Meet Coach Luke. He has lived in Kelowna for six years. He is passionate about staying active and helping long term athletes achieve their athletic goals.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Jasper Alberta and I have lived in Kelowna since 2012.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person should come as no surprise, Stacey Shand, my partner in every sense of the word.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna Cycle, because the staff are always amazing and it's just a great place to catch up on everything in the cycling community.
Describe yourself in one word.
Developer.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Napal! My job takes me all over the world to different events and races, but Nepal and the Himalayas is a place that I have yet to experience.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I believe that Kelowna offers some of the best cycling in North America. Both on road and on trail.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ha! Actually, just recently I was hosting a charity ride for our local Canadian Mental Health Association and when prepping fire wood for the BBQ after the ride, I embarrassingly and painfully chopped off a piece of my thumb.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired almost everyday. I work with some of the most amazing people, which delivers the opportunity to help develop endurance athletes to meet their goals and potential in sport. This long term process fosters a work ethic and drive that is incredible to witness. Not to mention the feats of super humanity at the events they participate in.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
To narrow it down to one would be hiking in south boundary of Jasper National Park with my friends. We were gone for a week of adventure with no civilization or technology.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am very proud of the Guardian Charity Ride we host every year in September. It's super rewarding to both promote the cycling community and donate 100% of the proceeds to the CMHA here in Kelowna. I also try and volunteer coach youth events like the YMCA's Strong Kids every time I get a chance.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Our dependancy on fossil fuels
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There is a great secret view point in the Crawford trail systems on the way to the KVR that has the best view of the valley.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Keep developing the infrastructure to support the cycling community. Things like bike lanes on Glenmore and road signage would go a long way towards making the roads even safer.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We have the perfect combination of seasons and geography
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Run 100 miles at once
2. Jump out of a perfectly good airplane
3. Go to the Olympics as a coach
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I raced downhill skiing in my youth
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Balance Point Racing / Mission Group Junior Development Team
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always had a passion for the long term developments of athletes
What is the goal of your business?
To develop endurance athletes and provide the opportunity to achieve their goals.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Providing opportunity for these athletes has been incredibly hard. If it wasn't for supporters like Mission Group, it would be unfathomable.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't think I would change things because of my struggles, I have found myself in the position I am in now.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Hope is not a plan.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be humble with your creativity and graceful with your success" -Quincy Jones
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I think it would be fascinating to see what Elon Musk gets up to in a typical day.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We have such a vast resource of talent in this community. It is important to support and sustain that talent.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Seeing the Mission Group Junior team develop and begin to realize their goals.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jon Friesen or Shannon Snow
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am so honoured to be a part this community. I am looking forward to many more years doing what I can to keep it thriving.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
