100 Faces of Recreation

Celebrate Recreation with us

I first participated in a fitness class at the Thornhill Recreation Centre back in the spring of 1989. Here I am 23 years later as a Recreation Specialist/Fitness Instructor, and I still love it.

I am in the unique position of supervising a team of Fitness Leaders, as well as being a part of the Thornhill Recreation Centre team that teaches fitness to our patrons.

As a supervisor, I have witnessed many undertake the process of becoming a fitness instructor. Most of our current instructors started out as participants in Calgary Recreation facility programs. Attaining certification is a task that requires a lot of perseverance and enthusiasm. I am very proud of our instructors, and I have seen firsthand the dedication and passion that they share. Hours of preparation go into leading a class, and the instructors love knowing that the participants in their classes enjoy healthier bodies, calmer minds, and have fun to boot! Without a doubt, I believe that Calgary Recreation is home to some of the best instructors in our city.

As an instructor myself, I do believe I have been able to make a difference in the health of others, but, more than that, I am humbled by the warmth and dedication that is given back to me. There are a handful of current Thornhill patrons who have been working out at Thornhill for as long as I have been teaching. What an accomplishment! On the other end, I have watched many a new participants come into the fitness studio looking unsure and ready to bolt. As the energy of the room increases, I love watching that trepidation become determination. It's been a gift to be a part of this transformation for so many people. I hope to be able to continue sharing my passion for fitness for many more years.

Karen K.
Recreation Specialist
Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre
The City of Calgary

When I was young I very much enjoyed physical activities. That all changed in 1988 when I became an above knee amputee. I spent following years living a more sedentary life style. In about 2007 I started doing an Aquajog class at Killarney Pool. The instructors I have had, Lisa, Brenda and others have been inspirational.

Then I joined the Alberta Amputee Sports and Recreation Association and participated in the following: golf, waterskiing, rowing, cross-country sit skiing and cycling. Through the ParaSport Festival in February 2012 hosted by the Canadian Paralympic Committee I tried: sledge hockey, downhill sit-skiing, 3-track skiing, wheelchair curling (with a 2010 Paralympic gold medalist), and signed up to receive information on a para-bobsleigh program. Shaw TV filmed and interviewed me for the downhill sit-skiing.

Through becoming aware, I am learning that there is so much I can do and so many adaptive sports that open doors for people with physical challenges. Next on my list is sitting volleyball and disabled sailing. In a nutshell with being active, I have lost 35 lbs, almost at goal, healthy and happy! Focus on what you can do!

Wendy F.

Three years after my journey with Breast cancer, I found myself out of shape and suffering with joint and body aches. I had tried a few other workout regimes which always ended in more joint aches. A girlfriend introduced me to Deep Water Workouts. I love it and really enjoy my instructor Marsha at Thornhill pool.

Marsha has given me tons of encouragement and while I still struggle with the added weight, I am definitely loosing inches! I feel better physically and mentally from doing these workouts and intend to continue. Thanks to all of the staff at Thornhill and big thanks to Marsha!

Penny K.

Recreation is a pretty important part of my life. As a kid, I participated in swimming lessons and various other activities through Recreation. These days, I work as a lifeguard/swim instructor with The City.

Not only is Recreation part of my active lifestyle, it also supports me while I pursue a future in business. Calgary Recreation is a great option for the even greater citizens it caters to, and I'm proud to be a part of it.

Charlotte C.

Recreation has been a huge part of my past, present and hopefully future. It has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, team member and work in a fun team oriented environment.

Not only has it opened doors professionally, but it also helped me achieve a certificate as an EMT gaining lifelong skills I can apply to my job in Recreation. Working in Recreation is a job I can look forward to everyday.

Jenna K.

100 years ago the department of Recreation was conceived when The City realized the importance of playgrounds for children’s health and physical development.

On February 16, 1912 the Mayor and City Commissioners of Calgary received a letter from The Calgary Children’s Aid Society that indicated the need for dedicated recreation facilities. The letter stated that “all children need to play” and that “play is at present almost the only method of physical development for city children. It follows, therefore, that we must provide facilities for it.”  It was requested that the City form a committee charged with providing supervised playgrounds so youth had opportunities for healthful recreation.

It was from here that the Recreation department was developed. The Open Spaces and Playground Committee was created and since then we have grown to be the largest and most dependable provider of affordable and quality recreation programs and services in Calgary.

