Like
From passion to profession
Gert Van Niekerk and Simon Quinto
- PE teacher
- Sports medicine (doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor)
- Sports journalist/historian
- Competition organizer
- Tourism operator
- Physiotherapist
- Community and recreation centre administrator
- Sports licensing/merchandising
Simon Quinto always loved sports. Now a PE teacher and rugby coach at Port Moody Senior Secondary, Quinto recalls the influence of Sports Science instructor, Gert Van Niekerk, in helping him turn a passion into a profession.
"Gert has a way of boosting students' confidence and motivation by breaking down difficult concepts or technical plays and making sure students apply what they learn," says Quinto. "There is always a hands-on, interactive component in Gert's classes."
Quinto, who played football at Centennial High School in Coquitlam, was recruited in 1993 to play rugby for Douglas College when Van Niekerk was also general manager of the rugby team.
"There is no one who knows rugby better," adds Quinto. "Gert is a sports historian so he knows a lot about the culture and history of sports. His stories about playing rugby in South Africa, where rugby is as big as hockey is here, were unforgettable."
Now that he's a teacher and a rugby coach, Quinto particularly values the importance of storytelling to learning. "Stories make things personal. They help you make a connection to the material. Gert taught me that when you have a passion for something, you've got to share it with others. It will help them to learn."
Quinto is now back at Douglas completing a 30-Credit Post-Degree Diploma, one of three program streams in Sports Science including the new Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and Coaching and the Sports Science Diploma. Van Niekerk, who is currently chair of Sports Science, recalls the day when he was the only faculty member. Today, Sports Science has 12 full-time faculty members.
"Gert's famous for being really committed to his work, and for being incredibly tough physically," says Quinto. Rumour has it that after 38 years at the College, Gert Van Niekerk has taken precisely one sick day. To which Van Niekerk merely shrugs. "Why take a sick day? I wouldn't be any better at home. I don't differentiate between work and play. It's all the same to me."
Other information session dates are also available.
