PRESIDENT ’ S
MESSAGE
JANUARY 2021
Dear Members :
It has been a year since we received news of the pandemic and the world has changed dramatically since that day . The pandemic lingers but currently we are seeing COVID numbers drop and vaccinations roll out which gives us hope that we will see some normalcy soon .
The first few months of the year is when most members make firm decisions on which contests they will compete in and set their training schedule to meet their goals . This continues to be a difficult decision in these times of uncertainty and unknowns . Although the CPA promotes health and wellness for everyone , the main thrust of the CPA and its promoters is supporting our athletes by scheduling competitions across Canada for the purpose of giving our athletes the opportunity to compete and to grow our sport .
This lingering pandemic has certainly affected everyone . The collateral damage of rising health concerns has impacted many CPA members , our families and friends . Many are feeling the effects of this epidemic such as anxiety , depression , boredom , stress , lack of a regular schedule , loneliness , loss and the list goes on . We are all looking for coping mechanisms . For many of us going to the gym was one of them and there are a couple of excellent articles in the newsletter relating to gym closures / restrictions because of the virus .
In many instances our industry has given purpose to numerous individuals who did not imagine they would ever be on stage competing . Many of these competitors never considered themselves as athletes . While growing up they never participated in school or community organized sports . For some it is a completely new revelation to actually be standing on stage recognized as an athlete and competitor .
The journey to that moment on stage is truly a transformation , for many gaining confidence day-by-day while continuing to play a role in society whether its work , family or social activities ; the focus and the return to training is always there .
I would like to bring attention to those who have accepted this lifestyle as the turning point in their lives , whether it is from addiction , mental illness , physical abuse , bullying , lack of confidence and in some cases all those reasons . Although many have shared their physical transformation , many keep the mental scars to themselves . As I mentioned before the journey to every competition is the focus to keep training , however , for those that have suffered these ailments it is literally a lifesaver . I consider these athletes the real heroes in our sport as they battle through their personal issues and continue to bring a sense of accomplishment in their lives . Many of these athletes continue to compete year after year , while they may not win at any of the competitions , standing on stage enjoying the limelight and improvement in their mental and physical health is more than a medal or trophy could ever give them .
Obviously , this does not apply to everyone but to those it does - continue the fight ; continue the journey ; there is light at the end of the tunnel ; let this be the highway ; remember working towards that light is fulfilling life itself . Last year and this year so far have been the biggest challenge to everyone but the accomplishment of getting through this and stepping on that stage will be even more rewarding because of it .
Ron Hache President CPA Canadian Physique Alliance
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