Helping to lead the movement to increased physical activity are the Saskatchewan in motion ambassadors. These individuals have made a commitment to promote the benefits of physical activity and to encourage Saskatchewan people to increase physical activity for health benefits.

 
Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart
A cyclist and speed walker, Dr. Barnhart is a longtime advocate of physical fitness.  When he was installed as Saskatchewan’s 20th Lieutenant Governor in 2006, it was no surprise that he chose to make healthy lifestyles one of the key priorities of his term.

With an extremely busy schedule of events around the province, His Honour feels it is crucial to make physical activity part of his daily routine.  Most mornings, he can be seen walking around Regina’s beautiful Wascana Lake or working out at a local gym.  When he has an opportunity to spend time in his hometown of Saltcoats, local residents are accustomed to seeing the Vice-Regal Couple setting off on their bikes on the 60 kilometer round trip to Yorkton.

His Honour has been pleased to combine his passion for fitness with support of worthy causes.  The Vice-Regal Couple regularly participates in charity walk/runs.

In 2007, Their Honours are launching the first of five Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Forums for youth.  In addition to exploring the concept of leadership and educational and career opportunities in Saskatchewan, physical fitness and leadership through coaching will be an important part of the Forum.

His Honour is proud to join the in motion team, and he encourages others to catch the vision of achieving a healthier, more active Saskatchewan. 

Her Honour 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.

Like many young girls, Her Honour struggled with maintaining a healthy weight and a positive self-image in her youth.  When she became a parent, she was inspired to set a positive example for her daughter.  Today, she believes that the key to motivating children to be more active lies in convincing parents to become role models, who teach their children about healthy lifestyles by example.  Her Honour encourages parents to replace their child’s “screen time” with active play.

The Vice-Regal Couple helped to organize the first half marathon walk/run in their hometown of Saltcoats in 2006.  This highly successful annual event has inspired the residents of Saltcoats and many visitors to become active; for many participants, the event is their first experience completing a 6, 12, or 21 kilometer course.

Her Honour is delighted to be an Ambassador for in motion.  She heartily endorses the in motion goal of seeing Saskatchewan become one of the most physically active provinces in Canada by 2010.
 
Ashley Boha
Ashley Boha is an 19-year-old University of Regina student who understands the value of a being in motion. In grade nine she suffered a severe asthma attack riding her bike to school. The incident made her realize she needed to get in shape and lose weight.

She began following the Canada Food Guide to Healthy Eating and exercising regularly. She attained her ideal weight and now enjoys balancing her student life with physical activity. “University is very busy, especially if you work. You have to be able to understand your schedule and incorporate exercise into your day,” she says.

The first year of university can be difficult to manage, she says, with diet and schedule changes. But being in motion helps her to balance her life.
Boha says her schedule isn’t conducive to organized activities. Instead, she walks to and from school, no matter what the weather is like. Walking gives her a minimum of an hour and a half of daily activity. She also takes a few minutes before bed to do sit ups - something she says everyone can squeeze in at the end of the night.
“You have to get motivated to fit it into your schedule,” she says. “You have to want it. All exercise is, is motivation.”

  Carol Gay Bell
As a multi-faceted performer and business leader, Carol Gay Bell knows the importance of incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Bell founded SASKATCHEWAN EXPRESS 27 years ago and continues to serve as the organization’s artistic director and general manager.

Throughout her career so far, she has performed as an actress, singer, dancer and musician. She says being in the performing arts taught her how to exercise regularly – regardless of whether she was on stage or not.
“I think it’s probably one of the most freeing, wonderful ways to get involved,” she says. Bell says you don’t need to take a structured dance class to be in motion, all you need is your own living room. She lives by the old adage, “dance like no one is watching.”She says that regardless of age, it’s important to keep using your muscles. A good way to incorporate more exercise into your day is to walk down the hall or up the stairs to communicate with co-workers, instead of emailing or phoning them.

