Show your support for the VRC Badminton Program

This proposed changes were not communicated to the membership. The dead line is too soon.

I am no longer a member of the VRC, but my family has called it our 2nd home for over a decade. My departed wife (Margaret Wong) has spent countless of hours at the VRC involved with Calvin and his junior badminton programs. Her name plate still hangs above the VRC junior winners plaques. My 2 daughters Jennifer and Lesley has spent countless hours playing and training at the VRC, Jennifer eventually represented Canada in numerous international tournaments. Did the board have a reason for this sudden and rash decision? Did someone inform those members of the board that this is not an acceptable way to treat a long time respected member of the badminton coaching community? As a former member of the VRC I am truly upset and embarrassed of what has transpired with the present board’s decision. All I can say is, WHAT the Heck were you thinking? Regards Dave

While I am no longer a VRC member, I was fortunate to call it "my second home" from age 12 to 24, and benefitted greatly from the countless hours Calvin, Ming and others spent helping me reach my goals of playing provincial, national and international badminton. I wouldn't be the person I am today without their efforts. My understanding is that the Board has not published for members any information on decisions made, nor rationale. As members, they are at least deserving of understanding circumstances and rationale. Then they can make a decision about whether they want to get inclvolved on the Board and/or take any other action. Heather Poole (né Ostrom)

Fully support this petition and I am sure the Directors of VRC will listen and act accordingly.

I am no longer an active member but I grew up with the badminton program at VRC. I met a lot of lifelong friends and had a fantastic experience there.

VRC President Ana Laurenano VRC Badminton Director Elisha Liu VRC Board of Directors I am writing in support of VRC Badminton Head Pro Calvin Holoboff. I am also surprised that this letter needs to be written. Calvin has taught, represented, and promoted badminton for over 40 years. Vancouver Raquets Club is fortunate to have such a highly skilled player/coach and talented teacher. VRC should be thanking & honoring him. Calvin is the mentor of my mentor, Norman Sun. Norm, a retired Maple Ridge Secondary teacher, is BC's winningest badminton coach at the secondary level. Calvin has supported our program by travelling help our MRSS players become strong, confident, and sportsmanlike. He's a true teacher in the sense that he learns a player strengths/weakness and guides them to the next level. More importantly, he teaches with a sense of humor and empathic kindness lacking in many coaches. I am certain there is some misunderstanding. VRC would not lose such a passionate, generous, and talented ambassador of our great sport. Rather, VRC should be preparing to honour Calvin, when he chooses retirement, for all the selfless work he has done for VRC and badminton for over 40 years! Sincerely & concerned, Robert Le Sage Maple Ridge Secondary 21911 122 Ave Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3X2

I am gob-smacked by this news. What is going on? Why wouldn't we be respectful and show our gratefulness to a coach who has dedicated over 40 years of his life to promoting VRC badminton and assisting players to reach their full potentials? What has Calvin done to deserve this kind of shameful treatment? I'm embarrassed to be a VRC member right now. I hope his contract is extended and he can depart graciously on his own terms. It's the least we can do to thank him for all his years of dedication. And as for the other VRC badminton coaches--they must be extremely worried about their positions too. That is not the way to encourage good coaches to apply to be part of the VRC. We may be scaring away future coaches with policies like this. Does the hiring process need an overhaul, or are people just breaking the rules (which may then lead to expensive court cases)? Should we have a referendum?

I am very disappointed with how this has all been handled. A head coach who has produced champions and countless other national athletes being let go without any warning . Imagine reading about this on social media. I had no idea that this was happening until now. I read about Calvin’s dismissal from Raymond post. So disappointing and unprofessional how this has been handled. From what I know, none of the members at VRC were made aware of this until after the fact. We’re are the accolades and respect for this man.

As a past long time member and two time Olympian in badminton, and someone who trained and played at the VRC for many years (as a junior and senior player). I know how much Calvin and all the assistant coaches have contributed towards developing players on and off the courts. I am disappointed that a better resolution was not sought through dialogue, and communication with the badminton community. This has lead to much speculation. I would encourage the Board to communicate their rationale, process and the path forward. Also to communicate the process that was followed in dealing with Calvin. Respectfully, Anil Kaul

This is not the way to treat a V.R.C. LEGEND.

As a parent of 2 children who have gone through extensive training with the current coaching staff, I have had first hand experience dealing with many is the coaches. They are very professional in their conduct and they coach my kids in the right way. Can the training be improved? Most certainly but it's not a reflection of the quality of the coaching but a combination of many other factors. There are not a lot of quality grassroots community badminton coaching and certainly our club is doing a great job thanks to the junior badminton program. I do believe the board is misguided to high end high cost high profit training centre. Afterall, if the city deems the club to be a high profit outfit, the lease will also in the future reflect that. I wish the board has a better member consultation process in making such a big change.

Calvin has done a lot for the club. No way, right to treat him, or anyone like that! Pathetic!!

I support giving respect to long time employees and transparency in decision making process. Members voice should be consulted

Full support! I have written formally to the VRC President.

Hopefully the Board of Directors will reconsider their actions and resolve this before it becomes a bigger problem.

In my humble opinion, this abrupt changes reflects very poorly on the board members representing VRC. It shows a lack of respect for long tenured and dedication of the current badminton coaches, it lacks transparency and clear communication.

I have known Calvin since early 70’s.

I am Wayne Macdonnell and I'm inputting as an Honorary Life Member. I sincerely hope that the Board will reconsider their decision to open Calvin's contract for bids. As a Past President of the VRC, Past President of Badminton Canada, Past President of the Burnaby Tennis Club, Past Coach of the Atlantic Regional Training Centre and a 25 yr Junior development adviser to the Board of Directors of the Oakville Club, I have experienced my share of club conflicts and can say from experience that nearly all can be solved through good communications and a vote by the majority of the membership. To my knowledge, Calvin is the longest serving Private Club Pro in Canadian history. That is not possible without meeting the standards and requirements of the majority of club members. Calvin is truly a Club Pro legend. I Other long serving Club Pros such as Abdul Shaikh of the VLTBA, Chanarong of the Glencoe Club, Keith Arthur of the Boulevard Club and Raphi of the Granite Club were all given hero farewells at mutually agreed retirement dates. Hopefully, the Board will consider convening a Special Meeting as an opportunity to detail their plans for the future with members of a different viewpoint given a chance to respond. Then let the majority vote of the membership prevail. Regardless of any outcomes, Calvin Holoboff deserves the respect associated with 42 yrs of loyal service.

Inexperience bunch trying to make significant changes from day one spell disaster for the non-profit designated club. We are here not to make big bucks but to provide community services!

I have known Calvin since his teenage years. Since then Calvin's dedication and promotion to the sport of badminton has produced many of our young players to become successful in the sport. After all this effort to this sport, it is an injustice to terminate his position.