In her spare time Janessa is a trumpet player in the school band. However, Judo does require most of her time and she enjoys it very much. Along with her dad and two sister, Janessa’s mom, Robyn, is perhaps one of her most active (and vocal!) supporters with much of her Facebook page being devoted to Janessa’s tournaments, fundraisers for expenses associated with travel and streaming competitions when they are available.  

Perhaps the most challenging part of being a competitor in this sport is that Janessa doesn’t have an Aboriginal role model that she can look to for support. She is making ground breaking successes on her own, driven by her desire to achieve goals she has dreamed of making a reality for many years.  For those who also have a similar dream and feel they are holding themselves back because no one else like them is doing it, Janessa encourages you with the following advice: “Don’t give up no matter how hard things get. Every moment has been memorable for me.”  So far her favourite achievments are being named athlete of the year in 2016 and 2018, winning the bronze medal in England last year and the B.C. Pacifics gold.  

If you’re interested in seeing Janessa compete there is a competition coming up in Prince Albert on April 27.  You may also be interested in watching competitions during the 2019 Canada Winter Games that will be held in Red Deer,AB Feb. 15 to Mar. 3, 2019.  Janessa will be there and her competitions will be live streamed.  To find out more information, go online using the following web address: https://www.canadagames.ca/2019/sports

From all of us, best of success in your sport, Janessa. Prince Albert is proud of you!