Parents in Sport Week 2021

Being a parent in sport doesn’t start when a child shows up to their first Timbits soccer game, or their first basketball camp, or their first hockey tryout. It starts the moment a child takes their first breath. At least that was my experience. There are countless photos from my youth of me in soccer jerseys, me at the field with dad and me wearing dad’s soccer shoes or hockey skates. A childhood like this shapes an individual and prepares them for a life revolving around sport. A life that revolves around sport can be a crazy adventure. I’m not sure why my dad would take me to games, put a ball at my feet, let me wear his jersey, because what it meant was that the future would lead to countless hours, dollars and time coaching. Dean prepared both my younger brother and I early for this life in athletics and he offered continued support as we grew. Coaching countless teams for us, opening the gym early for us, buying us outdoor basketball hoops. There was never a conversation about which sport we had to play, or what choices we had to make. Every sport was an option, and he was willing to help in any way possible. The opportunity given to both my brother and I because of time and financial sacrifices is something I do not take lightly and is something I dearly hope to be able to give to my kids someday. Dean’s support in all things sport and his effort to immerse me early in sport allowed my somewhat successful athletic career and is something I am forever grateful for. I was asked to write this article about Dean, and though he may have been at the forefront of my athletics through mainly coaching; Paula also must receive some credit. Our family would not have functioned without Paula and her support. She talked me through slumps and temper tantrums and kept our family organized. So both Dean and Paula thank you for being wonderful parents in sport.

Written by son, Brendon Degner

As an individual, I have always been involved in sport and was raised within a family that was very sport oriented. Honestly, it was a foundation to helping me through some very difficult times in life, giving me focus and purpose. I always felt motivated by the opportunity to grow and enhance my skills, not just in sport, but how these transfer to life.

As a parent, I see the value in supporting our children in also participating in sport. We have two children, both have participated in different types of sport, from parkour, to cheerleading, and basketball. We now have a child who is considering rugby and another who has started running. Through these various experiences, a significant role I have played is supporting our children to stay motivated when they become challenged in their participation, as well as cheering them on, and encouraging them to face these challenges for growth and support them in growing from their strengths.

Watching our children participate in sport is fulfilling in that we get to see them challenging themselves, build teamwork, and create a passion for something that inspires and excites them. I especially have appreciated watching our children participate in sports that I had not participated in myself, such as cheerleading and rugby. It’s exciting to see how they grow in their own interests. It is also fun for me to participate in sports with our children that we all enjoy, such as basketball and running.

My proudest moments as a parent in sport are the simple ones, such as seeing my daughter wear the same number in her basketball jersey as I wore while pushing herself up and down the court, and our other daughter coming home telling us that she was the first in her class to finish a cross country running race and now wants to start running with me. It is the small things that matter most, that help build that bond between parent and child through sport.

How has sport influenced you as a parent?

I feel so much joy watching our kids have fun, develop, and learn through sport. As a bonus, I’ve formed treasured friendships through my kids’ sports!

Raising our children has never been just about us. We’ve always relied on the community to help us raise our boys: my parents, local family, school, and sport communities. Whether the kids are enrolled in activities such as swimming, soccer, baseball, or gymnastics or we just take the time to stay active as a family (biking, skiing, tennis, etc), sports are a regular part of everyday life. And let’s be honest…. They also help us all sleep better at night!

What are your proudest moments as a parent in sport?

When our kids try their best, have fun, and build relationships with teammates.

Our eldest—who just turned ten—LOVES soccer. After his first-ever outdoor game last spring, he had a HUGE smile on his face and called goodbye to each of his teammates by name. When we got back in the vehicle, he happily sighed, “Man I love my teammates.” They didn’t even win… but he was just thrilled to play and be part of the team.

Our eight-year-old loves the trampoline, and requested individual lessons to learn how to do a backflip. One session was particularly challenging for him, but he didn’t give up and he was still so enthusiastic and positive after the lesson. His determination and grit shone through!

Apart from what sport has done for your child, what has sport brought to your life?

I value the connections I’ve made through sport (both through my kids’ sports as well as through my own athletic endeavors). Sport has also given me the opportunity to stay fit, active, and able to keep up with my kids… for the most part… so far.

If you grew up playing sports, how did that influence you as a parent in sport?

My parents exposed me to a variety of sports growing up. I credit that for my confidence to try new things now. I won’t excel at most things (or anything!), but I am comfortable to at least try. Exploring sport & activity is a way of life, and I’m thrilled to pass that along to my kids.

Any specific stories or memories you would like to share.

I’ll share one little story for each kid!

Our eldest is in a learn-to-dive class, and every single time he jumps off a diving board, a loud “WOOHOOOO!” fills the aquatic centre. He is in it for the sheer joy of it, and it is SO fun to watch.

Our youngest first skied as an 18-month old, participated in his first Strider (balance bike) race as a two-year-old, and started his first triathlon as a three-year-old. Memories of these events and how tiny and willing he was never cease to put a smile on my face!

