Adrenaline November 2010

www.adrenalinereginasports.com 1

November2010

Gina Campbell

2010X8 95Y82Z9

Aaron Higgins Sandro Celis Kirstie McLellan Day

ADRENALINE Regina Sports November 20102


November 2010Features

04 From the Editor

06 Gina Campbell

08 Y’er WelcomeThe Day it Hit the Fan

9 Your Body, Your MindFinding more Zest in Life

14 All AboutActivities for Independence

20 Focus OnMotorsports

22 In ReginaRegina Sports Hall of Fame

24 Gear Up to...Work Out

26 Athlete Support

29 Get Moving

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 Get to KnowSandro CelisBoxing was to be a form of cross-training for Sandro Celis’ Taekwon-Do. But he has come to equally love the sport and has excelled since beginning in January.

16 Aaron HigginsThe LeBoldus Golden Suns football team has learned a lot from Aaron Higgins. They’ve learned of friendship, passion for sport, and what both football and life are really about.

12 Sports PersonalityKirstie McLellan DayThe life of Bob Probert will forever be remembered in Tough Guy: My Life on the Edge. Regina-born writer Kirstie McLellan Day has helped shape his story.


Every month, we feature a multitude of sports on the pages of our magazine. Some of these people are elite athletes, others slightly competitive, and some recreational.

Many of our readers are athletes themselves, while others would consider themselves sports fans. But there is truly an athlete inside of each one of us. Your athletic career may be as simple as going for a walk each day, or keeping up to your children. Maybe you’ll push it further and run a 5 K or join a recreational soccer or hockey team. Or maybe you’ll take up marathons or compete in your sport at a higher level.

Overall, our society, from children to grandparents, needs to get more active, and in turn, more healthy.

We hope you take inspiration from our pages each month to not only get moving, but have fun doing it as well. Aaron Higgins shows us what true passion for sport and for life is all about. Gina Campbell plays from the heart and Sandro Celis has discovered a love for a new sport. And Kirstie McLellan Day uses her writing talent to keep an athlete’s story alive forever.

Our columns provide expert tips on active lifestyle - in both body and mind.

Enjoy our stories, let them motivate you, and get out and enjoy!

Cheer hard,

Julie FolkEditor

FROM THE EDITORAdrenaline: Regina Sports

Issue 13: November 2010

Published by: Adrenaline: Regina Sports

Editor-in-Chief: Julie Folk

Administration Manager: Allie Folk

Sales & Marketing: Ashley Kasdorf

Contributors: Kim Bilokreli, Kiley Bourns, Bob Hughes, Maurice Laprairie, Jay Roach

Printing: Printwest

ISSN: 1920-468X

Contact:Adrenaline: Regina Sports(306) [email protected]

To advertise: [email protected]

Website: www.adrenalinereginasports.com

Cover design: Jay Roach/ AdSparkCover photo: By Maurice Laprairie

Copyright covers all contents of this magazine. No part of the publication may be re-used or copied without the expressed written consent of Adrenaline: Regina Sports.

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Gina Campbell and her siblings were brought up on skates.

Hockey was a part of life – something they just did.

“I don’t remember ever saying I wanted to play hockey,” said Campbell, a third-year player with the University of Regina Cougar women’s hockey team. “My role

models are my brothers, so when I saw them playing, that’s what I wanted to do. And (my sister) Jess followed all of us. We saw it as the only option and the only thing we ever wanted to do.”

Hockey took on a different meaning for Gina, her brother Dion, and her sister Jessica in 2002. Gina was 12 when her oldest brother, Josh, was killed in a car accident at the age of 18. He was playing

for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Yorkton Terriers. His love of hockey inspired his siblings in the sport he was so passionate about.

“We looked up to him in so many ways,” said Gina. “He had such a huge impact on all of my family’s lives, and he touched us in different ways. He had such a drive and a passion for hockey that we all strived off of, and we all wanted to do something with hockey.”

Gina grew up in Rocanville, and when she was 12 years old, her family moved to Melville, where she continued playing minor hockey and later played with the AAA midget Melville Prairie Fire, a team her parents, Gary and Monique, helped form and are still involved with.

Dion, 23, played with the Yorkton Terriers, and he is now playing for the University of New Brunswick, with whom he has won a national championship and will be hosting nationals with this year. Jessica, 18, has played with the Canadian under-18 team and just recently made the under-22 team while playing with Cornell University.

“My goals are focused on the university level (of hockey), getting my degree while playing, and then being able to pass on my experience and hopefully coach,” said the 20-year-old Gina. “I wanted to stay closer to home and get my Education degree....It’s been a great experience. Probably some of my best friends are going to come from this hockey program.”

When Gina was recruited to the Cougars, there were 12 new recruits, so right away she played a major role. Her first year she played wing, then moved to defence last year. This year she is playing centre in more of a defensive, checking role.

“Her skating is so strong, it makes her very versatile,” said Sarah Hodges, the

Growing up on ice


Cougars’ head coach. “Skating is her biggest asset, and she’s very physically strong too. Those assets make her strong defensively, but she has offensive skills too, as a power forward.... We’ve moved her to centre this year, which is the right fit for her. She throws herself into whatever role she’s asked to do wholeheartedly. It hasn’t been easy for her, but she’s done a good job.”

Gina also enjoys playing close to home. Her parents can regularly watch her play – although Gina said it was a bit tough for Monique to cheer for the Cougars at first, as she is an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey team. Gina and her family all reunite at home for Christmas and the offseason, where hockey remains the focus.

“Every Christmas, all of the family goes to the outdoor rink on the pond. We’ve been doing it since we were little,” she said. “And we train together in the summer. Last summer, Dion put on a conditioning

camp, which my sister and I took part in.... Everything has always revolved around hockey, our whole household. It’s been a big focus and we put a lot of heart into it.”

Gina and Jess can both be seen wearing number 8 – which Gina said is the Campbell number. But Dion wears number 9, the number of Maurice “the Rocket” Richard of the Montreal Canadiens, the only NHL team worth talking about in the Campbell household.

Gina has plans to continue playing hockey after the Cougars, possibly playing in Europe while teaching. But first, she has three more seasons to focus on her goals with the University of Regina Cougars.

“Our goal every year is to make nationals,” she said. “You’ve got to take it step by step, win some games, make playoffs, and then worry about nationals. But that’s our goal, right now, to get there. Take on your role and get ‘er done.” Photos by Maurice Laprairie


The Day it Hit the FanBy Bob Hughes

Y’ER WELCOME

Column photo by Maurice Laprairie

It does not take long for the wheel to turn in this place. Where that can be wild-eyed euphoria spreading its happy wings throughout the province, it can all turn in the blink of an eye.

