SportsXpress Mississauga Spring 2017

YOUR COMMUNITY SPORTS CONNECTION

Mississauga & Area Edition

Spring Edition 2017 Volume 2 | Issue 2

Mississauga’s Golden Boy @sportsxpress.mississauga

www.facebook.com/Mississauga SportsXpress

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Spring 2017

Mississauga Edition

editor’snote Welcome to SportsXpress, a magazine all about local sports — the players, teams, families, volunteers and fans.

We publish real life stories on the full range of community sports and include all ages and skill levels. Every fan, parent, and sports enthusiast can participate by sharing their experiences with other fans.

We want you to make SportsXpress your magazine and www.

SportsXpress.ca your website, by sending in your comments, story ideas, opinions, articles and photos. Get in the game with us and be connected with your local community sports!

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Contact me: Ryan Flammini, SportsXpress Mississauga 647-401-8096 or email us at ryan@SportsXpress.ca

~ from the SportsXpress team

sportsfiles

behindthebench

Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams

Tips, tactics and ideas are shared by athletes, coaches and fans

05 | Ontario Performance Centre

04 | Letter from the Partner Anthony Carelli

09 | Sports Bio: Jack Hughes 10 | Life Coach 14 | Mississauga’s Golden Boy 14 | Frank Szakiel – Pushing the Limits

Mississauga

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health&fitness Informative articles on sports health & fitness

06 | National Produce Marking Inc. 13 | The Inspiring Story of Paola Vena 17 | How to Stay in the Game: Warming Up

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any wars, or starvation, or floods, or earthquakes or anything catastrophic for that matter. We seemed so far away from these types of things. We were very safe, and you could feel it.

CONTRIBUTORS Sara Mildounian, Perry Lefko, various

sports enthusiasts and the SportsXpress team.

behindthebench

Almost all of my friends were from different cultural backgrounds. Many of our parents were born in other countries. Often, we were comprised of more than one cultural background. However, despite our cultural differences, we understood each other and we all seemed pretty happy growing up here. Our parents didn’t have it as easy as we did, and we were taught to be appreciative of that. I grew up at a time that proceeded the information age, a time when people interacted much more. I got to see life in Mississauga evolve and grow from a farming community to the thriving young city it is today. I guess you could

By Anthony say that we kind of grew up together.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Local minor sports fans and various sports enthusiasts.

PARTNERSHIP Ajax/Pickering EDITIONS Brampton

Sometimes We All Need a Little Jump-Start Anthony Carelli

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Chatham/Kent Hamilton Kingston London Niagara Ottawa Sarnia-Lambton Waterloo Region Winnipeg

Your Community

Carelli

Check out our website at www.MississaugaSportsXpress.ca PUBLISHER Anthony Carelli 289-632-3014 anthony@sportsxpress.ca

EDITOR Gord Dearborn

Photos • Video • Articles

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Coaching • Administration • Technology

Your Community Sports Report

associated with registration, equipment, and/or transportation. Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped more than 1.3 million kids across Canada participate in sports and physical activity. Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has disbursed $2.3 million to help more than 18,000 kids enroll in sports and physical activity in the Peel Region Chapter. In 2016, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities disbursed more than $450,000 to help 3,079 kids in the Peel Region, who otherwise couldn’t afford to play. These numbers are super impressive and what Jumpstart is doing is simply amazing. Jumpstart is the perfect name too, because helping youth get started in sports often translates to starting or igniting their passion and desire.

With Jumpstart helping kids get started and the Canadian government helping to fund elite level athletes and Olympic hopefuls, the only section we are currently missing out on is the middle group. The kids that are over 18 and are not yet funded by the government but have the potential to reach world-class status. How does one determine the cutoff point with regards to who qualifies for financial assistance? Someone making $60,000 in Toronto does not get as much for their money as someone from rural Ontario. The cost of living is quite different. Also a family with one child definitely spends less than a family with 5 children. I just hope we are not overlooking kids that may one day inspire many more kids. This is where other large corporations should step up and fill in the gaps. We can’t expect Jumpstart to pay for everyone but I definitely appreciate the fact that they are helping. The more kids that play sports the better we all are. Way to lead by example Canadian Tire!

If you know a kid that wants to play sports, but can’t afford to, call 1-844-YES-PLAY, or visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca to apply.

