by George Gross, Jr.
RESPONSIBILITY . . . that for which one is answerable; a duty or trust. Ability to meet obligations . . . (College Standard Dictionary).
In recent months, Canadian athletes in ten sports have been gearing up for the Commonwealth Games. It is perhaps appropriate to pause for a moment and examine the athletes’ role in this and other international level competitions.
Upon selection to a national team, an athlete takes on the dual responsibility of representing Canada and of promoting amateur sport. Whether an chooses to accept this responsibility is a personal decision, but the repercussions of the decision should be carefully considered.
In the past, a major problem facing Canada’s international representation was the “l-made-the-team-and-that’s-it” attitude. This attitude was reflected in the diminished performances of many Canadian athletes at international events in comparison with their qualifying results.
It just didn’t seem important enough to put forth extra effort for Canada as opposed to for oneself.
There just shouldn’t be any room for that kind of attitude when an athlete is representing Canada. The time has passed when our goal is to “make the trip.” Every other country is in it to Win — why not us?
Some top level athletes have said there’s no use winning for Canada because Canada doesn’t care.
Yes, it’s true that a gold medal winner at the Commonwealth Games will likely continue to be a non-entity to the majority of Canadian sports fans. BUT: it doesn’t have to be that way.
It’s up to us, the athletes, to make the effort to change this attitude. We have to accept the responsibility of promoting amateur sport whenever and wherever we represent Canada.
It should be understood from the outset that none of us is so big that we can pick and choose how and when we will conduct ourselves with the public and the media.
The future of amateur sport as a dynamic force in Canada lies in the awakening of hero worship of amateurs by the youngsters of the country who have given that reverence to professionals.
So, although it may seem funny to sign other athletes’ names in autograph books, and it may make you think you are important when you rush by a handful of autograph seekers with an “l-haven’t-the-time” response, stop and think of the results of that action on the youngsters standing there.
National recognition has not come to many Canadian athletes in the past mainly because of a lack of adequate media coverage. However, I hasten to add that the fault does not lie with the media which must tailor their reports to a readership or viewership that is highly selective. The question is how we can accommodate the media to encourage their coverage.
Being late or not showing up at press conferences or interviews is not the way. Nor is crying about inadequate coverage when given the chance to speak. No, the approach must be a positive one, with intelligent reflection on the topics of discussion.
Representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games can be a rewarding experience but one that also carries a large responsibility. The recognition we gain there will depend upon how well we meet our obligation to make amateur sport visible to the public and to the media.
I hope this is the kind of responsibility that every Canadian athlete is willing to accept as they march into Edmonton’s stadium for the opening ceremonies.
Good luck to all the athletes. Remember — it is possible to make Canada appreciate your efforts.
GROSS TID BITS . . .
I know you have all been holding your breath for the answer to last issue’s question: 1968 was the last year Canada entered a hockey team in the Olympics, and ex- Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman BRIAN GLENNIE was on that team . . . Former synchronized swimming star SYLVIE FORTIER was recently inducted into the Aquatics Hall of Fame and is honorary president of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada . . . Who says athletes never marry each other if they compete in the same sport? Two ’68 Olympians were married last year and have a child — who are they?
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