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The Passion Burns Within
By Graydon Johns
As a man of many talents Ferdi Nelissen handles his numerous responsibilities not only with a smile, but a dedication unmatched. Nelissen is currently the International Softball Congress Area Commissioner for Western Canada that includes the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba along with the state of North Dakota and has been in that position since 1993. Nelissen also holds the all-important position of chairperson of the ISC Rules Committee. Nelissen takes great pride in his work and believes they "have made some progressive moves to strengthen our sport and organization from within the Rules Committee due to what I believe is a tremendous group that forms my committee." Currently Nelissen is a candidate for ISC's Canadian Vice President and according to other Area Commissioners is a "rising star" and has a very bright future in the organization.
Even though Nelissen is an active commissioner and chairperson he still finds time to play the game he grew to love as a young teenager. When he was thirteen Nelissen saw his first fast-pitch softball game in his hometown of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Later as a high school student one of his coaches invited him to play with his team and passion's seed was planted. Nelissen has played for a variety of teams since his first experience and the past 3-4 years has played for teams out of Winnipeg and the past two ISC tournaments with Fargo, North Dakota Kegel Sign. Nelissen started as a shortstop and center fielder, but the for the past thirteen years one could find Nelissen behind the plate. Nelissen's pride and joy is his family. Not only have they "tolerated [his] passion for fastpitch and sports in general" but also they have given him even more to do. Nelissen met his wife, Laureen in Duluth, Minnesota where she was attending the University of Minnesota. Nelissen had gone to Duluth to participate in a volleyball tournament that his squad eventually won. After the tournament they both attended a social function where mutual friends introduced them. After a two year long distant relationship Laureen established her landed immigrant status in August 1987 and they were married two months later.
The Nelissen's have two wonderful children. Devin is an 11-year-old 6th grader who is an avid swimmer. Shaye, a seven-year-old daughter, spends her time on a soccer field or in hockey pads. Both are accomplished pianists and attend music school in Portage. The Nelissen home would not be complete without Bert, their seven year old black lab, Ziggy and Marley the cats and loads of fish. Laureen is a volleyball player and an avid runner of marathons. Her fifth race comes this month in Seattle.
Nelissen graduated from the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation Degree. He also played volleyball for the Bison's. Nelissen actually spent close to 19 years in organized volleyball playing for a number of top ranked teams. Nelissen was even named to the All-Canadian team during his career. Nelissen now works as a therapeutic recreation specialist for people with mental and physical disabilities at the Manitoba Development Centre. He has been a specialist for 18 years and helps "provide a wide range of opportunities to the residents and try to meet their needs as is determined by their desires or assessments that we apply." Nelissen is a genuine family man. He dedicates his life to his family and his time to their activities. Nelissen serves on the executive for his son's swim club and coaches and manages his daughter's teams. He even finds time to go fishing with his kids. Nelissen shows that same dedication and passion for fast-pitch softball. "I hope to be part of this organization as long as I can contribute to the growth and strengthening of our game," said Nelissen. And the ISC can only hope as well that Nelissen will remain in the organization as long as his passion still burns within.
Graydon Johns
mailto:hgj2@earthlink.net