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Sports Connection

SPRING 2017

PARTNERSHIP Contact SportsXpress at: INQUIRIES 1-877-588-8856 or email sales:

Simply put, I love this Sales@SportsXpress.ca AsIt’s you may know place. a part of me.

We the aim of this magazine is to arehighlight so lucky to be ablepromote to live and Community Sports and Sport here and we really should Culture in Mississauga. There are so many positive be grateful more often. After character that result from being engaged all these years, itattributes still feels so fresh and still in sport.

Ifprovides greatera numbers of people participated PRESIDENT/CEO VP OPERATIONS in Walter Browning Clint Szakacs world of opportunities for its sport I truly believe that we would be better off as a walter@sportsxpress.ca clint@sportsxpress.ca residents. We get to enjoy all BRANTFORD XCELERATOR character attributes foursociety seasons.because It’s still quiteof the positive 226-227-2102 safedeveloped and it will be athrough continued sport,MAILING ADDRESS competition, and fair play.

50 Ottawa St. South, Unit 110, Kitchener, On N2G 3S7 pleasure watching it bloom.

However many people simply required 519-208-9302lack or 1-877the 588-8856

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We, the residents of funds to participate, and Editorial the government can only Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, Mississauga, have been photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Please contact publisher.

We assume no responsibility unsolicited do so Today’s storythe is a positive one but forit’s showing themuch. world how material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All it’salso done with to justregards the beginning.

Virtually of submissions may everyone not be used. We mayknows edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium living in harmony, for some without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or the Canadian Tire chain of stores.

This network also damaged submissions.

Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. time now. We are a living, Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any formSports or by any means permission includes SportChek and National towithout name afrom the thriving, miniature global publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your community living in oneiscity. privacy as our within customer. We may collectcorporate personal information only few. But there another entity this if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only Our wonderful blend of ethnic share this information with our business partners. The editors family that I’m writing about today, Jump Start. and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt diversity makes us one of to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. Canadian JumpstartHowever Charities (founded ininformation. We the greatest cities inTire history. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any Simply put, we are what the readers based on the information provided.

2005) is a National Charity that helps kids agedview4-18 & upload world needs more of — and families invery financial need participate thatfrom is something to be celerator in sports centre box proud of. physical activity by helping to cover the costs and

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Mississauga Belleville/Quinte Brant County Guelph Halton Region Lloydminster Mississauga Oshawa-Whitby Peterborough Swift Current Windsor Northumberland

SALES Ryan Flammini 647-401-8096 ryan@sportsxpress.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGN Debbie Dunmall ddunmall@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS Ryan Flammini, Jody Keshen, Teneisha Lopez, Anthony Carelli, Vincent Formusa, SportsXpress Team and other sports enthusiasts

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrea Kellaway, Anthony Carelli, SportsXpress Team and members of various local sports organizations and community sports fans

AFFILIATES Cambridge Chatham-Kent Guelph & Wellington Kingston KW & Stratford London Mississauga Oshawa/Durham Peterborough Windsor

Mailing Address 50 Ottawa St. South, Unit 110, Kitchener, ON, N2G 3S7 519.208.9302 or 1.877.588.8856 Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for the publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. For detailed circulation information, contact Sports Express Media Inc. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However, the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.

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ALL B T E ASK B • ALL L B L Y A E B L OOT VOL F • • L L R E A sion! s e SOCC Y • BASEB s ining a E r K t C HO e team e r f 8853s academy 2 2 try a 6 289 attle art de b

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health&fitness

National Produce Marketing Inc.

By Vincent Formusa

Over the years athletes have traditionally been portrayed to base their eating habits around strict diets consisting of lean protein and low fat. Outside the realm of brawn, muscle and protein is a colourful world of fruit and vegetables, which many whom devoted to exercise, sport and strength training at one point may have not fully understood and or appreciated. Many individuals that first begin to exercise are initially drawn to foods high in protein, and typically understand the importance of protein, carbohydrates and fat, but place little weight on the health benefits that both fruits and vegetables possess.

Health conscience athletes concerned about all faucets of their mind and body may have asked themselves at one point the question “How clean is my diet?” This vital question is key in order to initiate a wellbalanced healthy lifestyle, rather than an individual focusing on a few personal goals (ie. muscle growth) that may ultimately stunt their growth toward becoming an optimal athlete.

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Due to the fast paced nature of today’s society some gym junkies turn to dull pre-maid meals, in which they may portion and freeze to “enjoy” a colourless and unfortunately monotonous meals for the remainder of the week. We urge those stuck in this dull routine to join the fresh fruit and vegetable movement toward a brighter, healthier lifestyle.

