Athlete: Michelle Plouffe Province: Alberta Sport: Basketball

True Sport is publicly recognizing Canada Games athletes who are contributing to a positive sport environment. A True Sport athlete is one who embraces the Principles for Sport:

Go For It    O    Play Fair    O    Stay Healthy    
Keep It Fun    O    Respect Others    O   Give Back

The summer of 2009 has sent Michelle Plouffe on a whirlwind tour of the basketball world. Michelle spent the early part of the summer training at the National Elite Development Academy (NEDA) at McMaster University in Hamilton, before leaving for Thailand where she helped Team Canada finish 4th at the FIBA U19 World Championships. Now she is off to PEI with Team Alberta for the 2009 Canada Games. As one of the youngest Team Canada athletes, it is her dedication to the game and drive to succeed that has earned her the title of True Sport Athlete for Team Alberta.

Michelle left her home in Edmonton to Go For It and train with Team Canada in order to challenge herself both on and off the court. At the age of 16, she was one of the youngest players on Team Canada at the U19 FIBA World Championships. Asked which player has had an unexpected showing, Team Canada coach Rich Chambers, commented that “I am really proud of the way Michelle Plouffe has shaped-up and delivered in this Championship. She is rather young but has risen to the occasion whenever the situation has demanded”.

Competing at this level does not happen without staying in shape and respecting yourself as an athlete. For Michelle, the need to Stay Healthy is extremely important. Immediately after arriving home from Thailand, she went straight into training with Team Alberta for the upcoming Canada Games. Through her work with her coaches, the Junior National Team and the Alberta Provincial Team, Michelle has learned how to train properly to achieve the best results. She respects herself and stays in shape, a great example of a True Sport Athlete.

The True Sport Movement wishes Michelle the best of success at the 2009 Canada Summer Games, and in the future! 

True Sport is a national movement for sport and community. Its goal is to help sport live up to its full potential as a public asset for Canada and Canadian society, making a significant contribution to the development of youth, the well-being of individuals, and quality of life in our communities. To learn more about the True Sport Movement, visit www.truesport.ca.