Montréal, Might 28, 2024 – There are individuals whose dedication makes a serious distinction to a whole neighborhood, although these individuals might typically go unnoticed. Claude Lesage is one such particular person, which is why Judo Canada has chosen to current him with the Lifetime Contribution Award.
Photograph: Judo Canada / Antoine Saito
Claude Lesage and Brian Kalsen
“He’s the form of one that will be ignored, and we needed to guarantee that didn’t occur to Claude,” stated Judo Canada’s CEO and excessive efficiency director, Nicolas Gill. “He has by no means, and I imply by no means, sought the highlight. He has at all times labored within the shadows, giving of his time freely, and it’s crucial that we thank him for all the things he’s achieved. Claude completely embodies the spirit of the award we’re giving him.”
Lesage’s immense contributions started on the regional degree, shortly after he took up judo on the age of 14, within the Sillery district of Quebec Metropolis. He rapidly developed a deep affinity for the game, which has endured to at the present time.
“There was loads of camaraderie, and it was an ideal alternative to get match and develop self-discipline. It’s a fairly complicated sport, and it rapidly turns right into a lifestyle, into a faculty of types. It supplies a wealthy studying setting,” defined Lesage. “I began coaching on the age of 17, and over time, I labored my manner up by means of the ranks within the area.”
Later, his work took him to Ottawa. His ardour for judo went with him. He turned concerned within the sport within the nationwide capital, simply as he had achieved in Quebec Metropolis.
A lawyer by coaching, Lesage joined the board of administrators of Judo Québec as secretary basic and head of the ethics committee, dealing with authorized and company points, amongst different issues.
“Because of my skilled coaching, I had a superb grasp of the authorized jargon, which allowed me to maneuver our recordsdata ahead extra rapidly.”
An analogous place awaited him at Judo Canada on the flip of the millennium. All through the years, Lesage has been guided by a want to democratize and professionalize the game. This was achieved by means of procedures and guidelines.
“I’m proud to have contributed to [the sport’s] improvement,” stated Lesage. “It takes humility to evaluate the place you might be. The game evolves, and so do expectations. You need to keep updated.”
From managing recordsdata to educating and judging on the tatamis, Lesage has contributed to the expansion of judo in Canada. It was vital to him to offer again to the neighborhood he grew up with. As he stated so succinctly, you’ll be able to’t observe judo alone. You want coaching companions, and that’s how robust bonds are cast. And so it has been with the executive aspect of his journey.
A number of horizons
Working on the nationwide degree, Lesage has needed to collaborate with individuals from throughout Canada, from all kinds of backgrounds.
“That’s my favorite half,” stated the chair of Judo Canada’s authorized committee. “Working with different individuals who love the game, however who carry various views. Whenever you get all these individuals collectively, you get much more perception. It’s very enriching. Our skilled and volunteer jobs affect one another. By taking a step again, you’ll be able to develop your management expertise and your skill to pay attention.”
As Lesage sees it, every particular person brings a distinct perspective to the desk, difficult established concepts. When he describes the progress that has been made, it’s clear that he’s pleased with what he has achieved.
Unsurprisingly, Gill agrees that he has each motive to be.
“Because of his data, he has been capable of contribute by means of crucial roles . . . roles that may be thankless, corresponding to coverage revision and authorized administration. There are all types of volunteers, and all of their contributions are vital. On this nation, sports activities depend on them! Claude is the kind of volunteer who provides with out asking for something in return. He actually embodies the spirit of volunteering, so I’m doubly happy to current him with this award.”
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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada
For extra data:
Patrick Esparbès
Chief Working Officer
Judo Canada
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org