People are discovering a flourishing colourful world full of exciting exotic fruits and vegetables, due to an increasingly diverse population in Toronto and GTA who are demanding fresh produce, which are not indigenous to Canada. Now that various exotic fruits have become readily accessible by local consumers, many can enjoy a cool refreshing taste of the tropics in their very own backyards. While divulging into a fantastic taste experience, an athlete would also be reaping the benefits of the vast micronutrients found in such fresh produce and unconsciously maintaining their health, optimizing exercise performance, energy production and tissue recovery during periods of exercise training.

There are some company’s that work tirelessly behind the scenes like clock-work, to scour the globe to find the freshest, great testing hidden jewels (in the form of fruits and vegetables of course!), and transports

them to retail chains, where their discoveries eventually end up on the kitchen tables of consumers across Canada. National Produce Marketing Inc., a Toronto based company, with deep roots in agriculture and distribution has devoted that last 25 years doing just that!

Anthony Formusa, President of National Produce Marketing Inc. put it simply, “it’s in our blood, we are produce people, dedicated to supply consumers from all different walks of life with nutritious products.’ Anthony Formusa came from humble upbringings when his parents migrated from Termini Immerese, Sicily, Italy and decided to open a small fresh produce store at Bloor and Bathurst in Toronto. He has since, been fascinated with discovering fresh flavors and importing products that may be difficult for the average Canadian consumer to get a their hands on. “As human beings we try to co-exist on this planet and at times seems to be increasingly difficult to do so with so many global issues that are happening today. Making great tasting fruit and vegetables more accessible is one way to bring people together from all different walks of life, and allows us to appreciate the simple things in life, things that some people take for granted…Yes, it is just fruit and veg… but it can sure put a smile on

health&fitness

people’s faces, especially if they are able to taste fruit reminiscent of what they used to eat back home.”

Anthony and the National Produce Marketing Team’s passion for providing health conscience products to the every day consumer sparked the Creation of Mariposa Brand Mangos and Papayas. The Mariposa initiative is devoted to spreading socially and environmentally sustainable products, all while making nutritious food widely accessible, at affordable prices for the everyday consumer. Their team is deeply rooted across North and South America,

whom work diligently, alongside farmers to cultivate optimal varieties of mangos and papayas, naturally formulated to deliver a powerful combination of unique flavours, textures and health promoting qualities.

These factors all key in giving consumers a lasting taste experience and the Nutritional Comparison of Mariposa means to truly blossom Papaya & Mango ones lifestyle!

Papaya Mango Apple Calories 39 58 52 The Health Benefits Fat (g) 0 1 0 of these tropical fruits Cholesterol (mg) 0 0 0 are endless, as they are Sodium (mg) 3 5 1 exquisite fruitsSugar that continually give back 8 (g) 13 10 National to your body in different ways.

Carbohydrate (g) From a 10 13 Produce will continue 14 to make tropical fruits and vegetables more cosmetic perspective; contributing to clearer Calcium (mg) 24 1 6 Potassium (mg) 257 170 107 accessible to the average Canadian skin by ridding of dirty pores, to aiding an Vitamin A* after a workout22% 15% by connecting with 1%international consumer, athlete’s body to recover Vitamin C* 103% 46% 8% that’s growers, and perfecting a product through high contents of antioxidants such Beta Carotene (mcg) 276 640 27 handled with care; from field to fork! as vitamins A, C, and E, which help protect They said “an apple a day will keep the against oxidative stress and free radicals. doctor away,” well a mango or papaya may These fruits also contribute to fight off more warrant the doctor to take several holidays serious diseases such as various forms of throughout the year! The proof is in the cancer and studies show they can help lower pudding: ones cholesterol.

Nutritional Comparison of Mariposa Papaya & Mango Papaya Mango Calories 39 58 Fat (g) 0 1 Cholesterol (mg) 0 0 Sodium (mg) 3 5 Sugar (g) 8 13 Carbohydrate (g) 10 13 Calcium (mg) 24 1 Potassium (mg) 257 170 Vitamin A* 22% 15% Vitamin C* 103% 46% Beta Carotene (mcg) 276 640

Apple 52 0 0 1 10 14 6 107 1% 8% 27

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sportsfiles

SportsXpress Bio – Jack Hughes Local Hockey Superstar on the Benefits of Sport

By Ryan Flammini

Jack Hughes attends Iona Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga. When he’s not doing homework, he’s playing hockey.

