Saskatchewan in motion ambassadors are community leaders committed to living an active lifestyle and promoting physical activity for others. These active role models “walk the talk” and “talk the walk” – sometimes they even run – when it comes to the health, social, economic and environmental benefits of daily physical activity.
Dr. Gordon Barnhart
Dr. Barnhart is a seasoned advocate of physical fitness, specifically through his cycling and speed walking. His Honour has made healthy lifestyles one of the key priorities of his term as Saskatchewan's Lieutenant Governor.
As a member of the in motion team, Dr. Barnhart encourages our children and youth to join the movement by following the 30-30-30 formula. With 30 minutes of physical activity at home, plus 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes in the community our youngsters will get the 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity they need every day. Let's get active Saskatchewan! Let's cause an in motion commotion and do our part to make the people of Saskatchewan the most healthy and the most physically active in Canada!
Mrs. Naomi Barnhart
An avid runner, cyclist and swimmer, Mrs. Barnhart is an enthusiastic advocate of healthy lifestyles. Her Honour regularly addresses health care professionals and students about the benefits of physical activity and nutrition. She believes the key to motivating children to be more active lies in convincing parents to become role models who teach their children by example. Her Honour also encourages parents to replace their children's screen time with active play time.
Carol Gay Bell
Physical activity takes centre stage for Carol in her role as general manager and artistic director of Saskatchewan Express. Carol says that being in the performing arts has taught her how to exercise regularly – whether she was on stage or off.
According to Carol, you don’t need a structured dance class to be in motion; all you need is your own living room. “Regardless of your age, keep using those muscles,” says Carol. Look for ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, cycle instead of using vehicle transportation, and walk, run or even dance around the block, as many times as you like!"
Colette Bourgonje
Colette is one of Canada’s top wheelchair athletes. She's a veteran of three Summer and six Winter Paralympics Games with 10 medals to her name. Colette is the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Whang Young Dia Achievement Award for educating and promoting active living.
"The benefits of physical activity are numerous," says Colette. "I would tell someone if they want to get the most out of life and really start living, they should try doing something physical - even if it is just a 15 minute walk once a day. Your mind, body and spirit are all enhanced when you exercise."
Colette thinks physical activity should be more important in everyday society. We're becoming more sedentary thanks to modern conveniences like remote controls, computers and fast food. She believes children are especially vulnerable to gaining weight, so the in motion movement is extremely important. For Colette, physical activity includes biking, cross country skiing, teaching, coaching, lifting weights at the YWCA, and lots of walks with her dog Muskwa.
Mo Bundon
As a master rower, Mo has competed at the 1998 World Master Games, 2001 & 2010 World Master Rowing Championships and 2002 Canadian Master Championships. He also enjoys running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and golf. "There is a distinct "line of sight" between physical activity, productivity and self-esteem," says Mo. "I see it every day in the workplace. People who are active feel stronger, and are better able to cope with the never-ending challenges at work."
Mo and his family realize the importance of physical activity. He reminds all leaders to do just one thing – be an action hero – and ensure Saskatchewan children and youth get the required physical activity they need to stay healthy. Let's keep our kids moving!
Ingrid Currie
"Physical activity is part of my everyday life," explains Ingrid, an avid runner with many marathons under her belt. In June 2010, she ran the Manitoba Marathon in 3 hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds to win the women's 50-54 division. (Congratulations Ingrid!)
Ingrid is also actively involved in her community and has joined her husband Rob in the sport of rowing. In 2001, she was named Sask. Sport Inc., Master Athlete of the Year based on her rowing accomplishments. “I always tell my kids to be the best you can be and that includes being active,” she says. Her family remains active by participating in physical activities such as running or walking the family dog. Ingrid understands the importance of keeping our kids active by reducing their screen time and encouraging unstructured playtime.
Rob Currie
As Director of Education for the Regina Catholic School Division, Rob makes physical activity a lifestyle choice. He exercises daily for his physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual well-being. A member of Canada's national rowing team program in the early 1980s, Rob was named Sask. Sport Masters Athlete of the Year in 1992.
As an educator, Rob works with his school division team to ensure students receive 30 minutes of physical activity at school. This combined with 30 minutes at home and another 30 minutes in the community gives kids the 60-90 minutes of physical activity they need every day to stay healthy. By sharing this responsibility, we can give our children a healthier future.
Dan Farthing
Physical activity plays a huge part of Dan's life. The former Saskatchewan Roughrider holds a Master's Degree in Kinesiology and owns Level 10, a Regina-based physical fitness training centre. Dan says physical activity is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. "It's important to share your physical activity experiences with others, especially members of your family," he says. That's why he and his family stay active. As parents and role models, they feel it's important to demonstrate to our kids that physical activity is good for the heart, good for the body, good for the mind and yes, it can also be fun!