Trust me, I have watched it for decades. The Loyal Disorder of Rider Priders surely suffered a sudden outbreak of whiplash on a pleasant Sunday afternoon in mid-October in that hallowed place they call Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field. And when people woke up the next morning, it surely was the morning after the night before.

Sunday, October 17th dawned bright and promising with a blue prairie sky and a whisper of wind bringing with it the most magical of times in this place they call the home of Canada’s Team. For on that day, the Saskatchewan Roughriders would welcome the Calgary Stampeders to a stadium the Stamps hadn’t won in for two years. It was to be a showdown that would likely decide first place in the West, and give the winner home field advantage in the Western final, no small reward that.

In the game that people had looked forward to since the season started, the Stampeders came in with a two-point lead over the Riders in the standings. Both teams were coming off humiliating losses. The Stampeders had been unmasked by the Montreal Alouettes the week before. The Riders had surrendered their first home field loss of the season, offering

meek resistance to the Toronto Argonauts in a game which incredulously saw Saskatchewan tricked on two fake punts and hit for a blocked field goal.

Nobody really knew what to expect, but the Loyal Disorder of Rider Priders was genuinely nervous about this match because they knew what Henry Burris and the Stampeders were capable of. They weren’t so sure what their Riders were capable of.

Everybody knew what was at stake.

So, on the Plaza of Honor Weekend, when the 1966, 1989 and 2007 Grey Cup teams were brought together in celebration on Friday, the game on Sunday was to be the icing on the cake.

And, what a game it was. Thrilling and torturing at the same time. The Riders opened with a swift 14-0 lead on Darian Durant passes to Weston Dressler and Chris Getzlaf. But it did not seem to shake the Stampeders in the slightest. They had a game plan, and no 14-0 lead was going to push them off it.

Their game plan was simple. They wanted to control Rider receiver Andy Fantuz, and they did. He never caught a pass. And, the Stampeders wanted to establish their running game. They did. Joffrey Reynolds ran for well over 100 yards, getting first downs whenever it seemed he felt like getting them.

The Riders lost 34-26.

And what the loss did was lay out for all to see some serious flaws in a Roughrider team that was earlier considered a prime contender for the Grey Cup.

From the shadows of defeat emerged a defence that couldn’t stop anything and special teams which were, frankly, a joke. In two games, against Toronto and Calgary, the Riders gave up more than 400 yards rushing. They had field goals blocked against Toronto and Calgary. And, once again, their offence couldn’t make the big plays when they had to.

Suddenly, and dramatically, hope turned to despair, and the Rider Nation turned on the coaches. Former Rider Scott Schultz went on Rod Pedersen’s show on CKRM and shredded the Riders’ defensive schemes. Although he didn’t say it, he was laying the blame squarely at the feet of coach Gary Etcheverry.

Special teams coach Jim Daley and offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry were also heavily criticized for the lack of production on the field of play.

Schultz, who has fallen in love with the microphone since his playing career ended, suggested it would not be surprising if the Riders finished with a 9-9 record.

In one game, unbridled optimism wore the chain of doubt and the hope that Saskatchewan would win another Grey Cup became but a distant dream.

There was no joy in Riderville. The mighty Riders had struck out. And, few seemed confident that coach Ken Miller could put all the pieces back together again. The weeks following that pivotal game would be critical to the taste the Riders leave in their fans’ mouths in 2010. The waiting game, the countdown, began the day after that October 17th loss.


Finding More Zest in LifeBy Kiley Bourns, Stapleford Physio

responsibility for the things you are tolerating, you free up time and energy to devote to an improved quality of life.

Take a moment to consider what your life would be like without any of your self-imposed tolerations. When was the last time you felt zest in your life? How long has it been since you felt passionate about something you were doing, which was fun and positive and which you loved to do? If you can create more energy by choosing not to waste it, why wouldn’t you do it?

Anything is possible when we have a choice.

Live life now.Stapleford Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic is the premier wellness centre in Regina. We offer a wide range of programs and services to get you back to optimal health. Our team of professionals are friendly and knowledgeable. We want you living life to the fullest. Call our office at 543-0990 or visit www.staplefordphysio.ca.

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PhysiotheraPy • exercise theraPy • occuPational theraPy • Dietician

Find Your Zest1. Make a list of potential energy

drains at home, work and in your

personal life. 2. Examine the list for pivotal

changes. Look for common patterns to see if one simple change could resolve many

similar concerns. 3. Make requests and take the

actions to eliminate these items. 4. Understand that you are

“stunting” your personal growth and choosing to remain in this pattern if you tolerate these things.

5. Set a date for the action to occur, commit to this and be personally

accountable for the outcome. 6. Use the 3 D’s. DO it. DUMP it.

DELEGATE it.

YOUR BODY, YOUR MIND

Energy is a precious resource, and most people will tell you about how little they have of it. In many ways we fall into a trap of creating our own reality based on our self-fulfilling expectations. It is important to understand that we all have the power to become a different version of ourselves, no matter how far we have drifted away from what we dream of. By listening to our mind and body it is possible to squeeze every last drop of life out of every minute of every day.

Too often, life is tightly jammed with scheduled appointments, projects, goals, ideas, coulds, shoulds, have to’s, commitments, expectations, concerns and obligations. Many of us were raised with the mentality that working hard is the key to success. We are conditioned to believe the mind needs something to do, so it directs us to do “stuff” or create situations that keep us busy. Running around trying to solve one problem after another, dealing with situations, putting up with others behaviour and our own unhealthy habits keeps us occupied.

When we bombard ourselves with these things we often deplete our reserves of energy and end up drained. Life can become a constant struggle to keep up. Eventually people with overstretched lives use up their natural energy, tap into their reserves and then possibly turn to external substances to help supplement this.

It is pretty safe to assume that all of us have problems. We can also state that we have had something to do with these problems. Humans tolerate a lot. Often we’re taught not to complain, to accept life is difficult, to go along with others and to be grateful for what we have. All of this is good advice, but we can still stop tolerating what is bugging us. In accepting


GET TO KNOW

Sandro Celis grew up in Taekwon-Do. The 20-year-old began

boxing at New Line Boxing Academy in January as cross-training, and fell in love with the sport. Now training equally and competing in both disciplines, the Taekwon-Do champion has also set his sights on a boxing future.

Adrenaline Regina Sports: How has your sporting life evolved?

Sandro Celis: I’ve been doing Taekwon-Do since I was 3. I started boxing to work on my hand speed and my cardio as well. Training here, I’ve lost 50 pounds since January. I was 260 at the beginning of January, and now I’m 210. The cardio here is incredible.

