2011 SU Update: For Some Athletes a Universiade Participation is a Return to their Roots

The Canadian delegation at the Opening Cermony (Photo: C.Pierre)

SHENZHEN- For many Canadian athletes, the chance to represent their country at an international event is an opportunity of a lifetime. For Canadian tennis athlete Carl Ho, the trip to Shenzhen is also a chance to return to his roots.

The 26^th Summer Universiade is a homecoming for the 20-year-old Hong Kong native. His family immigrated to Canada when he was six in hopes of a different lifestyle.

“In 1996 we moved to Vancouver and we have been there ever since. I am proud to be Canadian,” said Ho.

Although his parents, Herman and Susan Ho, were not able to make the trip from Vancouver to watch the Games, he is very gracious for all the support they have provided him.

“They are a little busy so they couldn’t make the trip but without them I wouldn’t be here so I am very happy that I came.”

One week prior to arriving in Shenzhen, Ho spent time with his extended family in Hong Kong. He is looking forward to having them attend his competitions.

“I have lots of family coming to watch me including my aunties and uncles,” he said.

Ho, along with his fellow Canadian athletes, were astounded by the overwhelming emotion at the 26th Summer Universiade Opening Ceremony. While waiting anxiously just outside of the stadium for their country to be announced, Ho could not contain his excitement.

“The atmosphere is unbelievable here with all my teammates and Canadian athletes,” he said. “I can’t wait to say hello to everyone and thank you to the city ofShenzhenfor building such a great facility here.”

With 349 members, the Canadian delegation (246 athletes and 103 coaches) is one of the largest to attend the Universiade.

The hospitality that Ho and his fellow Canadians have received since their arrival has been incredible.

“Everyone has been so kind to us. Since we’ve been here everyone has been really supportive of us, where we eat, where we practice and where we live. I am very happy to be here.”

The journey to Shenzhen hits close to home for a few other Canadian athletes as well. According to the Canadian International Sport (CIS) website, Ho is one of five Canadian athletes who were either born inChinaor have Chinese passports. The other athletes include John Chan (Taekwondo), Peng Guo (Table Tennis), Ling Kun Yang (Tennis) and Nathan Yu (Basketball).

Ho is a student at theUniversity ofNew Mexico in theUnited States. Over the past two years he has been ranked first among male tennis players under the age of 18 inBritish Columbia. His Canadian teammate Phil Anderson who hails fromHalifax,Nova Scotia also attends theUniversity ofNew Mexico.

Ho’s first match in the men’s singles event will take place on Sunday at 10am. He is really looking forward to competing for the country that he has grown to love and has done all of the necessary preparations to succeed.

“I want to play the best that I can and see where that leads. I don’t want to give myself too much pressure,” he said. “I feel like I have prepared myself mentally and physically the best that I could.”

“It’s an honor to represent my country and it’s amazing out here. No words can explain everything that is going on,” he adds.

(Source: Erin Meagher, FISU Young Reporter)

 Canadian tennis athletes (L to R) – Phil Anderson, Carl Ho and Christiaan Lee-Daigle with coach Bethany Clark