Chatham-Kent’s Breanne Nicholas, Making CK Proud
Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are proudly representing our community. We hope many of these athletic ambassadors for our community someday come baCK to call Chatham-Kent home.
This week, we feature Blenheim’s Breanne Nicholas. Nicholas has been a staple on Canada’s National Women’s rugby 7s team for years, helping them qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Here are Breanne’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Can you describe what support you’ve felt from your hometown/Chatham-Kent while you’ve been away?
I receive a significant amount of support and keep in touch with family back home. They keep me updated with some current news and happenings around the community as well. I feel supported by the Chatham Kent / Blenheim community. They show interest and support via the news/media coverage, and of course when I was kick-starting my rugby career (it was pay to play at the time), the community (amongst others) contributed some funding, which I will always be grateful for. I still feel a part of my hometown community even though I have been residing elsewhere for a few years now.
2. What do you enjoy about coming home to visit?
When I visit home, in Blenheim, I enjoy seeing and spending time with family foremost. I enjoy going back to the familiarity of small-town country living and seeing what has changed (if anything) in and around town. Hitting up the Blenheim fitness zone for some workouts is always enjoyable too!
3. Would you consider making Chatham-Kent home again some day?
I have traveled to many places to date, but Blenheim/Chatham Kent will always be a part of me, and I will always consider it home in one way or another. I am unsure where I will plan to reside after my rugby career with the National 7s team, but Chatham-Kent is not out of the picture by any means.
4. What advice would you give to young athletes baCK home in Chatham-Kent?
There is so much advice that can be given. Without sounding cliché I’d say find something you love to do and do it. If you don’t know what makes you happiest or what you love to do, then go on out there and explore different options, try different things. Just remember to enjoy the journey and not to rush it.