SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Francois Caron is no stranger to representing P.E.I. at the Canada Games, but this year carries extra significance
The Summerside native is attending his 11th Games. He played basketball in 1993, and has served as a chef de mission or a mission staff member at every Canada Games since 2001. This year, though, he gets to share the Week 1 experience of the Winter Games with his 16-year-old daughter, Natalie, who is a member of P.E.I.’s ringette team.
“It’s two roles this year,” Francois told the Journal Pioneer in a phone interview Wednesday. “It’s been fun as a parent sitting in the stands and watching my daughter and all her teammates play.
“I’ve coached a number of the kids on that ringette team as well, and certainly have been following that team for the last number of years.”
Natalie, who is competing in her first Canada Games, agreed it means a lot to be able to wear the same Team P.E.I. uniform as her father.
“It’s pretty interesting,” said the Grade 11 student at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside. “I don’t really see him that much because he has a lot of other stuff to do.
“It’s cool because he can come into the athlete’s village and where we eat, so I get to see him there.”
When asked if she received any pre-event advice from her father, Natalie replied, “He said a few things about the athlete’s village and opening ceremonies.”
Although Francois is juggling his mission staff duties and those of a parent, he makes it perfectly clear which takes priority.
“We just finished watching a game and the phone keeps going off and there are other issues that have to be looked after, so you are sending communications out,” said Francois. “I had my head down (Wednesday) for a couple of the goals that were scored working on my phone, trying to make sure everybody else is being looked after the way they need to be.
“I look at it as my first role is mission staff, and when the opportunity presents itself I turn into a parent in the stands, watch the team and encourage them on.”
Natalie said it’s been an enjoyable week in Red Deer, Alta.
“It’s definitely an experience,” she noted. “The volunteers are really helpful, everybody is really nice and it’s a fun time.”
She has also had the opportunity to cheer on fellow Team P.E.I. athletes, and has taken in men’s hockey and gymnastics action.
“That was really interesting. It’s really cool to see the skills of the other athletes.”
National ringette championships
The Canada Games will not be the last high-level competition for Natalie and Team P.E.I. She will play on P.E.I.’s under-19 team in the 2019 Canadian ringette championships that will be hosted in Summerside and Charlottetown from April 7 to 13.
“We are still not done yet,” said Natalie, who added she learned some things at the Canada Games she is hoping will prove beneficial in the nationals.
“The competition, getting mentally and physically ready to play, and just after a tough loss picking yourself back up and try to win your next game,” she continued.
The Carons, along with Team P.E.I.’s Week 1 contingent, will arrive back home on Saturday morning.
“I’m sure we’ll be able to swap a lot of stories,” noted Natalie.
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