ARS: Has boxing helped you in Taekwon-Do?

SC: Boxing helped me win nationals for Taekwon-Do. I won the ITF Taekwon-Do nationals for the super heavyweight division. Because of all the weight I lost and the cardio I had, I felt faster, I felt stronger, and I didn’t get tired. It helped me as a stand-up striker. And when I started boxing, I already had the footwork down and a general understanding.

ARS: Did it surprise you how much you enjoyed boxing?

SC: At first, I was just going to use it to benefit my Taekwon-Do. But I fell in love with boxing, and I really like to compete in it; mainly because boxing – or any kind of combat sport - is almost like a chess game.

The punch is coming and you have to think within milliseconds of what you’re going to do, how you’re going to counter.

ARS: How have you enjoyed competing in boxing?

SC: I’ve only had two matches so far, and an exhibition match. My last fight, I won my last match by decision. And because of the cardio and the weight I lost, I was able to stay on my toes the whole match, and I was able to maintain my speed and the pace that I was pushing in the fight. I next have the Regina Golden Cup in December.

ARS: What are your goals in sport?

SC: My eventual goal is to get into mixed martial arts, like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships). My aspect on

Sandro Celis


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martial arts is you should master one before you move onto another one. I have Taekwon-Do. I want to master boxing, get up to possibly the Olympic level of boxing. From then, we’ll see. If I could find a career in boxing, I would definitely stay with it. My ultimate goal is to one day make it to the UFC.

ARS: How do you drive yourself?

SC: My goals, and (my coach) Moses (Alli) always knows how to push me. When I’m tired, he says, ‘show me how bad you want that gold medal.’ You sum up every bit of energy you have to finish the drill. But when you finish the drill and you’re dead tired, you find out there’s another drill! But seeing results – for me, seeing the weight loss and my cardio and speed and skill as a boxer improve, that makes me want to push myself more as well.

ARS: What do you enjoy the most about boxing?

SC: One of the greatest feelings in boxing is the victory at the end – in a decision, when you’re waiting to get your hand raised, and the ref raises yours. Or when you’re in a match and it’s a real battle and the last bell sounds, it’s that big sigh of relief. Even during the training, for sparring, when you’re pushing yourself extremely hard and the only thing on your mind is you just want to quit, when you push yourself through it, you get that feeling of achievement and accomplishment.

ARS: What do you do outside of sport?

SC: I’m a student at the University of Regina. I’m planning on getting a double major in business and kinesiology. If professional fighting doesn’t work out for me, I want to open up my own gym.

ARS: What do you enjoy about martial arts and combat sports over other sports?

SC: Combat sports I enjoy because I was raised on it. Growing up, I was watching Ninja Turtles, Bruce Lee movies, Jackie Chan. As soon as I could walk, my dad was teaching me how to kick. I guess it’s ingrained in me. The reason I like it more is because it’s individual. Your coach and your sparring partners, they help you prepare up to that moment. They prepare you before you step in the ring, but once you’re in the ring, it’s all on you. In between rounds, your coach can give you some advice, but when you’re in there from the beginning to the end bell, it’s all on you. It’s more of a feeling of accomplishment for me because it’s individual.

ARS: What do you enjoy about training here, at New Line Boxing?

SC: Training here, the first thing that appealed to me was I liked the way of training. The tempo of how hard you train, and then just getting to know all the other boxers, becoming like a small family. Moses, as well, with his personality has become my friend as well as my coach.

Photos by Jay Roach


SPORTS PERSONALITY

THEO FLEURY. BOB PROBERT. RON MACLEAN.

Three names that mean hockey. And three people who are sharing their stories with readers throughout the world. All of them have a story to tell - and in all three cases, there is the same mind shaping their stories and bringing them to fans and readers.

Kirstie McLellan Day fell into hockey through her children, but writing has always come naturally to the Regina-born writer. Every experience as a writer has brought her further along and helped mould her into the writer she is today.

After co-writing Theo Fleury’s story Playing with Fire, McLellan Day began working with MacLean and Probert, both of whom wanted to fully reveal their lives to fans. Then on July 5th of this year, Probert died of a heart attack while boating with his family. His wife, Dani, decided to go ahead and fulfil his wish of sharing his life.

“Bob was a great storyteller,” said McLellan Day, who now lives in Calgary and would fly to Ontario to talk with both MacLean and Probert. “Fortunately, he

was a really honest guy. Ron and Theo are the same. They decided to tell their stories. They didn’t hold back, they just went ahead and told them.... With Bob’s story, he told me his story and then at times I needed some help to finish writing it, get some personal detail. That’s where his wife, Dani, was amazing. The strength of this woman defies description. She has four kids who were between the ages of 10 and 15 when Bob died. She had lost her man of 20 years, and yet it was so important for her to do something for him. She knew he wanted to write the book, she knew he wanted it out, and she knew we had enough work done on it. So she said, ‘how can I help?’”

Tough Guy: My Life on the Edge, co-authored by Probert and McLellan Day, was released on October 26th. It shows a different side of Probert than he showed on the ice with the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks.

“He was just a wonderful guy,” said McLellan Day. “When I went out to see him and got to witness him with his family, especially his wife Dani, I thoroughly enjoyed it. They had one of the great romances.”

After Probert passed away, the publisher, HarperCollins, put together a team, and with McLellan Day and Dani, they set out to publish the book in a much shorter time frame than was originally scheduled. McLellan Day had just finished the paperback release of Playing with Fire, and dedicated herself to finishing Probert’s story.

“I’m really proud of the book, and so happy,” said McLellan Day. “The main thing to me was for Dani Probert and her children to like it. Dani was just overjoyed. She said it was like reading Bob’s diary. When someone dies, to have that piece of them, it means the world. She’s really thrilled with it, and that, more than anything, means the most.”

McLellan Day has been fully immersed in a hockey world for the past few years – but it wasn’t always that way for her. Growing up in Regina, the closest she was to sports was her time as a basketball cheerleader, and the sports her siblings played. Then she married Larry Day, who was crazy for hockey, and their children began playing the sport. Her daughter, Lundy, was a goaltender playing in the US college system, and McLellan Day said she learned hockey “almost through osmosis.”

From Left to Right: Steve Ludzik, Paul Coffey, Dani Probert, Michael Lansberg, Georges Laraque, Jeremy Roenick, and Kirstie McLellan Day on the set of Off the Record. Photo courtesy of Kirstie McLellan DayStories on Ice


“Theo’s book and Bob’s book and Ron’s book all include hockey, but it’s from their points of view, so they don’t need my expertise,” said McLellan Day. “It’s their words. And if I’m successful in these books, you won’t hear me. It’s not about me – it’s about them. All I do is shape their stories.”