She and her husband also like to get their cardio in at the mall. She walks from store-to-store shopping, while he walks around outside the stores.
“Walk your worries away,” she says. “Being in motion is so important emotionally and intellectually. Your mind needs stimulation.”

Colette Bourgonje
Colette Bourgonje is one of Canada’s top wheelchair athletes. She is veteran of three Summer and four Winter Paralympic Games and won the country’s first medal at the 1998 Games in Nagano. She has won numerous awards at the International Paralympic Committee World Athletics Championships and the Summer Paralympic Games.

"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."

She says she became an in motion ambassador because physical activity must become more important in everyday society. With remote control televisions, computers, cars, fast food and other conveniences, people are becoming more sedentary. Children appear to be especially vulnerable to gaining weight, so the in motion initiative is extremely important.

"The ways that I incorporate physical activity into my life are by biking, cross country skiing, teaching, coaching, lifting weights at the YWCA, and lots of walks with my dog Brisco."

Mo Bundon
Mo Bundon and his family live an active lifestyle. As a master rower, he has competed at the 1998 World Master Games, 2001 World Master Rowing Championships and 2002 Canadian Master Championships. He 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 everyday in the workplace. People who are active feel stronger, and better able to cope with the never-ending challenges at work."

He adds that in motion can be the counterforce to increased health costs. He encourages children to become focused on an active lifestyle so they can be healthier and happier.

"One of the best ways for me to incorporate physical activity in my day is to schedule it. I give the same priority to a fitness activity that I give to a business meeting."

Ingrid Currie
"I try to make physical activity part of my lifestyle," says Ingrid Currie. When the Regina resident gets up in the morning, she’s already planning how she is going to be active, whether it’s riding her bike, walking to her destination or even taking the stairs instead of the escalator.

Ingrid’s interest in physical activity stems back to her youth when she played high school basketball. In 1979, she and her husband Rob, decided to try rowing and in 2001, she was named Sask Sport Inc.’s Master Athlete of the Year for her successes in that sport.

"I always tell my kids to be the best you can be and that includes being active," she says. "With involvement in sports, you will create wonderful memories as you get older."

One of the ways that she keeps focused on physical activity is by sharing a community of friends who are also interested in being active. Her family also shares activities together, so not only are they staying healthy, they are also sharing great experiences.

Rob Currie
For the last 35 years Rob Currie has been an active participant in sports and other physical activities. He has been involved in sport and recreational programs at the community, national and international level and was named Sask Sport Inc. Master Athlete of the Year in 1992.

"I’ve made it a lifestyle choice," says the principal of Sacred Heart School in Regina. "On a daily basis, I will exercise for my physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual well-being."

As an educator, he knows the importance of physical activity and the benefits it provides to young people so he tries to be a role model for his kids and students. He stresses the importance of physical activity so they can develop healthy minds and healthy bodies.

Currie says that in motion is an important initiative because it is fundamental to enhancing your life. He encourages Saskatchewan residents to find friends and family who are willing to become physically active and join them for fun experiences.

Dan Farthing
As a former receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and now the owner of a physical fitness training centre, Dan Farthing understands the importance of being in motion. "It’s a huge part of my day," he says. "It was when I was a professional athlete and now when I help other people reach their physical goals."

Farthing says that physical activities are needed as part of a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. It is important to find activities that you enjoy all year-round so they become a fun experience and not a chore.

"Physical activities are a fantastic way to make new friends and have fun," he says, adding that he ensures all of his family are involved in some form of activities. Whether it’s hiking, biking or any number of activities, the Farthings tend to be in motion.

Mayor Pat Fiacco

Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco maintains an active lifestyle and encourages others to become physically 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 for our province," said Mayor Fiacco. "Most people today live busy, active lives. To keep up with the pace, we must take care of ourselves, eat right and stay fit. It sounds simple but it’s the best way to stay healthy and happy, and function at an optimum level."