Jack plays for the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA hockey team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. He’s already getting major recognition from scouts across the hockey world.

Born in 2001, Jack started playing hockey at the age of four and he hasn’t stopped since. His passion for the game is remarkable; it’s something you can’t teach.

Jack was born in Florida. He and his family are American citizens but now call Canada their home. SportsXpress was lucky enough to conduct an interview with the young star!

What made you start to play hockey?

Jack: I grew up into it. My mom used to play, my dad loves hockey, and both my brothers still play. I’ve watched the game since I was a kid.

What’s your favourite sports memory?

Jack: I’ve played for so long, there are so many good memories. The Brick Invitational Tournament in Alberta is up there but playing with the Mississauga Rebels for so many years and winning all those championships was amazing. I also always loved playing shinny hockey outside on the outdoor rinks during the winter.

Who’s your favourite team?

Jack: I don’t really have one. I just like watching hockey, especially the Leafs, Pittsburgh, and Edmonton. Auston Matthews, Sidney Crosby, and Conor McDavid are definitely fun to watch.

Who’s your favourite player?

Jack: Patrick Kane and Connor McDavid!

They have some nifty moves and I feel like I play similar to them.

What advice would you give to a young player that’s chasing his dreams of becoming a pro?

Jack: Every time you step on the ice, work hard and have fun.

Why do you think sports are so important for kids?

Jack: It’s a great way to get exercise and stay in shape. Sports are a hobby and a good way to have fun. I have made so many friends playing sports, some of my best friends.

What sets you apart from every other hockey player out there?

Jack: My will to win. I’m a very competitive person. Every shift I have I want to score. I feel like my strength is my ability to always create space for myself on the ice and make something out of nothing.

Where can you see yourself in 10 years?

Jack: My goal is definitely to play in the NHL. I know there is so much more work to get there but that’s why I play!

This year Jack will be taking the next step in his hockey career. SportsXpress wishes the best of luck to Jack Hughes in his future endeavors!

Special Thanks to Prospects Training Centre for offering a free training session to Jack Hughes and the entire Iona Boys & Girls Hockey Teams!

How long can you see yourself playing hockey for?

Jack: As long as I’m healthy and able to play!

There’s no timeline.

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sportsfiles

Life Coach Most athletes are always expected to have it all together and be nothing short of confident. However, as we know, life

By Teneisha Lopez, Photo credit Byron Summers

can be difficult. Sometimes we need motivation, inspiration, guidance and support. Even the most confident and

successful people have mentors and seek support when needed. Steeve Sam works as a life coach and helps people to be their best self and in turn helps them to be the best they can be, whether as an athlete or in their personal lives.

How did you become a Life Coach?

Steeve: I have a genuine love for people, life, and inspiration. I truly believe, we all are on this earth for a purpose. I love watching the journey of those who don’t fully believe in themselves, eventually start to believe. It is very humbling to have another human being ask you to coach them through life. Most of the time we do not see what others see in us.

How important is it to stay positive even in the toughest times?

Steeve: It all starts with the way you think.

Positivity is a way of life, thinking and being. If the saying “you are what you think” is truly a fact, then why wouldn’t you want to be positive?

Surely you’ll attract that even if it takes a bit of time. As an athletic, you need to keep practicing positive thinking, even if you have a bad game, or practice, positive thinking will eventually lead to positive results.

What would you say to someone who has high goals such as playing in the NBA, NFL, NHL or any other professional league?

Steeve: Take the time to fully know yourself. Know why you want to do it, and be true to who you are. Study your craft and ask as many questions as you can.

Know that you will be tested, and you must have unwavering faith, discipline and willpower to overcome whatever obstacles come your way. Fall in love with the hard work and make sure that you have a healthy and strong support system who will not allow you to quit or stay stagnant because they believe in you.

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Focusing on the arts, food and drink, lifestyle, money, technology, transportation and travel, the publication (owned and produced by longtime Mississauga resident Jay Kana) is very proud of their talented writers, who help tell the ongoing story of what’s happening in the city.

Modern Mississauga’s goal is to provide our city with well written, relevant content that affects the city through a well-read well retained and beautiful publication.

Modern Mississauga is proud to be the only city-wide magazine in Mississauga and has a strong website with daily content, along with a wide reaching social media presence.