A year-and-a-half ago my son Devin could not skate well and was hesitant to play hockey. His hockey team named him "old man" because he shuffled across the ice rather than skated. Just as he was beginning to learn to skate, Devin and four other team members had their names drawn to participate in a very special team relay: a skating obstacle course during the period break at a Calgary Flames game.

Devin was nervous about skating in front of a huge crowd at the Saddledome. Through teamwork and the camaraderie of his friends he was able to gain confidence and skills in his skating. Being on the Flames ice was a proud and exciting moment for him, and as the audience cheered him on he skated under and over obstacles and weaved around cones with no mistakes!

Since that relay, Devin has started watching, reading and talking about hockey with great interest. He now watches NHL games regularly and aspires to be a great hockey player. It’s amazing how support from team mates and a bit of practice can help kids improve skills, gain confidence and become even more interested in sport.

What could be a better form of recreation than joining hundreds of complete strangers for a delectable pancake breakfast?

There is no city better than Calgary at bringing people together. I attended the First Flip Breakfast this morning for fantastic food, musical entertainment and good old Calgary hospitality. I witnessed several people from out of town being “white hated” while reciting the pledge. There was dancing in the streets and children and adults alike having a fantastic time. Whether it be a downtown street or a city park, Calgary is the best place in the world to live. I have lived here my entire life and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Way to go Calgary!

Submitted by: Jeannette W.

Recreation is integral to my life in Calgary.

Recreation continues to provide the platform that my family and I need to integrate into the Calgary culture by providing opportunities to not only learn new skills but also to socialize and network with fellow Calgarians.

As immigrants to Canada, these opportunities proved invaluable to my family’s adaptation, as we’ve established friendships and learnt more about the Calgarian way of life, whilst recreating at the leisure centres and learnt new skills through the excellent skating, swimming , dancing and summer day camp programs that Recreation offers.

My colleagues at recreation have also lent their expertise, support and guidance to my personal running training program resulting in my successfully completing both my first 15 k race and my first half-marathon earlier this year!

Recreation continues to play such a pivotal part in our lives, that I was inspired to not only share my recreation story with my friends and family on my recent vacation to South Africa, but to also continue with my training regimen whilst there!!

Submitted by: Zuraida D.

Our family rafting in the Adams River.

The City of Calgary pools have been integral in our family's water sports fun and education. Through the swim programs and open swim times our kids have learned water safety and how to swim. Both the Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres have been the site of several birthday parties. The kids have a fantastic time and we do too! I recall one of my daughter's birthdays at Village Square. During our swim the song YMCA came on and the lifeguards began doing the dance. The kids never missed a beat; they all followed along.

My son has had parties at Southland Leisure Center and the boys just seem to go non-stop. They love it.

There are many great memories and still lots of fun for us all.  

Submitted by: John H.

For the past 10 years, Troy Dashkewytch and a small group of dedicated people have helped drive the Kids on Course Golf Classic to new heights.

In doing so, they’ve helped thousands of economically disadvantaged youth (ages six to 17) and their families learn about – and enjoy – the game of golf.

“The biggest thing, the biggest progression for me is that we used to put 40 kids through the (golf) program,” Dashkewytch says. “Now it’s 350 to 400 kids a year depending on how much money we raise in the tournament.”

The Calgary Booster Club started the tournament 12 years ago and two years later Dashkewytch became involved when the company he worked for, the Cadastral Group, took over the event. 

In the past 10 years, the funds raised at the tournament have reached nearly $300,000. The net result? Nearly 4,000 boys and girls and family members have received access to City of Calgary lessons and outings through its golf subsidy program. 

Through approved fee assistance, boys and girls have free opportunities to learn and play golf in specially designed junior golf programs. Participants include students from 10 local junior high schools and from four local service club groups – organizations like Big Brothers and Sisters and the Boys and Girls clubs.

“I’ve met some of these kids at program events and they are very respectful, fun and full of life,” Dashkewytch says.

April Tanner, Golf Course Operations marketing advisor, marvels at what Dashkewytch and his group are doing for the community, “This annual tournament is our sole funding source and without it, the Kids on Course Subsidy Golf program would cease to exist,” Tanner explains. “Troy and his group’s efforts, commitment and dedication are amazing, appreciated and truly invaluable.”

Dashkewytch works in the oil and gas industry as a business development professional for Pioneer Professional Services Group. Before joining Pioneer, he worked for Focus Corporation which had bought out Cadastral Group.

