April 26, 2022

Kevin Szymanek is a CCAA Torchbearer

Following the cancellation of organized sport in March of 2020, Kevin Szymanek used his free time to travel around his province and deliver elite basketball training to young athletes. For his efforts to bring sport to Central Alberta's youth, Szymanek is a 2021-22 recipient of the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship presented by Hudl.

Szymanek, of Stauffer, AB, is studying Business Administration at Red Deer Polytechnic. He is a fourth-year forward with the King's Men's Basketball Team.

While many were discouraged by the loss of athletic programming during the pandemic, Szymanek saw an opportunity to engage with aspiring athletes. Health restrictions limited the use of facilities and in many cases cancelled youth sports, so Szymanek developed a training program that he could take on the road and execute one-on-one with youth ages 10-18.

"I had many coaches who helped me throughout my life, and I wanted to give other young athletes the same opportunities that I had," said Szymanek. "All I wanted to do was help one athlete, but I have been fortunate to coach many more across Central Alberta."

Szymanek travelled and met with more than 50 young basketball players across multiple locations and provided them with opportunities to explore and enjoy the game. He programmed the sessions based on each individual's skillset, and according to Darren Graham, Head Coach of the Men's Basketball team at Red Deer Polytechnic, Szymanek's magnetic personality left the participants and their families thoroughly impressed.

"Kevin's drive and initiative provided opportunities for youth and families during a time when many were in desperate need of connection," said Graham. "He not only passed along basketball skills but modeled exemplary citizenship to his peers at RDP and in his community on how to give back his gifts and talents."

Szymanek independently managed all aspects of his elite basketball training program including the skill development sessions, marketing, communications and budgeting. Although he charged a small fee to offset some of his costs, he provided subsidized or free coaching to families that could not afford to pay.

"Kevin managed to not only provide young people the opportunity to continue practicing and training during the pandemic, but he also became a role model for many by doing so," said CCAA President Vince Amato. "Any one of the kids involved in his program could be a future star. The basketball community in Alberta is lucky to have someone as dedicated as Kevin is to the sport."

Szymanek's drive to give back to his community didn't start and end with his elite basketball training program. He has been involved with many other volunteer initiatives, before and after the pandemic, including coaching high school and local youth teams and initiating fundraising programs for the less fortunate.

"Kevin is the type of person that will do whatever it takes to give back to his community," said Cheyenne Klassen, a teacher at Eastview Middle School where Szymanek is a volunteer coach. "Kevin started initiatives this year to collect money for local families in need and it has been an honour to watch him teach the boys at Eastview the importance of being a leader both on and off the court."

Szymanek also expanded on his individual elite basketball training program by offering camps at his former high school and in the surrounding region. He was able to bring the type of top-level athletic training that is often only available in larger urban areas to smaller rural communities.

"When Kevin was a student at our school, our teams all benefited from having him as a leader and he continues to inspire our athletes today," said Jordan Seim, Athletic Director at David Thompson High School. "His positive attitude, work ethic, tenacity and commitment has imprinted on these youth and made their lives better during a difficult time."