To continue with Parents in Sports Week, we chatted with Chad Oviatt, a 4th year UofL Men's Basketball Player. As an active role model for his kids, you can be sure Chad will be a busy sport parent when his kids get a bit older.

"My kids are pretty young, 2 kids, both under 2 years old. I am currently playing basketball for the University of Lethbridge so I have a busy life balancing family, school, and sport. Even though I am busy, I have really enjoyed having a family and being a part of a larger community that has an influence on my kids. A lot of my motivation for continued participation in sport comes from my family. I love being on the court and seeing my family in the stands supporting me. It makes me feel supported and loved by them and this makes me want to reciprocate those feelings. I am grateful for the opportunity to be playing team sport at this point in my life but I know I wouldn’t be able to without the support of my wife and kids.

I hope that as my kids look back on the memories from coming to games and being around the team, that they will find the motivation to seek similar opportunities. Eventually, I hope that they will have similar experiences to what I have had. Having kids and being a part of an athletic program can be a very busy lifestyle but I believe with the sacrifice of time we have the opportunity to better the lives of our children and give them opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun playing sports."

Parents in Sport, the real MVP.

Wonder Woman or Sports Mom????? Pretty much the same. Tara Moffat is a coach's wife and a sports mom of two very active kids, and like many parents, her plate is full.

I believe the saying is, “Once an athlete, always an athlete”. Tara is a former National team athlete who represented Canada at rugby taking part in the Inaugural Women’s 7s World Cup in Dubai in 2009. A Physical Education teacher by trade turned Strength & Conditioning coach she knows how important an active lifestyle is for children. A huge believer that people do what people see, it is important to her to model that lifestyle for her children.

Her children grew up/are growing up around the side of the rugby field and have the privilege to be around some amazing student-athlete role models that inspire them to be active participants in sports.

Encouraged and praised for their efforts not whether they win or lose Tara is at every sporting event. Swimming lessons, gymnastics, soccer, rugby, Mau Thai, horse riding, calf riding, and lots of free play.

Time, money, volunteering, driving, it never ends, but it is totally worth it for her, teaching teamwork, respect, and emotional control to name only a few.

As she told Athletic Director Neil Langevin, 'when you hired Graeme did you realize you inherited us all?' Thankfully for Graeme that is true with Tara prepping breakfasts, lunches, snack packs for the team, team excursions and making sure Isla and Struan get to go cheer on their favourite team and their new friends. Go Pronghorns!!!!!!!

To Tara and all the sports parents in the community, thank you…

Written by husband, Graeme Moffat (Head Coach U of L Rugby)

Growing up, sport has always been something of utmost importance in my life. As the weather changed with each season, so did my fields and arenas. Each new school year began with football, which then transitioned into hockey and then spring baseball. After a quick two week break in August, it all started over again. I can’t recall a time that I did not look forward to the next practice or game. No matter what sport, it was my happy place. To this day I am flooded with memories whenever I smell the change of seasons in the air. The wins, the losses and friendships rush to my mind.

Now I’m a dad. I remember these days, knowing none of it could have been possible without my parents, other players' parents, and countless other volunteers. They selflessly donated so many hours as taxi drivers, coaches, and mentors. These parents and mentors provided so many life lessons. I recall a coach telling me years ago “If you truly love the game, you should aspire to become an ambassador and find a way to give back”. So, now that I have my own kids, I eagerly do my very best to live up to that, as both a coach and volunteer. This has given me the opportunity to witness a new generation of young athletes. We share smiles, maintain amazing friendships, and are making memories so great that we have tears at the end of the season. With the help of a fantastic parental group assisting me on and off the field, this has become a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience that I can’t wait to continue.

What is your involvement as a parent in sport?

That’s an interesting question. Being a parent of two highly sports motivated individuals means that your involvement is anything and everything they may need to excel at their sport. You are there to drive them where they need to go including practice, tournaments, and training no matter the distance, weather or crazy time of day. You are there to support them when they feel down and lift them up when they don’t feel they’re where they want to be. You are there to volunteer your time to help raise money for the sport to ensure everyone can participate. You are there, if called on, to coach or help administer the activities should the coaches need the help (after all, these awesome individuals give huge amounts of their time and passion towards coaching our kids). And always, always, you are there to cheer them on no matter the outcome.

How has sport influenced you as a parent?

Sport influences me as a parent to pass on all the amazing experiences I had to my children by providing them the same opportunities. My parents were amazing and supportive of my sports and I strive to provide the same atmosphere for my children. It is my hope that they too, will be influenced and develop stronger through their sports.

To this day I still play hockey, but now do it for the fun and the comradery. I also still coach wrestling, including my son, and enjoy the time at both activities, which wouldn’t have been possible without my parent’s support. I hope my children will continue to enjoy the benefits of their sports long into their senior years as I do now.

What are your proudest moments as a parent in sport?

There are too many moments to mention and I am proud of so many of their accomplishments. However, I am always proud when I watch one of my children overcome adversity or fear to take the next step up the ladder in their evolution of the sport. It often comes with a “did you see that?!” and a story of how it all happened. I’m lucky enough to witness it as a parent and answer “Yes, yes I saw.”