He adds that he is very careful to watch what he eats and maintains a regular exercise routine, combining cardiovascular training and weight training. He fits physical activity into his schedule whenever he can.

"Sometimes that’s early in the morning. Other times, it’s at the end of the day. But it’s always there. Because I am a former athlete, staying fit is an integral part of my personal conditioning. It’s what I need to work my best and live my best," said Mayor Fiacco.

Louise Humbert
As an associate professor in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Louise Humbert focuses on physical activity with a special emphasis on children and youth. So she was a natural choice to assist with the formation of in motion in Saskatoon and is now pleased to take her commitment to the next level as the chair of the School-Based Initiatives for the provincial in motion program.

"In motion is extremely important because research shows the negative aspects of physical inactivity such as Type II diabetes and obesity. These illnesses used to show up in older adults and now they are showing up in children," says Dr. Humbert.

She adds that the medical profession has acknowledged the important role that physical activity can play in the healthcare industry. Although 30 minutes of activity five days a week is extremely important for optimal benefit, Dr. Humbert says that those who are just starting to change their lifestyles should set realistic goals for themselves and slowly increase their amount of activity.

She keeps active as a runner and ensures that she is active with her two children. Once you become active, you’ll feel better and want to do it more often.

"We need to take care of ourselves," she says. "We need to schedule physical activity into our lives. We need to make an appointment to be physically active and we’ll receive the benefits."

Dr. James Irvine
After working for several years in northern Saskatchewan, Dr. James Irvine has noticed an increasing trend in the number of preventable diseases. "There has been an increase in diabetes and heart disease and these issues are directly related to physical activity and eating habits. That’s why in motion is such an important initiative as it gets key stakeholders together to develop solution," he says.

Due to the increase in preventable diseases, Dr. Irvine says community organizations are taking a more active role in getting people to become more physically active. In motion is coming along at the right time to help focus these organizations in the same direction.

"There is a major benefit to a small amount of physical activity," he says. "It doesn’t take much to become physically active. You can take small steps in the beginning by just going for a walk, and then you can become more active."

Dr. Irvine also takes his own medicine. He participates in an annual triathlon and last year took part in a Saskatchewan eco-challenge featuring hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, running and other events. He is also a judo club coach and ensures that he sets physical activity goals to keep himself active.

Dr. Marlys Misfeldt
With a black belt in karate and an interest in indoor soccer and other physical activities, Dr. Marlys Misfeldt strives to ensure that she lives an active lifestyle. As a medical doctor and past president of the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan, Marlys also promotes the benefits of physical activity to other 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."

She recommends that people should start with small steps like parking farther away, taking the stairs and even walking your dog more often. "You have learn to set realistic goals if you want to succeed."

Dr. Mike Nicholls
"Many people have a misconception that physical activity is something that you do in your leisure time. I don’t know of many people who have a lot of leisure time. Activity is often the first thing people give up when they are busy. But do you consider brushing your teeth or taking a shower in the morning ‘leisure activities’? They are part of our routine and that is the way we should treat physical activities."

That’s the advice of Dr. Mike Nicholls, a family physician who specializes in student health and sport medicine. And it is advice that he follows himself - he’s a runner, participates in mountain bike races and eco-challenges, white water canoes, plays hockey, snowboards and does weight training.

Mike became involved in physical activities at a young age and quickly realized its benefits. With concern increasing about the rising level of obesity and lack of exercise especially in children, Mike says in motion is an important initiative to reverse the trend.

"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. In motion can help accomplish that."

Monica Goulet
As Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Coordinator for the City of Saskatoon, Monica Goulet has found many ways to include physical activity in her daily life.

Instead of parking at City Hall, Goulet parks a block away and walks to her office. Rather than taking the elevator, she walks the stairs to her third floor office. Since Goulet makes numerous visits to other people’s homes for meetings, this simple exercise is done many times in a day. Goulet 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 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 Goulet.

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 start to feel happier," she says. "You look and feel younger!"