Dan urges parents and caregivers to think about reducing screen time for the kids they care about and start increasing their physical activity time. With 30 minutes of daily physical activity at home plus 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes in the community, our children and youth will acquire the 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity they need every day. Let's get and keep our kids moving!
Mayor Pat Fiacco
Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco maintains an active lifestyle and encourages everyone to be active enough to achieve optimal health benefits. "Healthy body, healthy mind. That's what I believe. And that is why I think that in motion is an important initiative for our city and our province," says Mayor Fiacco. "Most people today live busy, active lives. To keep up with the pace, we must take care of ourselves and stay fit. It sounds simple but it's the best way to stay healthy and happy, and function at an optimum level."
With hectic daily schedules it's easy to become a "couch potato." But we know through ongoing research, that those who lead a sedentary life, are not doing their body any favours. Physical inactivity can increase everything from personal weight gain, to various health ailments including diabetes and heart disease. Put your best foot forward - in fact both feet - and get active! Watching what you eat and maintaining a regular exercise routine is what Mayor Fiacco recommends.
Monica Goulet
As the Aboriginal Relations Consultant for the Saskatoon Police Service, Monica has found many ways to include physical activity in her life. Walking the beautiful Meewasin Trail is an almost daily ritual. She especially loves going with her granddaughter Ava, partner Keith and of course, puppy Clark. When scheduling holidays, Monica seeks places where she can hike and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Participating in numerous community events gives Monica many opportunities to walk. This simple exercise is done many times in a day. Monica also has a membership at a local fitness centre, where she lifts weights. "We face so many challenges in society today, so many stressors, and it is far more convenient and easy for people to become sedentary. Physical activity is important because of this high stress. It is increasingly important to nurture your body and your spirit," says Monica.
She adds that the benefits of physical activity doesn't only impact people physically, but also improves mental well-being. "When you feel good about yourself physically, you have more energy and you feel happier," she says. "You look and feel younger."
Dr. Louise Humbert
"In motion is extremely important because research shows the many benefits of physical activity for people of all ages. We all need to work together to help everyone in our province get moving and in motion can be the leader for us all!!"
Dr. Humbert is an associate professor in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, and the president of Physical and Health Education Canada. Her focus is on physical activity with a special emphasis on children and youth. According to Dr. Humbert, "we need to take care of ourselves. We need to schedule physical activity in our lives. We need to make an appointment to be physically active and we'll receive the benefits."
Dr. James Irvine
Dr. James Irvine, a physician and long-time resident of La Ronge, realizes the impact of physical activity on mental and physical wellness, self-esteem and stress. He knows that many health behaviours that impact heart disease and diabetes can be influenced by stress. This is why physical activity is so important. It can improve physical and mental wellness as well as self-esteem. Overall wellness for the mind and body can also make it easier to think about eating better, being more physically active, and refraining from unhealthy habits such as tobacco smoking.
Dr. Irvine also recognizes the need for increased physical activity for our children and youth. "We need to get our kids active now so they can enjoy a healthy future," says Dr. Irvine. Less than 15% of our province's youth are active enough for optimal growth. This means that in a classroom of 25 kids, only 4 are physically active. This is why Saskatchewan in motion has developed a 30-30-30 formula which encourages 30 minutes of daily physical activity at home, 30 minutes at school, and 30 minutes in the community. This will ensure our youngsters get the required 60 to 90 minutes of required daily physical activity. For adults, 30 minutes of daily physical activity is recommended.
Dr. Irvine has been taking his own medicine for years. He has participated in ironman-distance triathlons and actively enjoys hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and running. He has also been a judo club coach and ensures that he sets physical activity goals to keep himself active.
Dr. Marlys Misfeldt
Leading an active lifestyle is what Dr. Misfeldt prescribes. She holds a black belt in karate and has an avid interest in indoor soccer and other physical activities. As a medical doctor and past president of the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan, Dr. Misfeldt also promotes the benefits of physical activity to all Saskatchewan residents. "Physical activity is important in all aspects of medicine," she says."It increases energy levels, helps prevent heart disease and improves overall well-being.
Dr. Mike Nicholls
Dr. Nicholls' advice for everyone is to include physical activity as part of their daily routine, just like showering and combing your hair. Dr. Nicholls specializes in health, fitness, and sports medicine. He participates in mountain bike races and eco-challenges. He also runs, enjoys white water canoeing, snowboarding and plays hockey. Dr. Nicholls is currently on staff with the RCMP Training Academy in Regina.
"The bottom line is that one of the most important things in society is to have people who are healthy and enjoy a better quality of life," says Dr. Nicholls. "In motion can help accomplish that."