A mother from Steinbach calls it surreal to be watching her son play volleyball at the Olympics in Paris.
Sandi Loeppky is there, supporting her son Eric and the rest of Canada's men's volleyball team. The Canadians have dropped their first two matches, losing to Slovenia and France. The Canadians next see action on Saturday when they take on Serbia.
In spite of the two losses, Loeppky says she is so happy for her son and proud of what he is accomplishing.
"I think you go from wanting to cry your eyes out because it's so emotional, you're just so happy that your child is experiencing this moment as an Olympian," she says. "And just so prideful and it's amazing."
Loeppky says watching her son fulfill his dream of representing Canada at the highest level is one of the most amazing experiences she has ever felt as a parent.
Canada will be taking on a Serbian team that is also looking for its first win of these games. Loeppky says they will be a tough opponent, but if Canada can play to its potential, she thinks they can pull out the win.
"They are definitely in a tough pool for sure, but they've held their own," says Loeppky. "It's hard to know exactly what (Eric's) feeling when he's on the court. But from our standpoint, we think that they are playing amazing."
Meanwhile, this week Thursday will be an extra special day for Loeppky, who is turning 26 years old. His mother is hoping they can all be at Canada Olympic House to celebrate the occasion, adding they have not been able to spend much time yet with Eric in Paris.
With a few days off between matches, Loeppky says she is hoping to take in some other events, including beach volleyball and basketball. She notes the energy in Paris is incredible, adding the city is doing a fantastic job in hosting these games.
"Everyone is so accommodating, so friendly, you feel completely safe," she says. "Just an amazing experience, something I'll never forget."
Loeppky says it is so wonderful to be at the Olympics in Paris with friends and family. She says some of these people watched Eric grow up, while others have become friends after years of competing both alongside and against her son in volleyball.
"You feel like you are one big family here," she says.
Loeppky says she is so thankful and feels blessed for this opportunity.
"It's fun to watch (Eric's) dream unfold through my eyes too, just to be part of it," she says. "I think once we're back home and you have time to reflect on it, the reality is going to kind of hit you. I'm just trying to soak it all in and live in the moment and just cheer loud. Cheer loud and just be incredibly proud of Eric and the rest of the guys on the team."
Loeppky says a big thank you to their home community of Steinbach and for all the love and support being shown.