Young Park athletes bring home two podium finishes

This July, the International Children's Games (ICG), the world's largest international youth sports event, took place in Mexico. The event brought together over 1,500 participants from more than 80 cities and 40 countries, offering young athletes a unique platform to showcase their talents and build international friendships. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the ICG emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and international unity.

Hamilton, Ontario, was well-represented in this prestigious event, particularly in the Taekwondo division, where local Young Park Martial Artists, Genevieve Berquist and Nicolai Herrero won bronze medals. Their journey to the podium was a blend of skill, dedication, and the invaluable support from the community.

For Genevieve Berquist, participating in the ICG was a chance to reignite her passion for sparring after a hiatus. "I hadn't done sparring classes in maybe two years," Berquist shared. "When I heard about the opportunity, I got really excited. It was like a spark, something I used to love, and I wanted to give it a shot."

Nicolai Herrero echoed the excitement and pride of representing not just their city but also their country on an international stage. "Not a lot of people get this opportunity, especially at our age," Herrero reflected. "The thought of representing my country and seeing the different ways people from other nations approach Taekwondo was eye-opening."

The experience in Mexico left a lasting impact on the young athletes, both in and out of the ring. They noted the differences in lifestyle and opportunities between Canada and Mexico, with Herrero pointing out, "It's very different compared to here in Canada. The opportunities there are less, and just by driving down the street, you can see all these differences."

Despite the challenges, Berquist and Herrero found inspiration in the diverse techniques and styles displayed by their international peers. "Seeing how one sport can have so many different styles across different countries was eye-opening," Berquist said. "Standing on the podium, representing Canada, was a moment of immense pride. It was a beautiful trip and an unforgettable experience."

Herrero, who described the experience as "the proudest moment of my life," emphasized that the journey was not just about winning but also about personal growth and perseverance. "Winning or losing doesn't matter if you know you gave it your all," he said. "It's about doing the best you can and being proud of that."

Their success was also attributed to the supportive coaching style of their Young Park instructor, Master Alex Kowalski, who, according to Berquist, "believed in us more than we believed in ourselves." Herrero added, "His way of teaching is very personal, using his experiences to help us improve. His inspiration drove us to do better, and now here we are, back in Hamilton with two medals."

The achievements of Berquist and Herrero at the ICG are a testament to the potential of young athletes when given the opportunity and support. Their stories highlight the importance of sports in fostering not just athletic skills but also personal development, cultural awareness, and a sense of community. As they return to Hamilton, they bring with them not just medals, but memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.

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