Ioana Gheta, Evelyne Telmosse and Elena Grilli Cadieux.
THREE MEMBERS OF INS QUÉBEC WILL ACCOMPANY TEAM QUÉBEC TO THE CANADA GAMES!
Once again, members of INS Québec will accompany the Québec representatives to the Canada Games to maximize their preparation and support them in the most crucial moments.
A new edition of the Canada Games is about to begin in Prince Edward Island! From February 18th to March 5th, many of the best athletes in the country will compete in 20 different sports.
At the last Winter Games, held in Red Deer, Alberta, in 2018, the Québec delegation set a new record by winning no less than 146 medals.
Without further ado, let’s meet our experts!
Evelyne Telmosse
Dt.P., M.Sc. (Student)
Sport Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition
Q. What is your role before the Games?
A. Before the Games, my role as a nutritionist is, first, to educate the athletes on what is the ideal diet to meet their nutritional needs, to optimize their energy and to maximize their recovery during training and competition. Secondly, I help them prepare their nutritional strategy for the Canada Games by revising the menu offered according to their competition schedule.
Q. What is your role during the Games?
A. There’s no mystery, if you’re looking for me, you’ll probably find me sitting in the cafeteria with athletes discussing nutrition! I guide them in choosing the best foods on the menu to maximize their performance in the time leading up to their competition. I also help coaches plan meal schedules and I am “Ms. Solution” when a food-related issue arises. I can also be found directly at the competition sites where I help athletes manage their nutrition between and during events. Not to mention our role as the #1 fan of the Québec teams.
Q. Is this your first experience at the Canada Games?
A. This is my second Canada Games experience. I was present as a nutritionist for the Québec teams at the Canada Summer Games in August 2022. The event is simply incredible, I am very lucky to have the opportunity to accompany our Québec athletes.
Q. How long have you been preparing the athletes for the Games?
A. Preparation for the Games varies depending on the sport. I started working with some athletes 5 to 6 months ago (even up to 10 months), while others need support only 1 to 2 months before the start. The majority of the nutrition interventions are done during the training camps, where all the athletes are gathered with the coaches who will accompany them to the Games.
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In other words, Evelyne will do everything in her power to help Québec athletes and make sure they have the support they need to stand out. They will be able to shine on the national scene and, at the same time, to make all of Québec shine! In fact, she has prepared two capsules, one of which is about what to bring in your luggage, while the second is a recipe for protein bars.
Elena Grilli Cadieux
Doctoral student in sport psychology (PhD/D.Psy)
Intern in mental performance
Q. What is your role before the Games?
A. My role is to accompany athletes in their mental preparation and the development of mental strategies (e.g. stress management, team building, optimizing concentration, managing distractions, etc.). This can take the form of group workshops offered to athletes in the same discipline or individual mental preparation consultations.
Q. What is your role during the Games?
A. During the Games, my role is to be available and present for athletes needing mental preparation support, to facilitate team meetings (formal or informal) for debriefing and on an individual basis when needed.
Q. Is this your first Canada Games experience?
A. Yes, this is my first Canada Games! I am looking forward to this unique experience and to accompanying the athletes directly into their competition environment.
Q. How long have you been preparing the athletes for the Games?
A. I have been preparing athletes for two years by helping them develop mental preparation tools to optimize their performance. In particular, I specialize in the development of performance stress management skills. I am also interested in developing team cohesion and a sense of belonging.
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Elena enjoys leading mindfulness meditation, breathing and visualization sessions! No doubt that the Québec representatives will benefit from her knowledge and support in the most important moments!
Ioana Gheta, B.Sc.
Physical Trainer
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Q. What is your role before the Games?
A. To support athletes preparing for the Games by preparing activation and recovery routines as well as support in training programs.
Q. What is your role during the Games?
A. My role is mainly to provide recovery support with recovery sessions, stretching, yoga and more. However, I am also available to coach activations or answer questions related to the physical preparation of coaches and athletes.
Q. Is this your first Canada Games experience?
A. No! I was part of the Integrated Support Team at the 2022 Niagara Summer Games and I was part of the Québec Artistic Swimming Team at the 2015 Canada Games in Prince George (gold medals in team and duet, ladies and gentlemen!)
Q. How long have you been preparing athletes for the Games?
A. I have been working with the athletes, coaches and various sport federations since May 2022. As a physical preparation resource, I have been involved primarily in supporting the activation and recovery routines of the athletes, as well as the planning of competition days to optimize performance by managing the time between events.
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By her own admission, Ioana lost her voice at the Niagara Games after cheering on the athletes who were in action!
“I screamed so loud! I’m packing a bunch of lozenges for PEI because it’s probably going to happen again. Go BLUE!”
INS Québec wishes good luck to all the athletes, as well as to all the people who will be part of the coaching staff during this event that will be remembered forever!