While McLellan Day said athletically, “she had the will but not the talent,” her writing talent was certainly always there.

“To develop the skill was a lot of practice, and a lot of hard work,” said McLellan Day, who added that the more you write, the better you become. “I also had a wonderful base in Regina. I went to Campbell Collegiate, and had a terrific English teacher, Mr. Hannan. He loved literature, and he taught us well. His enthusiasm was infectious. He turned me onto some great writers like James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway.... The third factor that helped me develop as a writer was my mom (Joan). She read all the time when we were kids and she passed that love of reading along to all five of us. I was into Agatha Christie by the time I was twelve. Mom never criticized anything we read or wrote. She taught us the rules of grammar. Her grammar is impeccable; I try, but I still make a lot of mistakes. Thank God for editors.”

McLellan Day developed her ability to meet deadlines while working as one of just two writers on the Movie Show, writing six half-hour scripts per week, while raising five children. She and her husband, Larry, later developed Pyramid Productions in Calgary. There, McLellan Day worked on her own writing while mentoring others in the business.

While she now lives in Alberta, McLellan Day is quick to credit Saskatchewan and the prairies in general for not only her own success, but the success of many

others, from writers to sports figures to artists.

“There is so much talent out of Regina,” she said. “Everyone takes great pride in their work. We do what we do because it’s a good fit and we strive to do it well. I don’t know where it comes from – maybe the agricultural roots in Saskatchewan.”

McLellan Day has a bit of advice for other aspiring writers – “Writing is hard work, just like any other job. You cannot have boundaries – if the work has to be done, make your deadlines. The second thing to understand is that you will never know all there is to know. Every book, every piece of writing I do, I learn something new, and I seek a lot of advice. Take your ego out of it, and know that somebody else’s eyes on it will help perfect your work.”

Up next for McLellan Day is Ron MacLean’s autobiography she is

writing with him, to be out in the fall of 2011. And from there? Perhaps a bit of fiction, and any other fascinating story that comes her way.

Tough Guy: My Life on the Edge was released on October 26th. Pick up a copy at your nearest bookstore.

Bob Probert Photo courtesy of Ray Grabowski, www.grabowskiphoto.com

Photo courtesy of Kirstie McLellan Day


ALL ABOUT

Activities for IndependenceBy Kim Bilokreli, YMCA of Regina Fitness Staff

Physical inactivity can make your body age faster. Independent living depends on being able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them. Your independence relies on your need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry, and move around easily. Staying physically active will help you to keep moving and stay strong.

Think about these facts: 60% of older adults are inactive. Sitting or lying for long periods is a serious health risk. Inactivity leads to declines in bone and muscle strength, heart and lung fitness, and flexibility. Inactivity is as harmful to your health as smoking.

You’re never too old to increase your physical activity, helping you feel better and move easier. People with physical limitations and chronic conditions can also benefit by becoming more active. Increasing your level of physical activity as much as you are able can help offset many of the negative effects of certain diseases and disabling conditions.

To get started, check out your nearest YMCA location for information on fitness classes such as Better Bones, Seniors Aquacize, Tai Chi and Yoga Stretch. We offer instructed classes and access to fitness professionals.

Continuing with an active lifestyle is key. If you don’t use it, you lose it. It is best to be active every day. Build physical activity into your daily routine, 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

Endurance Activities:These help you to increase energy and keep moving for longer periods of time. Endurance activities are good for you heart, lungs, circulation and muscles. To get the best health benefits, try

to do endurance activities for at least 10 minutes at a time. If this cannot be achieved when you start, do what you can and work up. Choose from:

Walking Hiking Swimming or Aquasize Cycling Dancing SkatingCross-country skiing

Flexibility Activities:Flexibility activities help you to move more easily so that you can accomplish the daily tasks necessary for independent living and self-reliance. Flexibility activities help you to keep your joints healthy and maintain your mobility. Choose from:

Stretching Curling Dancing Bowling Yoga Washing the car Vacuuming Golf Tai Chi

Strength and Balance Activities:Strength activities are those that challenge all your muscles. Do more pulling, pushing, lifting and carrying. When you maintain your strength and balance through regular activities, you are less likely to fall or to have accidents that cause injuries. Choose from:

Lifting weights or soup cans Carrying the groceriesClimbing the stairs Weight training classes Standing and sitting repeatedly Wall push ups

SAFETY TIPS:Start slowly but challenge your muscles. Learn proper technique to protect your back and joints. Use weights that you can lift 10 times before they become too heavy. Breathe naturally. Exhale during the hardest part of your lift and inhale when returning back to starting position.

Reference

Health Canada. Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults -

www.paguide.com


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AARON HIGGINS LIVES AND BREATHES FOOTBALL.

His passion for the game is unparalleled, and he is the truest teammate you could find – on and off the football sidelines.

Higgins has never played a down of football, but still sports two championship rings – one with the LeBoldus Golden Suns as city and provincial champions and one from the Vancouver Island Raiders as Canadian Bowl national champions. While cheering on his older brother, Jordan, who played on the LeBoldus football team, for the University of Regina Rams, and for the Raiders, Aaron, who has Down syndrome, has found a place for himself in the football world.

“It’s really neat to see Aaron in his element,” said Jordan, who is now coaching with the LeBoldus football team. “It’s given me a new perspective on him, and it’s a perspective I really like in my brother.”

Aaron’s roles on the football team include everything from giving pre- and post-game speeches, running water bottles out to players, leading the last drill at practice, picking up the T after a kickoff, leading the team on and off the field, high-fiving the players on their way onto the field, leading victory cheers on the

way home, and providing advice and support to players on the sidelines. He also has a tendency to tell players what they need to hear or lighten the mood when needed.

“He just likes having fun with the boys,” said Ty Buhler, now with the University of Regina Rams, who graduated from LeBoldus last year and has remained close friends with Aaron. “He’s very passionate about everything. If we lost, he’d be the most upset person in the room. You could tell how much he cared about us and that he wanted us to do well. He’s so committed to the team and it’s so important to him. He would do anything for us. It showed how much he cared and it really got me more committed to play because he loved being there so much.”

Buhler was one of the many players who became close to Aaron, who makes friends quickly. It didn’t take long for him and Buhler to become good friends. Once they got to know one another, Buhler joined the Best Buddies program, which matches students of the school with students in the Functionally Integrated Alternative Education Program (FIAEP). Buhler and Aaron were matched up and their friendship developed further.

