By Joanne McQuarrie
“I’m huge believer in the benefits of sports,” said Matt LeBourdais, the new athletic director at David Thomson Secondary School (DTSS).
He said at DTSS students are encouraged to participate in sports as much as they can “and to play as many different sports as they can – three or four, rather than one”.
The goal, he said, is to “keep them engaged, active, healthy, (see) what a positive thing that sports can be. Sports keep kids out of trouble; it gives them something to do on a Friday, a weekend”.
“Teamwork, communication, hard-work, determination, goal-setting, resiliency… sports teaches all of this, and it all relates to life,” LeBourdais said in an email.
It is LeBourdais’ first year at DTSS in this position; he worked at J A Laird Elementary School for four years before that.
“I’m happy to be in a specific role,” he said.
LeBourdais is not new to DTSS though. “I used to go to this school; I loved my time at this high school and it’s great to be back as a teacher, rather than a student.”
His palpable enthusiasm comes from an early involvement in sports. LeBourdais explained, “School sports was huge for my development growing up here in Invermere. I played every sport under the sun as a kid, and went on to play university volleyball at UBC and professional volleyball all across Europe. Pretty cool for a kid from this small little town!”
The self-proclaimed sports fanatic said with COVID on the back burner, “sports are on full time and it’s a great vibe! We have already hosted a grade eight tournament at the school. It’s fun to see people at the gym (watching games).”
Having spectators at games fits in with LeBourdais’ efforts to get more community engagement around school sports in town.
DTSS will host a senior boys volleyball tournament on Oct 21-22. On the 21st, Lakers games are at 5 and 6 p.m. Lakers’ games on the 22nd are at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Playoffs follow later that day.
“Attendance is free for anyone who wants to come watch; come out and support your Lakers,” LeBourdais invited.
If you want to get involved at a different level, LeBourdais noted, “We are always looking for volunteer parents/coaches to help with sports teams. Anyone thinking they want to help out / coach can get in touch with me at the school!”
