They may favour hockey, but whatever it is kids choose to do with their lives, they should enjoy it, the captain and head athletic trainer for the Ottawa Senators told dozens of young athletes yesterday.
“You’ve got to have fun, no matter what it is,” said head athletic trainer Gerry Townend, who attended a training camp for young area hockey players at the Bell Sensplex yesterday.
Daniel Alfredsson was also in attendance to promote the off-ice Nike SPARQ training routine, watch them train and answer their questions about training.
Getting involved in sports will help young people with self-confidence and self-esteem, which carry over into other areas of their lives, Townend said. Alfredsson also gave the young athletes advice. “Be ready for the hard work and enjoy it,” he said.
The Nike SPARQ (speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness) training program allows athletes to track and compare their progress with past performances and the progress of other athletes online. The program will benefit athletes in all sports.
“The most important thing is to be active. It will help you with everything in life, because that’s what life is — competitive,” Townend said.
Staying active is important because it’s part of a healthy lifestyle, Alfredsson said.