“I like being with my friends,” said Aaron when asked what he likes about football. “I like talking to the guys and the coaches.”

Seamus Neary was another player who was part of the 2008 LeBoldus City and Provincial Championship team with Aaron and also became part of the Best Buddies Program. He now plays for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. When LeBoldus won their championships, the captains sent Aaron to accept the trophies, and the team carried him on their shoulders, chanting “Higgins.”

“He really kept us going some days,” said Neary. “If things aren’t going well, he’ll come trotting out with a pair of shoulder pads and a helmet on, laughing and smiling (or doing a few dances).”

Neary, among others like LeBoldus head coach John Foord, quickly realized how well Aaron truly understands the game of football. In his post-game speeches, he knows what needs to be said.

“One time after a game, we had lost, and we got in the dressing room before the coaches did,” said Neary. “We were in silence, and Aaron walked in and went around and tapped everyone on the shoulder, saying, ‘it’s ok.’ Then he stood up on a bench in front of everybody and yelled at us for five minutes how it wasn’t good enough and we need to play better... he knows what we need.”

Life as a Locker Room


Foord was one of the main reasons Aaron was able to join the football team. When Aaron expressed an interest in joining, Foord made it happen. He ensured Aaron came right to his office after school, and Aaron would stay with the team throughout practice on the football field.

It was a time when the team was trying to develop more of a family atmosphere. Aaron fit right in, and five years later he has as big of a role – perhaps even more so – than any of the players.

“When Aaron addresses the team, a lot of the time he will echo the message of the coaches,” said Foord. “But when he says it, the boys cheer and they know it comes from the heart. When it comes from him, the boys go, ‘that was pretty insightful, and it inspires all of us at times.’”

Aaron is also one of the guys with the hardest hits on the team. In practice one day, he was playing running back and on

his way to score he bulldozed one of the players who got in his way. At another practice, Foord was demonstrating to the running backs how to get through a hole. Aaron stepped in as the linebacker and took him out.

Aaron’s bond with football and sport extends beyond the LeBoldus football team. When Jordan was playing with the Vancouver Island Raiders, the Higgins family would regularly go out to watch him. It didn’t take long for Aaron to become a major part of that team.

“Every game the family was at, Aaron was on the sidelines,” said Jordan. “He’d be in the coaches’ gear. Our coach would be yelling at the refs, and Aaron would be right there beside him yelling at the refs too. It was really neat for me to share in that with my brother, and that is sole reason why I first started coaching when I finished playing.”

The Raiders’ owner, Hadi Abassi, quickly became close with Aaron.

“Hadi never had anyone sit with him for the games,” said Aaron’s father, Doug Higgins. “He would always go off to the corner of the bleachers and watch the game by himself. The only one allowed to be with him – and Hadi insisted on it – was Aaron.”

Aaron became so much a part of the team, when Jordan was sent his national championship ring in the mail, he opened it up and there were two boxes in the package – Hadi had sent Aaron a ring as well. Players from the team, including Andrew Harris, now of the BC Lions, have remained close with Aaron.

“I think Aaron has had a major impact on a lot of people and how they view people with special needs,” said Jordan. “Aaron is really kind of a breed of his own, and I’m really proud to say he’s my brother.

Photos by Maurice Laprairie


In general, there have been huge steps towards people with special needs and acceptance of them. To let Aaron be on the football team, that’s a huge step. But really, is it that big of a step at all? No, you just let a kid come out to football practice.”

Chris Hamilton has worked with Aaron for many years. Hamilton runs the Best Buddies Blues Band and has seen how much Aaron really enjoys life, whether it’s playing drums in the band, cheering on Jordan or his sister Kimberley in volleyball, or as part of a sports

team. Now, Hamilton is working with Aaron at Saskatchewan Roughrider games. They are part of a group of people who are responsible for signage around the stadium, helping on the practice field, shooting yellow footballs into the crowd, and taking down signs following the game. Aaron has quickly found his place, letting the team out of the helmet, and being a part of the game day atmosphere.

“Aaron’s a charmer,” said Hamilton. “Everybody is his friend. People warm up to him pretty quickly. They understand where his heart is. For him, life is a locker room.”

Aaron is in his last year at LeBoldus. The passion and spirit he has brought to the Suns is something that could be carried onto future teams he may have the opportunity to be a part of. To those friends and teammates he has made already, Aaron has helped them understand what life is all about.

“You really understand what it means to be a true friend, because Aaron always has your back,” said Neary. “He’ll never say a bad thing about you. He just keeps things in perspective and you realize he’s a true companion and will always be there for you.”

Aaron gives so much to football, and what does it provide for him?

“The opportunity to grow a passion, a daily purpose, a true sense of belonging, discipline, develop teamwork skills, and building self-confidence and self-esteem,” said his parents, Doug and Rose.

Jordan summed up who Aaron is. “What does Aaron bring?” said Jordan. “He’s just got this presence, which does things to people. Aaron makes the game and life as simple as it should be. He really makes it like, ‘we’re playing football today, let’s have fun, and make the best of this.’”

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National Down Syndrome Awareness Week is November 1-7.

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FOCUS ON

The motor grumbles underneath you as you idle in first gear.

You’re given the thumbs up, and you hit the gas, leaving a cloud of dust in your tracks. In a race to beat the clock, you crank the wheel and drift around corners. With every turn, your adrenaline increases, resulting in an exciting rush. Two minutes later, it’s all over. You have just completed a Motorsports Rally.

Members of the Queen City Motorsports Association (QCMA) are no strangers to this experience. The club participates in a

number of races, and drivers can hit the track all 12 months of the year.

Club member Gary Tholl identifies the QCMA as, “the grassroots of motorsports in Canada; it’s how you get a feel for (motorsports) relatively cheaply, really easy, and safely.”

Founded in 2000, the QCMA is a sanctioned motorsports club, which promotes fun, safe motorsports in Regina. The club currently has about 40 members, mostly between the ages of 25 and 35. Drivers range from first-time racers to seasoned competitors.

Saul Lipton has been racing since 1972, and is a founding member of the QCMA. Lipton loves the competition of the club, but also thrives on exceeding personal goals. “It’s learning to drive better, all the time, and it’s improving your skill,” he said.

Improving driving skills is a major focus of the QCMA. Competition is a factor in the events, but racing with the club also teaches drivers car control and manoeuvring. The skills are transferable to everyday driving, and are an asset on slippery roads in the winter.

The QCMA held their year-end event over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Sports Car Olympics consisted of three high-speed events packed into two days.

