PISE Hosts Soldier On Multi-Sport Camp

(Victoria, BC – Tuesday, May 5) –  PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence) hosted the ‘kick-off’ today for the Soldier On Multi-Sport Camp, which is being held in various locations in Victoria, BC. The camp runs from May 5 – 10, with the 30 camp participants spending the first day at PISE. Soldier On is a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports servicemen and women to overcome their physical or mental illness or injury through physical activity and sport.

At PISE each participant will undergo Anthros, which measures body data,  Musculoskelatal (MSK) testing and Aerobic testing led by PISE Adapted Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Jonathan Ritchot. This will be followed in the afternoon by wheelchair sports sessions – basketball, rugby and volleyball.

“It has been an honour to assist in planning and collaborating with the other organizations to make this camp happen. We have student volunteers from Camosun College’s Centre for Sport and Exercise Education, and Camosun is also contributing use of aerobic testing equipment and space in The Clinic at PISE, for Athletic and Exercise Therapy. We also have coaches and interns from Canadian Sports Institute Pacific, presentations from Canadian Paralympic Committee and Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, with sport chairs being provided by Victoria Wheelchair Sports Club. It really is a collaborative effort,” states Ritchot.

“Sport is a powerful and transformational activity.  It changes lives, it builds people and communities and simply makes all of us better,” says Peter Lawless, Vice President, Canadian Olympic Committee. “This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of PISE. Having an organization like PISE is exactly what allows diverse sport groups the opportunity to train and play at a world class facility staffed by world leading practitioners.”

“PISE is very pleased to be supporting Solider On as another important opportunity to provide sport and physical activity, as a means to improved quality of life to a very important and valued part of our community,” says Robert Bettauer, CEO, PISE.

During the week the participants will be introduced to other sport disciplines such as cycling, triathlon, and rowing with Rowing Canada and Triathlon Canada. “Overall I couldn’t be happier with the way the numerous organizations have come together to put on a wonderful week of sport. After all, we all wear “Canada” and what a way and place to show that off,” adds Lawless.

The Soldier On Multi-Sport Camp at PISE is funded through the generous support of the Commonwealth Legacy from PacificSport Victoria. For information on the Soldier On program go to: www.soldieron.ca

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For more information contact:

Robert Bettauer, CEO, PISE                                        
250-580-3201                                                              
rbettauer@piseworld.com        

Peter Lawless, V-P, COC 
250-480-8473                                 
Peter.Lawless@gov.bc.ca