TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber graduates and staff members are on a quest for medals representing and supporting Team Canada and making their mark at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
“The Humber community is proud of the extraordinary achievements and talents of our graduates, who are reaching for the pinnacle of success on the world stage at the Paris Olympics," said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber. "We are just as thrilled that some of our dedicated Humber employees will be supporting Canada's athletes in the Olympics with the same unwavering commitment they show at Humber."
Humber graduate Adam Dong, who completed his Humber studies in Recreation and Leisure Services, is set to compete on the world stage in Badminton. He is teaming up with fellow Canadian Nyl Yakura, a graduate in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber, in men’s doubles. This will be their second Olympics, as they competed in Tokyo 2020.
Dong and Yakura first met at Humber, where they won several college championship titles. Their success extended beyond college, earning a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships and competing in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. The duo clinched a gold medal at the Pan American Championships in 2023 and recently added a silver medal at the 2024 Pan Am Championships to their collection.
In addition, James DePoe, manager of Humber Athletics North Campus facilities, will serve as the team manager for Canada Basketball. DePoe has fourteen years’ experience working with both Humber and Team Canada.
"My time with Canada is very rewarding," said DePoe. "I've been able to learn so many things that I can bring back to our department here."
Melanie Evens, who serves as the Athletic and Massage Therapist for the Canadian women’s soccer team along with being the manager of Student Athletic Therapy and Wellness at Humber, will also be in Paris. At Humber, Evens has been instrumental in promoting athletes' health and well-being. She will now be bringing her expertise and skills to the Olympic stage.
The Summer Games run from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11.
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For more information, please contact:
Sylvie Lendvay
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Sylvie.lendvay@humber.ca | 416.729.8940