Despite wrestling being an individual sport, Chilliwack’s Elizabeth Latulippe believes that being a part of a team is crucial to success in the discipline.
“Wrestling is different from any other team sport,” said Latulippe. “It is only you out there on the mat.
“It is a lot of pressure, but when you hear your team cheering you on, it gives you something extra.”
It’s that team environment Latulippe was looking to create when she came up with her idea for a summer wrestling camp for local youth. The soon-to-be Grade 12 student and longtime wrestler – coming off of a silver medal at the B.C. Summer Games – is launching her own low-cost wrestling camp with the goal of providing “high-quality instruction” at an affordable price.
As a member of the SD33 School Wrestling Initiative – a multi-school program that offers training and opportunities for wrestlers Grades 6-12 – Latulippe has embraced the ideals of increasing confidence, self-worth and helping others, something that she has come to learn throughout her own wrestling journey.
“I almost quit wrestling in Grade 9, but instead, I was encouraged by incredible mentors, especially my school coach Jenna McLatchy,” admitted Latulippe. “She made me believe in myself and feel a part of something.
“This is the feeling I want to bring to other kids in my community, so I built a camp.”
The camp is set to run from Aug. 20-23 and will be held at Chilliwack Secondary School. Each day will offer three session options for students ages 9-14 with no previous experience required to participate. The cost to attend will be $40 to attend half-day sessions, or $60 for the full-day sessions for the entire four days with full-day sessions also including lunch.
“We are also going to have three SFU wrestlers, various development coaches from the British Columbia Wrestler’s Association and world silver medallist Stacy Anaka,” added Latulippe. “Training is going to include skill building, games and play.
“We are also going to have a mini tournament, with medals, to end the camp.”
As for her future in the sport, Latulippe is just looking to push herself even further.
“It is my Grade 12 year, so my goal is to see how good I can be,” she said. “I plan to compete in the United States quite a bit this year, as well as Canadian Nationals. I also want to focus on developing as a referee and coach.
“I want to continue to give back to the sport that has given me so much.”
Those wanting to register can do so by contacting Latulippe at elizabeth_latulippe@outlook.com.