By Christeen Jesse

Hang on Tight


Saturday morning began with a Rallycross, where drivers raced around a defined, gravel track, one car at a time. In a race against the clock, the drivers tried to complete the course in the fastest time.

Then in the afternoon, drivers tackled the winding roads of the Qu’Appelle Valley in a TSD Rally. Standing for time, speed, and distance, the TSD Rally is a 250 km course, done on public roads, and under legal speeds. Competitors are given instructions that tell them how far they have to travel to the next checkpoint and how fast they should be going in that distance. Drivers are given penalty points if they reach the checkpoints too slowly. In turn, the driver with the least points wins.

Mike Adams, a member of QCMA, was impressed with Saturday night’s Rally. “It was a really lovely rally because it ran in the dark, and in the valleys; it was a glorious night for rallying. The dust would hang in the valleys, and it was just a marvellous time,” says Adams.

Drivers were back on the track Sunday morning for the final event - the Autoslalom.

This event is exactly the same as the Rallycross, but the track is paved, rather than gravel. Tholl notes that the Autoslalom does not require a better car, but drivers often race a different breed of car at this event; cars that they would not race on gravel.

Racing cars are divided into four classes based on rules created by the Western Canada Motorsport Association (WCMA). Cars are classified by factors like displacement (size of motor) and preparation points. Tholl sees it, “as a way to keep small engine cars from competing with prepped rally cars.” For every event, winners in each class are awarded points.

On Sunday, points were tallied from all events and one Olympic champion was named.

Tholl encourages people to come to an event and try motorsports with the QCMA. “It isn’t something that requires you to have the latest, greatest, most expensive car,” says Tholl. “We require a valid driver’s license and that’s about it.”

Although there is no formal training required to join the club, the QCMA is based on a well-defined rule set, and they have safety measures in place at all events. All drivers are required to wear a helmet and cars must be street-legal.

“If you come out to an event, 9 times out of 10, you’re hooked as soon as you do it,” says Tholl. “It’s a huge rush when you first start; it’s incredible.”

Competitions director Noel McAvena has been racing for 12 years and thrives on the thrill of racing. “The competition for me is a big motivator; I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t pushing the limits.” Speeding and swerving in his white Neon, he was the winner of the Sports Car Olympics.

McAvena confirms that the year-end weekend event was a success. “It’s been an excellent weekend; the weather has been prefect, the competition has been real good. Everybody is having a good time,” says McAvena.

For more information, see www.qcma.org

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Photos by Maurice Laprairie


IN REGINA

Regina sport is really about Regina people.

Be it a player, a team, a builder, or a patron, these people make sport happen and make sport possible. The time and passion they devote to their sport makes it possible for others to follow, and in their dedication and devotion to their passion, they produce memories and legacies.

The Regina Sports Hall of Fame recognizes these accomplishments. It honours deserving individuals and enshrines them in a hall of fame for those coming in years after to remember and to follow.

“It’s a very humbling award,” said Tom Shepherd, who is now the president of the Regina Sports Hall of Fame, and was also inducted in 2006. “It makes you realize that you’ve been fortunate; one – for your experience in your sport, and two – you got there with the help of other people. Everyone seems to appreciate it.”

The 2010 induction celebration on October 7th marked the eighth year of inductions into the RSHF. This year, Jamie Heward, Mike Sillinger, Jim Park, Rob Pyne, Sam Stewart, and the Kiwanis Club of Wascana were inducted into the RSHF – teams and groups are honoured in addition to individuals.

The true beginnings of the RSHF go back to a conversation between George Watson, who is a former Saskatchewan Hockey Association, Canadian Hockey Association, and Sask Sport board member, and Regina’s mayor at that time, Doug Archer.

“Back in the 90s, Mayor Archer and I had a few conversations about a possibility of the Regina Sports Hall of Fame,” said Watson. “In 2000...he said, you form a committee and look at the possibility of starting up a Regina Sports Hall of Fame.”

Watson put together a seven-member committee, of himself, Norbert Thurmeier, Dick White, Bob Livingstone, Bill Edward, Cathie Kryzanowski, Val Sleuth, and Rod Schmidt from the City of Regina.

“The discussion was, we already had the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame,” said Watson, “but we have a number of people in this city who performed and contributed to sports that really don’t meet the criteria to get into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. That’s where the discussion came from, that there were a lot of people who deserved to be recognized in a multisport setting.”

Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future


The committee looked at sports halls of fame in Saskatoon, Humboldt, North Battleford, Yorkton, and others, and saw a need for one here in Regina. They incorporated as a non-profit organization, and began with the mission statement: “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” A board was then established at a public meeting in the spring of 2002. At the time, Pat Fiacco had become mayor, and he was quick to support the initiative. The City of Regina has been involved since the Hall’s beginning.

The first 10-member board was established to begin the RSHF, and then in 2003 the first inductions took place.

“There are six inductions every year,” said Shepherd. “In eight years, we’ve had 48 inducted – 20 of them are athletes, 17 builders, 8 teams, and 3 patrons. In addition to the 48 we’ve inducted, there are 150 honourary members – people or teams who were previously inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.”

Some who have been inducted into the RSHF were later inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. For the nomination process, nomination forms go out to various sport organizations, and are also available on the website. Once individuals or groups are nominated, their names go to the nomination committee, who then recommend the six most deserving members to the board for induction.

There has been a display at the University of Regina Centre of Kinesiology, Health and Sport for the past few years. In December, the display will move to its new home at the Co-operators Centre, in between rinks three and four. The space there allows for plaques of all 48 inductees.

The induction event is kept casual, with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and the chance for a short speech from all the inductees.

“Interesting things always happen at the inductions,” said Watson. “When Bob Hughes was inducted, we had done an interview at CTV earlier that week. Bob started telling a story, and got halfway through and the fellow who was interviewing stopped him as we were running out of time. Then on induction night, we saved Bob until the end. Jill McDougall was working at the induction night, standing on stage. It was quite hot in there, and Bob got partway through his speech when Jill fainted. And Bob says, ‘that’s twice in the last week I’ve been interrupted in the middle of a story!”

Some inductees are honoured posthumously and their families speak on their behalf.

“The big thing is to go to that induction night and see the heartfelt appreciation,” said Watson. “Like Ron Atchison, he was an honourary inductee. He wasn’t very healthy, but he was bubbling. It’s something for the families as well as the inductees.”

The Regina Sports Hall of Fame recognizes, celebrates, and teaches sport history. For more information, and to learn more about the inductees, visit www.reginasportshalloffame.com.

