The Olympic spirit is alive and well at a Montreal sports day camp at the Claude Robillard sports complex.
Lucky campers got a chance to learn from a few Olympic hopefuls, including weightlifter Kristel Ngarlem and diver Argenis Alvares during a special day of sports demonstrations.
“It’s really good to see the kids having fun,” said Alveres.
Ngarlem has been weightlifting since she was 11 and entered her first senior international competition at the age of 14.
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Participating in an Olympic sports demonstration is a way to give back to the Claude Robillard complex, where she’s been training since 2005.
“I saw a small girl looking, she was exactly like me when I was 10-years-old,” said Ngarlem.
“So, I tried to give her the passion to do weight lifting.”
With Canadians doing well at this year’s Olympics, interest for sports among the campers is high.
Alexendra Caron Olano has been taking gymnastics since she was three.
“You learn with what they offer,” said Caron Olano.
“But when you see the positions, you learn also and it’s incredible to see them.”
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Campers got to learn more about a variety of Olympic sports like diving, water polo and weight lifting.
Whatever sport campers prefer, Alvares has one message to give them:
“Always dream and never give up,” said Alvares.
“At all times keep in mind that dreams can come true.”
Olympic Day ended on a high note at the camp with a festive closing ceremony.
Campers sent a message of respect and admiration to Rio for all the athletes to see in a video message by gathering 800 kids to form a heart shape.