Dashkewytch, Ben Hebert and Mike Ward were the main organizers of this year’s August 23 event, played at Lakeside Greens in Chestermere. Hebert, who was the lead for Kevin Martin’s 2010 Olympic gold medal curling team, has also been key in bringing celebrities to raise the tournament’s profile, including Olympians John Morris and Jesse Lumsden and NHL players Mike Greene and Jordan Eberle.

Dashkewytch has two children of his own and says the reason he remains involved in the tournament is because The City golf programs are important. Besides learning to golf, the game provides youth with a positive environment that promotes creativity, courtesy, discipline, honour and fun.

“I know that all the funding for the Kids on Course programs comes from the golf tournament,” he says. “So I look at is as I’d be doing a major disservice to the program (if he left) ...I want to make sure it continues and doesn’t falter.”

(If you would like to become involved in next year’s tournament, as a player or sponsor, please contact Troy Dashkewytch at 403-862-6771 or TDashkewytch@pioneer-group.ca.)

Some struggle to walk. Others swing with one arm. A spouse comes along to select the right clubs for her husband. And one of the newest players is just back on his feet after losing more than 100 pounds in a fight against cancer.

No matter, says this group of determined Monday morning golfers at the McCall Lake par 3 course. Whatever the “handicap,” they’re grateful to play the game, and yes, feel lucky to be alive.

“There is real camaraderie out there,” says Nick Baiton. “Everyone enjoys it, especially when the weather is good.”

Baiton, a cheerful 77-year-old, has helped organize golf outings the past couple of years after suffering a stroke in 2008. “I still walk well and speak well,” he says. “It’s just kind of nice getting out.”

Most of the golfers are stroke victims, 50 years of age and older. They tee off in two groups at 10 a.m. and 10:08 a.m and are part of a broader citywide stroke recovery group. Baiton guesses there are about 200 victims in Calgary who gather at larger, organized stroke recovery events during the year.

They are all part of a larger community across the country where more than 50,000 strokes occur annually, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Sadly, it says, one in three deaths in Canada are due to heart disease or stroke.

At McCall Lake, players golf nine holes on the par 3. Some walk. Others can’t. Occasionally, there’s a surprise – like when Keith Stephens, who swings with his right arm, celebrated a hole in one this summer on the No. 3 hole.

Aces are exciting and rare. Stevens only knows of one other hole in one during the 15 years since he joined the group after being hospitalized with a stroke.

“I’m doing really good now,” he says. “My left arm doesn’t work and I’ve got a helluva limp in my left leg. So when I golf, like some of the others, I only use one arm.”

Stephens, who was recently nominated by CTV for Athlete of the Week, recalls that the group originally was for stroke victims, but it has broadened its base to include heart attack victims, seniors and in one case, this summer, a former Calgary Stampeder football player who is recovering from a painful bout with throat cancer. In addition, another member of this golfing group, Dawn Boucher and her story of hope and recovery, was recently highlighted by Global TV.

Stephens and Baiton say the outings run smoothly thanks to the help it receives from The City and staff at McCall Lake. The City renews the tee time bookings each year and allows players to take carts up on to tee boxes and to the edge of greens, minimizing the amount of walking some players have to do.

“They are very accommodating,” Baiton says. “If we have an extra player, they’ll let us have a fivesome.” And sometimes they’ll arrange for an extra tee time if we end up with 11 or 12 players.”

Since joining the group, Baiton says he enjoys the socializing as much as the exercise. Nearly all the golfers go for coffee after their Monday game to “chew the fat,” he says, and in winter they continue on by playing at an indoor facility.

“These outings are such a good thing,” he explains. “It keeps these people young.”

When speaking to Kevin Leitch, there’s a strongly contagious (almost ominous) feeling that if you try it - you’ll never want to stop. As Head Sailing Instructor at the Glenmore Sailing School, Kevin recalls that he was just six years old the first time he hit the water, and with that first taste, he became a lifelong addict of the sport. As if his own passion wasn’t enough, Kevin has also hooked his brothers and father, and has turned many sailing dabblers into raving enthusiasts.

Kevin’s need to quench his sailing passion drew him year after year back to sailing camp. He followed this by volunteering at the school for two summers and then finally became a sailing instructor... a position he held for six years before being promoted to Head Sailing Instructor last summer.

Despite Kevin’s unbridled, free-spirited coolness, he assures us that safety is a priority and starts the minute you step on the dock. As one of the biggest sailing schools in Canada, Glenmore Reservoir enforces strict safety rules, has a boat patrol with two City lifeguards, and extensive training and certification requirements for instructors.

