My name is Jane Pancoe and I am a proud camper, leadership course participant, valedictorian, and counsellor at Olympia Sports Camp. There are so many gifts of kindness and gratitude that I learned to cherish from my Olympia experiences, but perhaps this biggest lesson for me was hope and the indomitable human spirit.
That quality in us that despite the odds, despite the scorn or mocking of others, despite possible failure, it’s the grit and determination to overcome personal problems, physical disability, abuse, and discrimination. It’s an inner strength and courage to pursue a goal that seems impossible and never, ever gives up.
Life is a struggle and full of adversity, Olympia reminds me that hope is a survival instinct. Hope is being able to see there is light despite all the darkness. Hope does not deny all the difficulty and all the danger that exists, but at the same time, it is not stopped by them.
Camp Olympia experiences remind us of all that it is so important to act and realize that we can make a difference, and this will encourage others to act, and it is our cumulative actions that really make a difference.
My Mum often refers to me as a light in her life, Olympia taught me how to spread my light and this will help to make us all more hopeful. As a daughter, sister, friend, teammate, camper, counsellor, and worker, Olympia has taught me the value of time. Your time is free but so invaluable to those you share it with.
The simplest way to be a good friend, teammate, camper, or counsellor is to be a loyal fan. To root for their happiness, to cheer for their success, as you cheer for your favorite sports team. To keep showing up for them even when they fail.
This is how all my time was spent at Olympia Sports Camp and not only did it mean so very much to me, but it also meant the world to the campers and counsellors I spent that time with.
Ever since I was a little girl, maybe 4 years old, I’ve dreamt of living a life where I am of service to help others, especially children and vulnerable people in our communities.
I have also made it my life dream and commitment to play hockey at the highest competitive level that I can. I’ll be honest, this academic and sports journey has not been without adversity, dark times, and loneliness, so many times I could have given up.
This is when my Olympia experiences kicked into high gear, and perseverance and my indomitable human spirit rose to the occasion.
For the past two years, I have been playing hockey in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League and have been an alternative captain on my team.
I have been offered a position to play university hockey next season and I’m enrolled in the Registered Nursing program at my university and will continue my academic path toward becoming a licensed nurse practitioner.
Olympia has taught me and will teach you that our actions create the light, and we can all shift our perspective to create more of it. I look forward to the day when I come back to Olympia and run the hockey program alongside some of the best teammates anyone could ask for!