Name: Naveena Leong Age: 14 Gender: Female
Sport: Archery Second Language: French
Hometown: Burnaby Zone Name: Fraser River-Delta (Zone 4)
School you are currently attending: Cariboo Hill Secondary School
Phone: 604-521-5288 Email address: ntgaa1@gmail.com
1. Why are you committed to your sport?
I am committed to this sport because it's my passion. I love going to shoot anytime. It relieves all the stress from the day and it's something I can do that just makes me happy.
2. What are your goals for these Games and in sport?
My goal for these games is to just do my best. Of course it would be amazing to win a medal, but even if I don't, I want to be happy with how I performed during the games. My goal with the sport is to just be the best I can be. I want to be able to shoot under any circumstance.
3. How did you train and prepare for the BC Winter Games?
I went shooting as much as I could, and I read about different techniques. I also practiced just relaxing and preparing myself, so as not to let the stress get to me.
4. What are your other activities are you involved in (other sports, arts, volunteering)?
I am involved in Volleyball during the fall. I was part of my school Volleyball team. I also do piano lessons throughout the year. I very much enjoy photography also. In my spare time I like to take photos.
5. Do you have any family members participating in these Games or who have participated in past BC Games or at national/international events? If yes, please provide details.
My cousin Stephanie Leong went to the BC winter games in 2004 and 2006. The sport that she went for was figure skating. My Uncle Prakash Gowd was in the BC Summer Games for tennis, but I cannot recall the year.
6. Please share any other interesting stories about you and your involvement in sport.
I went to the JOP (Junior Olympian Program) indoor archery competition in Maple Ridge in 2013 and I placed 1st. in my category. I also placed 1st in the Provincial Mail Match for junior archery in 2012.
7. Why did you want to try out and qualify for the 2014 BC Winter Games?
Since I started archery, my goal has been to go to the BC Winter Games.
8. Who is your coach and what is the most important thing she/he has taught you?
My head coach is Paul Mackwood. He has taught me all I know about archery since the beginning, but the most important thing he has taught me is to relax and stay focused on every shot. Every shot counts, so I need to make sure that every shot is consistent and well done.
9. Do you have a role model who has made an impact on your life (coach, teacher, family member, etc.)? If so, describe how they have impacted you.
All of the people in my life have made a very big impact on me. My family are all so supportive, and they're the ones that take me to all of my practices and events. My school teachers are all very supportive and they make it a point to tell me so. My coach Paul has made a very big impact on me since I started archery. He has been there since the very beginning, and has always gotten me through any problems with archery that I've faced.
10. What do you consider to be your highest achievement (athletic, academic, or other)?
I think that one of my highest achievements is that I made it to the BC Winter Games. It's been my goal since I first started archery to participate in these games, so it's very important and exciting that I did qualify to participate.