As summer begins and pandemic restrictions loosen, activities around the Valley have begun again. Centre de Karate Deragon has resumed its in-person karate lessons in Lindsay-Cullen Park in Ormstown. “Our classes never stopped, we offered them on zoom, but it’s nice to get back out there and have classes in person again,” says Sébastien Deragon, owner of the center. He mentions that some of students stepped away during the zoom classes as it wasn’t the learning environment they desired, but as soon as classes began meeting outside again registration picked right back up and most of the students have returned. Deragon emphasizes the importance of respecting all COVID-19 restrictions; for the moment Centre de Karate Deragon will only be congregating outdoors. Plans for the fall are still in limbo. When asked about the outdoor karate he says, “We’re happy to be here to help people of all ages get out and move; this is our mission.” (RP)
