Jane Atkinson was hoping P.E.I. para nordic skier Mark Arendz would inspire her six-year-old son, Daemon, a little bit on Thursday night.
That’s why they decided to come to the Kingston Legion held a meet-and-greet, which was organized to give the community a chance to celebrate the athlete who picked up six medals at the recent Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Jane and Daemon waited patiently in line with dozens of others to meet Arendz, shake his hand and pose for a picture with all those medals.
“We came for Daemon,’’ Atkinson told The Guardian. “Daemon is part of the War Amps, same as Mark used to be. We came so Daemon could meet Mark because we’re kind of struggling right now.’’
Daemon is finding it hard to believe he can do anything he sets his mind to, so his mother was hoping meeting Arendz would help.
“If Mark can do this, you can do anything, too,’’ Atkinson said, referring to her son, who looked up at her and flashed a big smile.
“Today, I was going to a painting session,” he said proudly. “I thought I couldn’t paint, but I can.”
“I love to hear that,’’ Arendz told The Guardian. “I hope that I can be that inspiration, not even just for sport but for life in general. Being able to accomplish whatever you want, regardless of where you started from or what abilities you have – that’s something I’ve always wanted to share with the community.’’
Alan Crane, president of the Kingston Legion, has known Arendz since he was 13 years old and isn’t the least bit surprised he’s done well for himself. Crane was coaching with the Central Queens soccer club when Arendz was there both as a player and a referee.
“I felt from knowing Mark when he was young, it was whatever in life he decided he was going to do he was going to do it to the very best of his abilities,’’ Crane said. “He’s just such a hard worker and such a confident young man, and there was no doubt to any of us that knew him that whatever he decided was his life’s goal, he was going to be the best that he could be at it.’’
Garth and Joan Rogerson from nearby Hampton dropped by, even though they’ve never crossed paths with Arendz.
“To honour Mark on the accomplishment he made,’’ Garth Rogerson said when asked why they came. “I don’t think it’ll ever be repeated. Unbelievable.’’
Arendz’s mother, Janny, hadn’t realized so many people followed her son’s accomplishments.
“I think it’s really great that so many people care about what’s going on,’’ Janny Arendz said. “I mean, we’re proud of him as our son, but we’re proud of P.E.I. to get this (experience) as well because it doesn’t happen every day. It’s great for so many people to come out and say ‘Hi’ and congratulate him.’’
When asked what it’s been like to see his son win all those medals, his father, Johan, said: “It’s like winning the lottery with no money involved. That’s how it feels.’’
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