as well as several EOBA Championships. The position I play but hard to be jolly.
in basketball is guard. In 2019, I won the CUCBA Male Athlete of the Year award. Please, please Santa, how about
In 2018, I was named the Provincial Champion for 13-year-old boys in the Knights of Columbus Free It’s such a strange time to be a way out of the first round? My
Throw Competition. My score of 21/25 free throws made was the record for Ontario. alive. So, this year Santa, I don’t
My second love is baseball. I have been playing competitively since the age of seven. Over the last seven Leaf-loving pal, Andy has probably
years, I have been playing at the AAA level in Ottawa. I played for the Ottawa Chiefs for two years, need very much. already asked the same.
and then I joined the Ottawa Knights organization in 2017. I currently play for the 18U Ottawa Knights.
We just wrapped up our fall ball season and have now started winter training sessions to prepare for Could you press rewind on the Santa, if baseball is played in
Florida. During March Break of 2019, our team travelled to Fort Pierce, Florida to participate in Spring Montreal Canadiens season. I’m not Montreal this summer, I’d like to go
Training and to compete against some of the best teams from the US and Canada. I am a starting even sure Rudolph could guide the
pitcher and a starting third baseman for the team. and watch the Ex-Rays (okay, I stole
Habs through the fog.
that one).
Since we are playing the Grey Cup And finally, Santa, enough of this
in mid-December, let it snow, let it
virus. I know it bothers you too. But
snow, let it snow!
you have the magic and the faith
You sent the Jays an ACE - let’s behind you and thank goodness not
Maxwell Ming - P.Eng, CFP ®
Financial Planner hope Kevin brings the gas-MAN. all of us have lost that.
Financial Planning • Investments • Insurance
Hey Santa, the Colts are in Merry Christmas everyone and
613-932-7526 • Max@mingassociates.com tuff. How about putting a ticket stay safe.

KARATE KOMMENTS if they are a good fit for you. Here are a few things to look at when taking
Most clubs will offer a few trial classes, allowing you the time to determine

advantage of this “trial period”:
1) Respect: Are the instructors respectful in their teachings and are the
By Jim Riddell, students respectful of one another? This respect should be natural and not
forced.
Seaway Karate Club 2) Instruction: Does the class appear to be properly planned, flowing

smoothly without any downtime? Does the instructor properly explain each
skill? Does he/she break down intricate moves into components to make them
easier to learn? Does the instructor keep the class interactive, asking questions
CHOOSING A KARATE SCHOOL to ensure understanding and are these questions properly timed? Does the
ith things now opening with fewer COVID restrictions, many instructor positively reinforce the successful completion of a skill(s)? Does the
Windividuals are now looking for a martial arts facility either for instructor warn the class of the potential risks of using improper methods and
themselves or for their children. Making the decision to become involved in techniques?
karate is a healthy and exciting choice that could potentially become a part
of your life for decades. 3) Safety: Karate is a sport that has very few injuries and most instructors
are proud of this fact and strive to provide a safe physical environment. Take
Karate is a sport that can improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength, a look at the safety pads, kicking shields, and sparring equipment – are they in
speed, and flexibility. When choosing a karate school it is very important good shape with no rips or tears? Are they regularly inspected for any damage?
that you find one that meets your needs. There is no one school that has a
4)
Be sure to discuss any health or physical concerns that you may have
“one size fits all” program that is a perfect fit for everyone. There are many with the instructor to ensure that these issues will be accommodated.
very good clubs of various styles, and what is important to you will help you
make that decision. 5) Can you see yourself fitting in with this group? Would you connect
with the instructors and the other students?
Some dojos have a combative nature, training members for kickboxing,
continuous sparring, or full-contact completion. Other karate schools may 6) Trust your instincts! A good dojo will have a safe, positive environment
place an emphasis on sport competition, often requiring participation in with a family atmosphere. If something doesn’t feel quite right, you may be
either tournaments or seminars. Still others, such as our own Seaway Karate, better off looking elsewhere. A good rule of thumb is that you should always
focus on practical self-defense and personal development. People have many feel better at the end of class than you did at the beginning.
different reasons for getting involved in the sport with self-defense being Making the proper choice when choosing a dojo will make you a part of a
either at or near the top of almost everyone’s list. A few other reasons are group where you truly belong. Studying with instructors that you like and
1) you may want to become more physically active, 2) for stress relief, 3) respect, and with fellow students that inspire you will keep you committed to
to meet new people, 4) to develop a new hobby, or 5) training, growth, and your goals, and you will have a sport that will become a part of your lifestyle.
development, with aspirations to work towards becoming a karate instructor
with internationally recognized certification. Karate Quote: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”