Photos: (Opposite Page) Courtesy of Brian Cobbledick - unBoundImages.com(Above) Rendering courtesy of PLS Sign & Graphic


Everyone is an athlete in their own way. Getting in shape and staying healthy is important for anyone, at any stage of life. Flaman Fitness helped us look at some of the best fitness equipment out there for everyone from the average person to the elite athlete. They know the business well, and their founder, Frank Flaman, has his clients’ best interests at heart.

It all began as an agricultural business in 1959 in Southey, Saskatchewan. Then Frank Flaman saw his grandfather live until 93, his father until 70, and then his brother passed away at just 60 years old. Frank realized something had to be done to turn the trend the other way. He bought 50 treadmills from Utah, gave 45 away to family and friends, and sold the other five. That was how Flaman Fitness was born. They sold just treadmills until 1998, and then began expanding. They now have 27 fitness stores across Canada.

Here are some of the products to think about as we turn our fitness focus indoors:

Inversion Tables

Inversion tables are easy to use and have multiple benefits. Through use for upside down or at inverted angles, benefits can include back pain relief, stretching and relaxing muscles, reducing stress and tension, relieving joint aches and strains, reducing muscle spasms in the back, neck, and shoulders, and improving blood circulation, posture, and overall balance. They are easy to use, store, and move around. Try one and see how it can benefit you.

Nautilus 5.14 Treadmill

In the world of treadmills, there are many options to choose from. The Nautilus provides everything a runner or walker may need. With 19 programs, including time, distance, calorie, and customized programs, it has a soft-track suspension deck with a cushioned surface area, four Polar heart rate programs, and a surface that is easy on the feet, ankles, and hips. With up to a 12 per cent incline and 12 mile per hour speeds, it can go take you as far as you need it to.

Kettle Bells

Kettle Bells provide a new way of strength training. They are available in weights from four to 40 kg, and look like a cannonball with a handle. The centre of mass is extended beyond the hand, which provides many different types of movements. A few basic exercises they can be used for is the swing, snatch, or clean and jerk, all which use the entire body through one movement. They are excellent for building strength and endurance, particularly in the lower back, legs, and shoulders.

GEAR UP TO....

Work Out


BOSU Balance Trainer

Also known as a BOSU Ball, this training device can be used in many different ways. It can be used with almost any exercise, such as squats, lunges, push ups, and free weight exercises. In doing so, the benefits include not only the traditional muscle strength of the exercise, but also balance, stability, and strengthening of the spine, hips, and abdominals. It can be used in functional training as well as sport-specific training.

Nautilus 552 or 1090

There is no longer the need to have a variety of dumbbells littering the floor at home or the gym. The Nautilus 552 (a 5 to 52 pound set) and the Nautilus 1090 (10-90 pound set) provide weight ranges in many different increments, replacing up to 34 dumbbells. With the turn of a dial, you can increase the resistance easily, and have a wide weight range to work with. With the 552, weights can be increased by 2.5 pounds between 5 and 25 lb, and with the 1090, weight can be increased by 5 lb at a time.


Sometimes a little bit of belief, support, and financial help can go a long way.

Kia Byers can attest to this. Byers is now a part of the Canadian women’s kayak team. But it takes a lot to get there – and stay there. Part of the help she’s received has been from Geoff Horn and Fresh Air Experience, who help athletes through equipment, financial, and professional support.

“It’s been amazing,” said Byers, who has received backing from FAE for some equipment, and primarily travel expenses, such as flights. “I don’t know if I can totally express in words how much it helps. (Geoff) has taken a ton of stress out of my life because I don’t have to worry about where the money for something is going to come from... Having the support and knowing that somebody trusts you enough to invest in you is really reassuring. I also think it’s cool to know that they do invest in athletes from the very beginning and support people all along the pyramid. Because sometimes when you’re not there yet, having somebody believe in you is just what it takes.”

A Fresh Look at Athlete Support


Fresh Air Experience is a Saskatchewan company that has been an outdoor shop in Regina for 15 years. The store has grown, beginning with outdoor elite activity and expanding to encompass many different sports and levels of activity. What has remained consistent is Geoff and his staff are active and participating in the activities they sell.

When FAE first began sponsoring athletes around 1997, it was the need for product – and high-end product – that they helped with.

“The first athlete that we sponsored was Brian Worsley in biathlon,” said Geoff. “Racing ski equipment was very expensive. He’s a great athlete, great kid, and needed gear to race. We would lend him the use of gear for the racing season, and then it grew to providing him with equipment to continue racing. He was then in here, using the equipment to maintain his stuff. He started waxing his skis, and began doing other people’s skis too. He was hanging out to the point where we were like, we might as well give you a pay check!”

There are many athletes – youth and masters athletes – looking for sponsorship. But FAE has always been very specific in terms of who they sponsor and why.

“We formulated levels of sponsorship for kids who were in need for financial reasons,” said Geoff. “We always make sure they have a very positive ambassadorship of the sport they are in. Like ski trails, be thankful to who is out there grooming the trails, and lend a hand. It’s very important to make sure they are a good ambassador of their sport, and therefore a good ambassador of the shop.”

In addition to equipment, there are often needs arising for travel as well as entry fees, to name a couple of the expenses. When FAE began sponsoring Brad Kerr, he had a need for not only high-end cycling equipment and clothing, but also help financially, as race entry fees were quite high.

“The first experience I had with Geoff was he gave me a job,” said Kerr. “I was into the riding thing, as well as camping and running. As that progressed, he saw I was doing well in racing and he had an interest in sponsoring me... Equipment costs are huge, especially in the sport of cycling – wheels, tires, shifters, everything is really expensive, in addition to the travel. And the time off to train – I worked full time in the winter, and Geoff would allow me to go away for a month or two to train.”

The other aspect is support beyond finances. Geoff introduced Kerr to Carla Nicholls, then the track and field coach at the

University of Regina, who worked with him on strength and conditioning. He also introduced Kerr to Thomas Hamilton, a nutritionist, who worked with Kerr on eating, training, and keeping a balance.

Similarly, Geoff introduced Byers to physician Dr. Mike Nicholls, who helped her with back issues last year.

Geoff and FAE will continue to sponsor and help athletes, but they are also interested in helping connect athletes and the corporate community. There is some financial support from sport governing bodies, but for an individual athlete a little extra can go a long way.

“Companies are willing to sponsor good athletes and good people as well,” said Geoff.

Byers added to the fact that companies can now sponsor athletes through various organizations to receive a tax receipt.