“In Canada, the law is you have to have a life jacket with you on a boat. In Calgary however, the bylaw states you must wear a life jacket while in a boat. At Glenmore, we joke that the rule is you have to wear a life jacket if you’re even thinking about water,” says Leitch.

In the off season, Kevin stays busy studying Business and Sociology at the University of Calgary. His contagious ambition extends beyond the water, as he’s also involved with the University Choir, musical productions and started a club this year called Global Brigades Calgary which sent students to Panama to do voluntary business consulting.

Kevin credits his ability to lead such a big endeavour to his employment at the Reservoir, where emphasis is placed on people skills, customer service and public speaking. His educational pursuits have also been able to cross over to projects at the sailing school. This summer he worked with Recreation’s Capital & Asset Management division to create a sustainable business plan to replace their sailing fleet, which includes a long term purchasing and maintenance plan. Kevin is also proud to have contributed to a challenges and rewards program at the school.

My son Nathan has been involved with Special Olympics for 5 or 6 years. Before we found Special Olympics, Nathan was in regular swimming lessons but it wasn’t working for him. So I called Special Olympics to see what was available in Calgary and I was really surprised by the extent of options. I didn’t realize how big it was. Nathan started out with swimming, and now he’s also doing track and field.

Being involved in recreational opportunities through Special Olympics has made a huge difference for Nathan. As a family we participate in triathlons each summer and now with Nathan’s swimming and track experience it’s much easier for him to participate with us.

Submitted by Pattie.

I participate in Special Olympics in track and snowshoeing. I’ve been involved for over 5 years. I have competed in provincial and regional competitions. My goal is to win a medal in track! Being involved with Special Olympics has helped me learn to make more friends and I have become more outgoing.

I have been involved with Special Olympics in baseball, curling, and downhill skiing for 6 or 7 years. My favourite sport is baseball and I’m on the Special Olympics baseball team.

Special Olympics is a big part of my life. I have met lots of friends through it. My advice for people with Down syndrome is to get involved in sports. It’s easy and fun. My favourite part about sports is having fun with my family and friends and being more active.

You can read more about me and my work as an Awareness Leader for the Canadian Down Syndrome Society on my blog: http://cdss.ca/network/Paul/

I’m a recreation therapist, which means I help people enhance their quality of life through recreation and leisure. I work with people with physical disabilities or mental illness. Currently I’m working in mental health, so I help connect people to libraries so they can get access to free programs, help them apply for Fee Assistance for Recreation, and I support people in going to activities/sports if they are anxious.

I have witness recreation and leisure activities greatly improve people’s lives and provide them with some structure. It can really lift your spirits to be part of a team, get out of the home, participate in something new and built new social connections.

I have participated in Special Olympics for 7 years. The sports I do are track and field, skiing, swimming and soccer. My favourite sport is skiing because I see all my friends there, and I like going fast!

Special Olympics has made me stronger and helped me to prevent falls. I love Special Olympics!

I just started skating with Special Olympics. I like skating because it’s fun and I have lots of friends there. It makes me stronger and faster!

I also like to go skiing in the mountains with my family.

We met though one of The City’s recreation programs – Ballet for Big Feet at Wildflower Arts Centre – and have been friends ever since! After the initial program we took more classes together and have just maintained our friendship from there.

Karen: Physical activity is connected to everything in life. Ballet class improved my physical fitness and gave me skills that I can apply to other areas of my life.

Amber: Recreation has given me new friendships and improved my social life. I find that now with kids of my own I’m always looking for programs for them so they can make new friends. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to be active!

I have been bowling with the Special Olympics for 8 years, and I’ve won many medals and trophies! The highest score I got in bowling was 225. I love bowling because I have met so many friends there.

My favourite recreational activity is skateboarding. I started in 1986 and haven’t looked back since. Back then it wasn’t the popular pastime that it is these days.

Skateboarding has provided me with a healthy pastime, something to focus on, inner competition with myself, a good sense of balance and the feeling of belonging to a community. I have met most of my friends through skateboarding and 90% of them still skate to this day.

I’ve always been artistic, but it wasn’t until I took an art class at North Mount Pleasant Art Centre that I got serious about painting. Taking a class gave me the structure I needed to paint; by setting aside time for painting it forced me to show up and get into a rhythm.

The instructors I had were wonderful and encouraged students to explore their own interests. I particularly enjoy the camaraderie of being in a class and engaging with others who enjoy the same activity.

Now I try to paint every day. It doesn’t always happen, but I do paint at least three times a week. I find it relaxing. I love bright colours and it’s fun and spontaneous to work with acrylics.

