As Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympics, the small Manitoba town of Steinbach finds itself in the spotlight, rallying behind one of their own: Eric Loeppky, the newly minted member of Canada’s Olympic volleyball team.
Known for its strong community spirit, Steinbach is abuzz with excitement, ready to support Loeppky as he makes his Olympic debut.
Michelle Sawatzky-Koop and Chris Koop (Chez Koop) showing off support t-shirts for Eric Loeppky. (Golden West)Former Olympian Michelle Sawatzky-Koop shares what she felt upon hearing the news. "I think my first thought was Steinbach has another Olympian. And I think that's really, really exciting.”
Sawatzky-Koop, a longtime supporter of Loeppky, alongside her husband Chris Koop, has been integral in mobilizing local support for Eric's journey. "Eric, we've watched him since he was little. We've always been involved in volleyball in this community and beyond for so long. He's been just sort of a phenom from when he was young, and always such a good kid."
Koop adds, "He played with his friends at a higher level of club volleyball, then came back and played with his school friends and just showed such respect for his teammates and his buddies. That's, I think, the main thing that impressed me."
The couple, deeply involved in the local volleyball scene despite not having coached Loeppky directly due to their sons' age difference, emphasized the community's pride in Eric's accomplishments.
"We can't claim any part of it except that we've been in the stands cheering him on."
Eric Loeppky website home screen photo collage. (Chez Koop)Koop goes on to describe their initiative to support Loeppky through creating a brand and merchandise. "We built a website and a logo, and we designed some t-shirts.”
Koop notes there are two t-shirts designs. One of them is designed like a boarding pass, “Steinbach to Paris". The second includes the slogan "Kills with Kindness” which highlights Eric’s prowess in volleyball but also his character off the court.
Sawatzky-Koop elaborates on the design concept, noting, "It's a neat double entendre where we talk about in volleyball when you score a point, it's considered a kill. It's like you can be nice, and nice guys don't always finish last. You can be exceptional and still be kind."
The support doesn't stop at merchandise; the community is also rallying behind charitable causes, Koop explains. "Eric has asked that some of the proceeds of the t-shirt sales go to 'Athletes in Action,' and we are matching that with donations to 'ROC Eastman' here in the community."
Michelle Sawatzky-Koop playing at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. (right)Reflecting on her own Olympic experience, Sawatzky-Koop shares a heartfelt story of returning to Steinbach after the 1996 games.
"I didn't really know how many people still even really knew me. Were they even following the Olympics? Chris picked me up from the airport and we drove into Steinbach, and as we drove down Hwy 12, I noticed on the very first sign at Clearspring Centre, the big sign, all lit up with words saying, “Thanks for taking us to the Olympics with you” and “Thank you for representing us.” I'm like, oh, that's nice. And then CanadianTire and then Dairy Queen, and. McDonald's and then every sign in town, every business had my name on it. I was like, I didn't even know they were all watching. And man, they followed me all the way, on that journey, and they understood the sacrifice it took, and the fact that I was away from my hometown for as long as I was. But it didn't matter to this town. And I was like, I can stay here. This is my hometown. I was even more proud of being from here.”
The Koops hope that their efforts will similarly motivate and support for Loeppky as he competes on the world stage.
In addition to merchandise sales, local businesses have stepped up to sponsor Loeppky, demonstrating the town's united front in supporting their Olympian. Koop is grateful and adds, "These are all our sponsors that have contributed to making this happen."
As the countdown to Paris intensifies, Steinbach remains unwavering in its support for Eric Loeppky and Team Canada. Sawatzky-Koop notes, "He's literally one of the best volleyball players in the world, and we get to know that he loves us around here, and that is really cool."
Looking ahead to the Olympic competition, Sawatzky-Koop offers some sage advice:
"I would probably say what most coaches say: take it one point at a time. Don't think of it as anything different. It’s interesting you know, when we all watch it's all this big fanfare and pomp and circumstance and opening ceremonies and all that, but literally, for them to have success, and they will, because this team is unbelievable. Each game has to be bump, set, spike. Play the game that you love and then later on you can reflect on the fact that “Oh man, I actually did that at the Olympic Games”. So I think they have a chance to be incredible at this Olympic Games. I would also say for them to enjoy every single moment because before you know it, it's 30 years ago.”
With the community's backing, Eric Loeppky heads to Paris not just as an athlete but as a symbol of Steinbach's spirit and support. As they watch him compete, Steinbach will undoubtedly be cheering louder than ever, proudly showcasing their hometown pride on the global stage of the Olympics.
The 2024 Olympic Volleyball Games will be played from July 27 to August 11 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. There are 12 men’s teams participating. Team Canada is in Pool A, competing against, France, Slovenia, and Serbia in the first round.
To purchase T-shirts and support Eric Loeppy visit his website. There are a limited number of shirts for sale at $25 ea, plus tx.
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