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ith Mississauga poised for impressive growth over the coming years between the Inspiration Lakeview project, Rogers M-Tower condominium developments by City Centre and the Hurontario LRT project that will help ease the growing traffic gridlock, our city is taking huge steps to become world-class.

Add in the thriving art scene, the hard work of the city’s entrepreneurs and that we’re finally stepping out of the shadows of big brother Toronto results in Mississauga becoming the bedroom community that’s waking up.

Modern Mississauga is the city’s only true citywide magazine that’s here to help connect readers with what’s happening in the city. Launched in early 2016, Modern Mississauga is the city’s premier lifestyle magazine that’s distributed citywide.

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Produced bi-monthly, Modern Mississauga has a wide distribution reach at 30,000 copies printed per issue. Combining home delivery with magazine racks available to the public, the magazine is available at all 18 city libraries, City Hall, many TD banks and many other convenient locations.

To read the current and previous digital versions and to learn more about how this magazine explores Mississauga through the lens of the 21st century – community, culture, living, food & drink, technology, style, arts, entertainment, please visit www.modernmississauga.com They’d love to hear from you, so feel free to reach out and engage with them.

health&fitness

The Inspiring Story of Paola Vena

By Ryan Flammini

Everyone has a story. Some people face obstacles in life. Others are fortunate enough to say they’ve been lucky. Paola Vena can say she has had a little bit of both.

Paola grew up in Toronto, Ontario in an Italian-Canadian family passionate about music and eating delicious food. Her passion still exists today. She’s the lead singer of a band, MsP Wit D’Rydmz, and still enjoys the occasional bowl of spaghetti with meatballs. She’s also a single mother of a 17-year-old son and a cancer survivor, but we’ll get to that.

MsP Wit D’Rydmz makes original soul, funk, blues, and jazz music, performing at gigs across Toronto and the GTA. The band has been together for ten years strong. I describe them as strong because they don’t break, they just bend.

In 2011, Paola wasn’t feeling herself.

Thyroid cancer had gone unnoticed for two years. Her thyroids needed to be removed.

But that wasn’t the only bad news, the cancer spread to her neck during the surgery. It was on that day that the doctors told Paola she would never sing again.

Paola was devastated.

The devastation turned into depression. The depression turned into excessive eating and the absence of Paola’s thyroid didn’t help the situation. Her metabolism was all off whack.

Paola put on 60 lbs and tipped the scale at 250 lbs. Some people may describe this point as “hitting the rock-bottom”, but I wouldn’t be telling this story if there wasn’t a happy ending.

Over the next six years, Paola went through two years of radiation treatment and another three years of healing and rehabilitation. She was finally cancer free. Yet all she wanted was her voice back.

Paola was on her Facebook page one day and noticed a picture of a personal trainer named Wayne “Buffboy” who works as a celebrity trainer for CP24. They began to talk on social media and Paola finally summed up the courage to sing Happy Birthday to Wayne on Facebook. She shared her story with him and he decided to take her under his wing. Paola turned

to fitness and physical activity to change the direction her life was taking.

Wayne began to train Paola at the Physiomed Van Mills Clinic in Mississauga.

A strict routine of weightlifting and highcardio workouts, combined with a high protein and fiber diet was the recipe that made a difference in her life. Two days a week turned to three, and three turned to four. The results were coming quick and Paola finally began to feel and look like herself again.

After six months of training, Paola stepped on the scale. She lost 70 lbs!

Maybe the biggest miracle is that Paola could sing again. Her voice is back and better than ever. MsP Wit D’Rydmz performed at the “What’s Your Dream Gala” in April and is planning a performance at the Toronto Soul Festival in June. Paola Vena continues to prove that anything is possible!

Today, Paola continues to train with Wayne every week. She will be featured on CP24’s “Summer Shape-Up Show” and will have a chance to show off the one-arm pushups she’s now able to do. Paola’s perseverance and determination is the reason why this story has a fairytale ending.

Living a healthy and proactive lifestyle gave Paola the opportunity to turn her life around.

What is holding you back from doing the same?

Special thanks to RECO, Nina Esthetics, & RYIT Photography for sponsoring this page!

