For those of you who haven’t seen a sandy, bushy haired man dressed in an orange jacket with spectacles encouraging kids at Handsworth district track meets over the years, you have missed a quiet force in our community. In an era where we all find it hard to volunteer because of busy schedules, Cliff Proudfoot has devoted himself to encouraging kids to do their best at running, jumping, throwing and relays for six years at Seycove secondary.
I’ve witnessed it now for four years with my daughter on the Seycove track team. He took a kid too frightened to compete in eighth grade at the B.C. provincial championships and, through his easy going and positive manner, got her to relax over the years. I have seen that magic work many times.
Because of his soft encouragement, gentle and positive style, Cliff has formed a tradition at Seycove over the years. He gets kids to want to participate in track and field and cross country. He makes them think of team in a sport known for individual awards. He truly cares about all the kids on the team, and takes his time with each one. It’s the true gift of giving. And it has rubbed off on other parents over the years who have found time to help out.
In typical unassuming style, Cliff brought Gary Reed, the 800 m fourth-place finisher at the Beijing 2008 Olympics to help out with the team. Gary is a wonderful influence on all the kids, not just through his amazing skills and technical knowledge, but just being such a relaxing influence in a sport that only cares about how fast you are or how far you throw or jump.
This will be Cliff’s final year. I know everyone who has been touched by him will sorely miss him and his orange jacket and spectacles, and also his wife Karin who has been such a strong, quiet supporter as well. We all know he will continue to touch his community, even if an oval or grass field isn't involved.
