It is undeniably true that it is more fulfilling to give than receive and my coaching experiences have proven this over and over again.  I am passionate about coaching for joy it brings me to give back the knowledge that was shared with me in my youth.   I was honoured and flattered by how I was once described by a team member to Perry’s Prospects: 

“Chris’ generosity of spirit is something that is evident to all who know him, but something many people don’t know about Chris is that over the past few years, Chris has shown unwavering devotion as a coach & volunteer coach for three separate dragon boat teams,  “The Strength Within” dragon boat team is one of them.  This team is made up of childhood cancer survivors and their families.  Chris also teamed up with the CNIB and coached a team “Eye of the Dragon” made up of mostly visually impaired athletes and their families.  One other team he coaches is the “The Grand Dragons” which is comprised of athletes, both men and women, between the ages of 55 & 82.    Watching the amazing support, encouragement, understanding, and individual attention he gives to each of these athletes is almost as inspiring as the athletes themselves.”

I have been a flatwater Olympic style kayaker since I was 5 years old.  Through hard work and determination, I earned a place on the Junior National Development team.  In 1994, I won a Bronze medal at my first International event held in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I continued kayaking competitively until  98’ when I moved to Vancouver. 

I picked the sport up again in 05’ training out of the False Creek Canoe Club on Granville Island.  During this time I was also pursuing my athletic career as a Dragon Boater. I was recruited in 07’ to be on the Canadian National Dragon Boat Team and went on to win a gold and silver in Sydney, Australia.  Two years later in Prague, Czech Republic I won gold.  These experiences are among my fondest memories in my life, and a reminder of the greatness that can be achieved through commitment and dedication to any worthy endeavor. 

During my time with the Shangri La Hotel, I had the pleasure of working with one of the most professional , yet approachable teams in the world.  In my role as maitre d’ hotel, I worked with many of Vancouver’s most esteemed residents as well a wide variety of clientele known internationally in politics, entertainment, and culture.  More fulfilling than all of the awards and accolades I received in my role, were the opportunities to cultivate genuine friendships with guests whose fame and celebrity overshadowed the real, and kind and vulnerable human beings behind the celebrity status that preceded them.

2010 Lexus December to Remember: "Giftwrap"