Page 25 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 134

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #134 March 2024 25

Cornwall Fire Services with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

ou might have heard that a once-in-a-lifetime event is set to happen right here in Cornwall, Ontario — and you know what
Ythe best part is? You’re not wrong!
A total solar eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024, and we will see our city — among many other places across North America
— go totally dark for about 2 minutes, at around 3:24PM.
As the moon aligns perfectly between earth and the sun, temporary darkness will sweep across parts of the country, captivating
countless spectators.

In Canada, the solar eclipse’s path of totality will pass through some cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova
ScScotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.

People outside the path of totality will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse, during which the Sun is not hidden in totality.
What makes this even more incredible is that it will be over 80 years before the next total eclipse!

With all the hype out of the way, now comes the important part — eclipses can be extremely dangerous!
During any solar eclipse, it is imperative to wear special glasses with filters designed for eclipse-watching to prevent eye damage. Regular sunglasses
will not protect your eyes sufficiently. Proper eye protection is essential before and after the eclipse. When purchasing glasses for the event, make sure
that they meet ISO 12312-2 guidelines. Do your research!

Looking at the intense light from the sun even for just a few seconds can cause permanent damage to the retina.
The retina has no sensitivity to pain, and since the effects of retinal damage may not appear for hours, there is no warning that an injury to your eye has
occurred. The damage can be temporary or permanent and can cause symptoms such as loss of vision, distorted vision, or altered colour vision.
The amount of time looking at the sun that will cause eye damage varies between individuals, but in all cases is only a matter of seconds.

ALWAYS make sure to wear appropriate glasses designed for eclipse-watching.
I encourage you to enjoy the eclipse from your home — you don’t need to travel anywhere to experience it. If you’re in Cornwall, you can view it from
anywhere you are!
As always, I hope you stay safe!

Diary of a Weightlifter - Role Reversal Continued from page 24

in Rugby came from watching my
By Thorin Gault A couple of weeks ago, I had attempts without being tired. The aunt Maria play for Team Canada
the opportunity to coach one of coach must also count and track the in various tournaments around the
my Cornwall Weightlifting Club attempts of the lifters coming before world, such as the Rugby World
teammates, Jake MacDonald, at a their lifter to make sure the timing Cup in France in 2014. My mom’s
competition in Ottawa. Originally, the of the warm-up is appropriate. They family have been involved with
whole team was supposed to compete monitor the athlete’s technique during
with head coach Tom Irvine present. warm-up and make small corrections the SABRFC for a long time, and I
There was a late change of date for if required. Finally, the coach helps started playing when my aunt Trish
the contest, so I was happy to jump in their lifter reach and maintain a ‘peak signed up my siblings and I for the
to coach our only lifter able to attend. state,’ and gives effective last second junior Saints program.”
cues as they step onto the platform.
I don’t get the chance to coach
FPO
FPO weightlifting very often, even though I had a lot of fun and Jake did great In the summer, Adessa can also be
found defending on the soccer pitch
I am NCCP certified. It was nice to in only his second competition. He
take the athlete hat off and participate made all three of his snatch attempts with the Glengarry Soccer League.
in a different way. and set a personal record. He also Adessa, who plans to attend art
The job of the weightlifting made some key technical strides in school after high school, feels her
coach is more important than one his clean and jerk that will set him up most notable accomplishment is her
would think. The coach plans the for future competitions. art. “I love to paint and sketch,” she
athlete’s warm-up and time so they I am looking forward to doing a lot says, “and I do so every day.”
are physically ready for their first more coaching in the coming years.