Grappling with greater cause

Jazmin Holdway, Lookout Newspaper 

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Grapplers from across B.C. competed on Aug. 17 in the Trident’s Submission Summer Classic, a charity tournament combining high-level competition with contribution to an important cause.

Held at the Naden Athletic Centre at CFB Esquimalt, the competition brought together military and civilian competitors in an effort to raise funds for Soldier On, a Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group program supporting the recovery of ill and injured veterans and serving members by providing resources and opportunities through sport, recreational, and creative activities. 

The tournament saw participation from a mix of local fight clubs, enthusiastic onlookers, and CFB Esquimalt’s own Triton Grappling Club. Corporal (Cpl) Philippe Malagardis, a cook on HMCS Nanaimo, has been grappling for six months and competed in the tournament ending the day in a three-way tie. He says grappling has been beneficial for finding physical growth and mental resilience through the sport.

“The camaraderie and support at the event were incredible, and it motivates me to keep honing my skills both on and off the mat,” said Cpl Malagardis. “This was my first charity event for Soldier On, and combining my passion for grappling with a cause so personal made the experience unforgettable.”

The charity was always at the forefront of the tournament, with Petty Officer 2^nd Class (PO2) Lee Thibault, Triton Grappling coach, ensuring the team knew why they were fighting the good fight that day.

“Training is fun and great for staying in shape but it’s always better to have something to actually train for,” said PO2 Thibault. “It’s an honour to compete for something bigger than ourselves.”

Five-hundred dollars was raised through donations to Soldier On that day.

Thibault says the inspiration for the charity tournament came from attending an Evolution BJJ tournament at CFB Petawawa where donations were also accepted for Soldier On, and the Kickboxathons in Langford hosted by Crusher Combat Sports supporting cancer research and mental health.

“They paved the way for the Tritons and myself,” says Thibault.

The Tritons will be hosting their next charity tournament, Grappling for a Difference 2024 on Dec. 14.

“It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of sport to bring communities together for a greater purpose,” said Cpl Malargardis. “Being able to do good while having fun is a pretty lucky place to be in.”

To learn more about grappling at CFB Esquimalt, contact Lee.Thibault753@gmail.com.

For more information on Soldier On, visit www.soldieron.ca.