“To an athlete who only makes $18,000, $2,000 is huge,” said Byers. “And if four businesses wanted to give $500, it’s still $2,000 to an athlete. For athletes, things come up all the time and life happens. A lot of my money goes towards flights or a new boat, and then there’s groceries and rent. If somebody’s willing to front the cost of your new boat, or cover registration fees for when things add up, you have that cash for other parts of life that come up.”

For Geoff, he receives recognition from the athletes he sponsors, but he’s just as happy with seeing their successes and developing relationships with them that last for years. It’s a win-win relationship for all.

FAE Sponsored Athletes:

Matthew Mirasty – Cross Country SkiingScott Perras – BiathlonMatt Stachura – BiathlonKia Byers – KayakingRenae Barks – RowingBrad Kerr – CyclingJames Winter – Mountain BikingMatt Johnson – Mountain BikingShane McNaughton – Mountain BikingCarla Binning – Triathlon

FAE also sponsors and assists adult athletes in various activities such as adventure racing, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing

through various methods of assistance.



We need to start moving.

We need to move on pushing for more active schools, more active communities, and more active homes. We need to move toward understanding our society’s activity levels and what is needed to improve them. And we need to move – period.

“Only 15 per cent of youth in Saskatchewan are active enough,” said Nicole Yacishyn of Saskatchewan in motion. “This means 85 per cent are not getting enough physical activity.”

Yacishyn is referring to the Saskatchewan Report Card, developed by Active Healthy Kids Canada. The study included consultation with researchers from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina as well as an independent interdisciplinary Research Work Group, and many Saskatchewan sport and activity associations.

Children should be taking 16,500 steps a day, equivalent to 90 minutes of physical

activity a day. We now know that for the most part, this isn’t happening.

“Why are kids less active? I think there are a variety of reasons,” said Dr. Louise Humbert, Acting Associate Dean of the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. “One of them is technology. We have more and more children in front of screens, be it the Blackberry, computer, iPod Touch. With this incredible level of technology has come some challenges for the promotion of physical activity.”

Other factors include the accelerated pace of society today. Many parents see organized sport as the path for children to become active, and often there are financial barriers. Also, youth often feel that they have to be competent at a sport to play it. Outside, children or parents also feel safety is an issue. There are many different factors that go into physical

inactivity, but the most important thing is looking at solutions.

“It’s not one particular group’s responsibility,” said Humbert. “It’s the responsibility of everyone who affects the lives of children.”

Yacishyn and Saskatchewan in motion are looking to both educate and activate.“We like to talk about 30-30-30,” said Yacishyn. “Thirty minutes at school, 30 minutes in the community, and 30 minutes at home.”

In schools, it means 30 minutes in addition to the physical education curriculum. This could mean taking stretch breaks during class, or working activity into other subjects.

“School is the ideal place, because almost every child is there,” said Humbert. “We need to teach physical education and teach it well.... And if we design schools that promote and support the health of children, what would they look like?”

One way to reach families and communities is through facilitators, such as Jim Large in Moose Jaw. A few years ago, they formed an action team called Moose Jaw in motion – similarly, there is a Regina in motion. They have set

Get moving

“Only 15 per cent of youth in Saskatchewan

are active enough.”

- Nicole Yacishyn, Saskatchewan in motion


YOUR TEAM.YOUR CHANNEL.

IN THE HUDDLE — TUESDAYS AT 7PM

Get your ultimate Rider fix with the “Voice of the Riders” Rod Pedersen, sportscaster John Lynch and a lineup of Rider greats as they discuss Saskatchewan’s favourite team.

Plus, catch our new series Saskatchewan Roughriders: First 100 Years, airing Tuesdays, starting October 5th at 8PM, only on Access7. For show times, visit access7.ca.

1940-A7SportsAdrenalineAdFA.indd 1 10-08-25 10:57 AM

up pilot projects and seen success in initiating active programs.

Thirty minutes of physical activity at home should be easy – be it taking the dog for a walk, playing outside, or doing a family activity – but this can be one of the toughest places to motivate and activate.

“We’re tackling family now,” said Large. “Saskatchewan in motion have a program established called ‘Take the Pledge,’ where families can sign on to the Saskatchewan in motion website, and take the pledge to do six things together. You can walk your children to school, or look at active transportation, such as riding bikes or walking.... The barrier that’s listed first and foremost in most of the studies done when people are questioned as to why they are not more active is lack of time. But through self-reporting through Stats Canada, people report that they are spending several hours a day on recreational screen time – computer and television.”

When it comes to community, this includes any type of programming, from organized sport to community programs.

“We do have great programming in Saskatchewan,” said Yacishyn, “and it’s making sure people have access to it and know about it. Then it’s looking at the building of our communities and encouraging walking and active living.”

Thirty minutes, three times a day may

sound simple, but it’s really taking the steps to make sure it happens. And if you and your family are already active? There are other ways to help.

“Volunteering,” said Large. “Saskatchewan has always been known as one of the best provinces in the world for volunteering and giving of our time. But times are changing and volunteers are getting harder to find. It could be coaching a minor sports team or being one of the organizers. Then there’s the aspect of being a role model and being in the community and speaking out.”

With education and activation, things are looking up. Regina in motion hosted public consultations to receive community input on building a more active Regina, and there is provincial messaging and campaigns, and champions in the schools to help promote activity. From the grassroots to policy change,

TAKE THEM OUT AND PLAY!

Did you know that for the the first time in history, children of this generation are expected to have a shorter and less healthy life than their parents?

Our kids deserve better.

To stay healthy, children need 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day. Sadly 85% of Saskatchewan kids don’t. Are you okay with that?

Let’s ensure our kids get the unstructured active playtime they need. Join them and make physical activity a priority in your family and in your community.

Jump in! Join the Movement! www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

society needs to take a very close look at physical activity – it is a huge problem in many different aspects, and it is becoming a serious issue in the health care system.

“I think we are moving forward,” said Humbert. “Can we make a difference? Absolutely. Can we make changes? Absolutely... I do think we’re going in the right direction, and if we continue to make it a priority, I think amazing things can happen.”

Photos courtesy of Saskatchewan in motion


YOUR TEAM.YOUR CHANNEL.

IN THE HUDDLE — TUESDAYS AT 7PM

Get your ultimate Rider fix with the “Voice of the Riders” Rod Pedersen, sportscaster John Lynch and a lineup of Rider greats as they discuss Saskatchewan’s favourite team.

Plus, catch our new series Saskatchewan Roughriders: First 100 Years, airing Tuesdays, starting October 5th at 8PM, only on Access7. For show times, visit access7.ca.

1940-A7SportsAdrenalineAdFA.indd 1 10-08-25 10:57 AM


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Adrenaline November 2010