Check out Paola Vena’s Instagram: @mspwdrydmz, Facebook: Ms.P Wit D’Rydmz, & Soundcloud: MsP w D’Rydmz Mississauga.SportsXpress.ca

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sportsfiles

Mississauga’s Golden Boy

By Anthony Carelli, Photo credit Andrea Kellaway

Winning medals is nothing new for Mississauga’s Christian Freitas. What’s interesting however is that Christian wins medals in multiple sports. Currently Christian trains as a 4-sport athlete.

He practices Boxing, Judo, Submission Wrestling, and Olympic Wrestling.

Christian’s future is definitely looking bright. Three of his sports are Olympic sports and when asked which sport he would like to compete in the Olympics in, his response was “why not all of them.” Confident, hardworking, and tremendous levels of self-discipline are all personality traits shared by Christian and Olympics athletes. Christian has been training at Mississauga’s Battle Arts Academy since it opened 3.5 years ago and is a true mixed martial artist in the

purest sense of the word. Unfortunately Christian must one day choose what he will do after amateur competition comes to an end. Currently his sights are set on either WWE or UFC. Wow this kid does not mess around when it comes to setting goals. Some of Christian’s notable wins are: Boxing Gold at the Brampton Cup, Bronze Gloves, Ontario Summer Games, and the Golden Gloves tournament, and in Olympic Wrestling a Silver Medal at Nationals (at his 1st National Competition) and Gold at the Lexus youth Classic, Matmen Classic and the Guelph Youth Festival. That’s a lot of hardware for an 11 year old however it also just the beginning for this Golden Boy from Mississauga.

sportsfiles

Frank Szakiel – Pushing the Limits

By Anthony Carelli, Photo credit Anthony Carelli

At the age of 5 Frank had to undergo brain surgery due to a cancerous tumor in his head. 3 Brain surgeries later, and over half a dozen surgeries in total, Frank has been left with a left side that does

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not function the same as his right side, its weaker, has experienced quite a bit of muscular atrophy, and has significant nerve damage. That’s quite a bit to go through at any age never mind as a child.

Frank dabbled in fitness throughout high-school but since then had not really trained much. His fitness was becoming quite poor and he needed to improve his quality of life for the present and for the future.

Over the last 2 years Frank has dedicated himself to fitness and has

transformed his health to a point that he and his trainers are quite happy with.

Frank never lets his physical disability stop him from being the best he can be.

Yes there are some limitations but Frank works around them and is able to do a lot more than he is not able to do. Exercises are slightly modified and Frank’s strength has increased tremendously.

Frank has also started training in professional Wrestling. Franks goal is to one day have a professional Wrestling match. Frank has always had to rely on his “good side” to do most of the work which in turn has made him extra strong on that side. In fact, Frank’s right arm is so strong that his professional wrestling classmates call it the equalizer! The sky’s the limit for those that truly believe and are willing to put in the hard work required to make one’s dreams come true. Frank is truly an inspiration to all those that witness his grit and determination.

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health&fitness

How to Stay in the Game: Warming Up Aerobic Activity The goal of this exercise is to increase the body temperature and prime the muscles for activity. Aerobic activity should be light to moderate intensity and last 2-5 minutes. It should not be strenuous or exhaust the participant.

During practice, this should be completed before taking the field, allowing practicetime to focus on the skills and strategy.

Dynamic Stretching Dynamic stretching involves repeatedly and rhythmically swinging joint through their range of movement. This helps activate the muscles and loosen the joints. There should be about 20-30 swings per limb. Example of these exercises include leg swings or arm circles.

Sport-Specific Activity The final component practicing movements and muscle groups to be used in training. This can include light muscle activation with exercises like a plank or body weight squat, progressively increasing sprinting speed for running sports or medicine ball tosses in power based activities.

This is an outline for designing a safe and effective warm-up, however, every sport is different, the warm-up can be modified to reflect the demands of the sport. Overall having a good warm-up prior activity can help improve performance and decrease injury risk.

There are multiple ways to help decrease the chance of injury and improve performance during competition. One of these methods is an effective precompetition warm-up. However, there are numerous exercises that can be used during the warm-up. How to decide what are the most effective?

A warm-up should be completed before training, practice or competition and takes about 10-25 minutes depending on the activity. They are easy to complete and can be should consist three major components: light aerobic activity, dynamic stretching, sport-specific activities.

Sean Duquette is a chiropractor at the Ontario Performance Centre. He focuses on sports injuries and improving athletic performance.

Contact: 416.899.1034, sduquette14@ gmail.com Mississauga.SportsXpress.ca

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