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I
was born in a town called Middlesbrough, Yorkshire County in
England. My family immigrated to Canada in 1967, at this time we
settled in Queenston, ON just outside of Niagara Falls. 2 years
later we made the big move up to Niagara Falls and this is where I
spent the next 5 years. After joining the CF in 1975 and spending 28
years in the Air Force in locations like Cornwallis NS, Borden Ont,
Chatham NB, Baden Germany, Petawawa Ont, Comox BC, 14 Wing NS and
finally 12 Wing NS. I have worked on various A/C such as Fighters,
Choppers, Maritime Patrol and T-Birds. I spent 2 years flying in the
back seat of T-Birds towing targets for the ships to shoot at. As an
armourer I not only worked with explosives for the aircraft, I was
also a member of the EOD team now know as EDF (Explosive Disposal
Flight) which at times was very interesting. I retired in 2002 to
accept the position of 14 Wing Sports Coordinator.
My
wife of 29 years Heather (my friends tell me she must be a saint)
and I were married in 1978 and have been blessed with 3 wonderful
children Julia, Arthur and Brandy and 1 grandchild Melodie. Knowing
the level of competition that applied for this position of 14 Wing
Sports Coordinator I was a little surprised and feel auspicious to
have been selected. I was fortunate enough throughout my career to
be able to participate in the CF sports programs. I have held every
position on the executive committees for all the inter-section
sports. Over my 28-year career I have played, coached and officiated
most sports from the inter-section level right up to the national
level. Some might say I was on a sports scholarship.
For
those who are not sure what the military sports program consists off
I have included a brief overview. Basically we have four levels of
participation in our sports programs within the CF. First and most
important is our grass roots level commonly referred to as
Inter-Section. Inter-Section sports for the most part are a
self-governed program. Assisted by the PSP Staff with guidance to
ensure that compliance with all military regulations. Inter-Section
has by far the largest participation across the CF and depends
heavily on volunteers to organize and run the various sports within
our program. As the heart and soul of the military sports programs
we need to do whatever we can to ensure maximum participation at
this level. Emphasis is on things like fair play, having a good
time, teamwork, camaraderie and esprit de core. Participation at
this level will not only make you feel better but also assist you in
preparation for your annual fitness test. The inter-section leagues
are also used as a feeder system to the higher levels of competition
within the CF. The next level is referred to as the Regional
Championships. This consists of tournaments between the Units, Bases
and Wings that comprise each of the 5 Regions across the country.
Each
region hosts their own championships throughout the year for most
recognized military sports. Once a year each region has a conference
to decide who will host the various sports within their region for
the upcoming year. Regional sports are a step up from inter-section
sports. Although the same values are used the level of competition,
intensity and commitment are higher. The goal of the Regional
Championships is to put your best team available into the
competition in order to win the tournament for your home Unit.
The
champions of most Regional’s earn the right to represent their
region at the next level of competition known as the Nationals.
Moving form Regionals to Nationals is another step up with regards
to performance and skill level of the athletes. You are now
competing against the four best teams from each of the other regions
across the country. As you can imagine when you progress through the
levels of competition the workload and commitment for the
participants increases accordingly.
The
fourth level of competition is referred to as Conseil International
du Sport Militaire (CISM) or International Military Sports Council
is known by its acronym "CISM". We currently compete at this level
in 12 different sports. The athletes participating at this level are
considered to be our elite athletes and as such their training and
preparation is considerable. At this time I would like to thank all
the 14 Wing current and past athletes and volunteers who have
assisted with the running of our programs. Also I would like to ask
that all those athletes still playing or those who feel they are
coming to the end of their playing career to think about staying
involved with the sports programs in a different capacity such as a
coach, manager or in a league executive position. Keep in mind that
fitness through sports is a great way to help prepare for your
annual express test while still having fun. We at the F&S Centre
would like to thank the COC for allowing the members of 14 Wing to
participate and represent our Wing at the Inter-Section, Regional,
National and CISM levels and hope for ongoing encouragement in this
area. I would like to finish by thanking the people who have helped
me through my career and transition to PSP. First and foremost my
wife and family, then of course all the full time staff here at the
centre and not to forget the front desk attendants.
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