Martin Reader

Brazil Pt1

Intro - Brazil changed my life.

Many don’t know that at 21, I left UBC and moved to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to pursue my dream of becoming a professional beach player and ultimately, an Olympian.

20yrs ago there was no structured “Canadian pathway” to achieve pro status. We had 🇨🇦 legends (Heese, Child, Leineman, Holden, Cadieux, Van Huizen🙏🏼) but no true National Team, no NTC, no funding, no Head Coach and no program. You had to bet on yourself, get as good as possible and earn it yourself on the FIVB tour.

So, one fateful day in 2006 while I was studying Kin at UBC, my brother Jessi Lelliott called me out of the blue and invited me to train with him in Brazil. (Rio was THE place to be as Brazil was dominating so many of the top players and coaches from around the world setup in Rio to start their season.) There was no thinking about it, I said yes with nothing other than a dream, youthful optimism and the support of my family. I knew nothing about Brazil & moved to Rio January 1st, 2007.

Now, I return to Brazil nearly 20yrs later with my love Taci to meet her family and reconnect with this country and the humans who influenced my life.

This is an intro post to set up a number of reflections on the experiences and people who played an integral role in shaping me and the incredible adventure we call life.

I hope you enjoy🙏🏼❤️😎

Over the weekend I hosted my first camp. Lots of learnings as i bring my ideas to life and adapt to the demands of sport here on the Island.

Upon deeper reflection I was overcome with gratitude for being in a position to positively influence young girls as a male outside the family unit. This is a sacred space and one I hold close to my heart.

Loving being back in my homeland and integrating all I have learnt in beach, fitness, coaching and leadership. Grateful for my time with building and leading as that is where I really began leaning into youth empowerment through the vessel of sport.

What an honour to hold space for these 8 striving female athletes. Thanks for coming ladies and good luck in the rest of your season!

Eu quero te apresentar a .segatto ❤️‍🔥

There is so much I want to share about this beautiful, intelligent and incredible woman but for now I’ll introduce her and share some news.

She is Brazilian and we met in Sydney, Australia through the Volleyball community. We have a beautiful story of patience, respect, serendipity, authenticity and conscious connection but with many life changes we kept it to ourselves. I’ll save that story for a other time❤️‍🔥

Taci has a joy for life that enriches everyone and everything she encounters. The beauty of her soul, genuine care for others, passion for excellence and desire for adventure were so compelling that I couldn’t leave Australia without her.

Now, after 3 months long distance and a 2 week holiday here on Vancouver Island I have some very exciting news - Taci will be moving to Canada where we will start a new life together. A life focused on sharing our gifts, making meaningful impact, connecting with nature, building community and family.

I can’t wait to introduce her to you, Canada 🇨🇦

Te amo muito

Hosting a story night this Wednesday 7-8:30PM. Most people I work with were too young to remember the 2012 Olympics 🤣 so this will be a fun night of memories, inspiration and wisdom through failure.

This will be catered to the Volleyball community and is open to parents and young athletes.

Space is limited so please RSVP here - https://forms.gle/P4xYC911jT4yCzWJ6