To Paris with love

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This article was published 01/08/2024 (325 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk said he wants to wish a local volleyball player well in the Summer Olympics, adding it’s inspiring to many that someone from Steinbach has reached that level.

Eric Loeppky is part of the Canadian men’s volleyball team and is currently playing in Paris at the summer Olympics.

In response, Funk, who’s also the owner of Earls Meat Market in Steinbach, posted a sign wishing Loeppky well.

“I think it’s great to acknowledge people from Steinbach that are doing amazing things in the world today,” he said. “I think we should be proud as Steinbachers that he’s out there and we should support him.”

Funk said Loeppky serves as an inspiration.

“I also wanted to encourage other local athletes that this is what can happen when you continue to do your best,” he said. “I want to see local and minor sports do well in our community.”

Funk was joined by Steinbach city Coun. Susan Penner. She’s also a parent whose daughter has played both high school and club volleyball.

“There are hundreds of kids playing volleyball for different clubs both in Steinbach and our kids also going to Winnipeg to play,” she said. “I know that people in this area are very passionate about volleyball, and it has exploded in recent years.”

Penner said this is a big accomplishment for Loeppky and one that should be recognized.

“I think it’s really meaningful and really inspirational for the student athletes in our area to be able to see somebody from their own community rise to the top of their sport,” she said. “It gives them hope and encouragement.”

Team Canada hasn’t fared well in men’s volleyball so far.

They were defeated three sets to one to open the preliminary round against Slovenia and then lost in three straight sets to France. Canada will face Serbia on Saturday at 2 p.m. Central Time.