Aside from painting I enjoy hiking in the mountains. We are fortunate to be so close to such natural beauty. I also enjoy sewing; every year I make Christmas stockings for the charity Ujamma Grandmas, which raises funds for African grandmothers raising their orphaned grandchildren.

Georgie

I think creativity is important as you use it for everything in life from cooking to art. Creating art gives you freedom of expression. Before this class I did not have any experience with acrylic painting. I hope to continue on with some form of abstract art. This is only a beginning. I would like to explore different methods of drawing and painting trees.

-Barbara

Barbara participated in the Calgary 2012 Artist in Residence program this fall. Participants celebrated Recreation’s 100th Anniversary by exploring their childhood memories of recreation and expressing them through painting.

I see the beauty of nature in everything around me. I hope my paintings show that life is rewarding – we just need to slow down and take the time to look. The world is such a beautiful place.

In this class I discovered how to take my time and be happy with my art work. I think that creativity is important. Like the meals that you eat daily, you need to express yourself every day as well.

- Huguette

Huguette participated in the Calgary 2012 Artist in Residence program this fall. Participants celebrated Recreation’s 100th Anniversary by exploring their childhood memories of recreation and expressing them through painting.

As a young girl I dearly enjoyed spending time outdoors. I enjoyed the freedom it gave me. In that time one could create games and fun, this was both on land and in water. When I chose the subjects for my paintings this idea was foremost in my mind. I’ve seen the importance of play and fun. This has helped me throughout my life.

I have had very little experience with painting. I’ve taken a few art classes through the Wildflower Art Centre, and now I’m in this Seniors Art Class. No matter what age you are, you have the freedom to express yourself and think in a creative way.

-Kathleen

Kathleen participated in the Calgary 2012 Artist in Residence program this fall. Participants celebrated Recreation’s 100th Anniversary by exploring their childhood memories of recreation and expressing them through painting.

In grade school my art experience was a negative one, which convinced me that I had no talent. Taking this Seniors Art Class was a good challenge and opened a door for me. I’ve learned so much and had such a good time; I want to paint and study more! I have gained confidence that I can learn to paint. One thing that surprises me is that the process of painting gives so much satisfaction, even to a beginner like me.

Creativity is important because the more it is used the greater it becomes. Artistic creativity, which involves both emotions and the mind, provides an exercise in identifying emotion and communicating that emotion to others.

- Susan

Susan participated in the Calgary 2012 Artist in Residence program this fall. Participants celebrated Recreation’s 100th Anniversary by exploring their childhood memories of recreation and expressing them through painting.

My painting Butterflies are Free grew out of an exercise we did in class. We were to consider what recreational activities we did as children. As a child I spent many hours in a small forest close to my home where I observed birds, small animals and butterflies. Returning to that childhood memory helped me realize where my overactive imagination began!

I am a mostly self-taught artist who has been painting for nearly sixty years. In the past few years I have taken painting courses through The City of Calgary, where I met our instructor Alice Helwig. She encouraged me to step out of my usual painting and try something new. In this course I’ve learnt so much that now I want to paint every day! In fact, I’ve cleared a space for me to do just that in my own apartment.

- Carole

Carole participated in the Calgary 2012 Artist in Residence program this fall. Participants celebrated Recreation’s 100th Anniversary by exploring their childhood memories of recreation and expressing them through painting.

When I was young I belonged to an all-girl riding club. We were taught to perform the Musical Ride by an off-duty RCMP officer. We got a kick out of riding as fast as the policeman did on their horses. My painting, Flying Joe, was inspired by a time-worn, tattered photo of the horse I rode. The exhilaration I felt as a young girl flying on my horse is akin to the exhilaration I now feel for painting at 70 years of age.

My philosophy in life is to be a life-long learner. With a life no longer dominated by family and work, I am free to explore my creative side. The senior’s art program I took reaped a wonderful side benefit in my struggle with multiple sclerosis; I found that while engaged in learning and painting at this level I experienced less pain and needed less medication.

- Patricia

Patricia participated in the Calgary 2012 Artist in Residence program this fall. Participants celebrated Recreation’s 100th Anniversary by exploring their childhood memories of recreation and expressing them through painting.

My dogs help me keep an active, healthy lifestyle, and not just because I take them out for walks. I train my dogs to compete in Flyball and Freestyle Disc, and we also have fun with agility, herding and earthdog trials. It’s all about promoting responsible dog ownership and sharing with others the fun activities you can do with your dog. I like inspiring other dog owners to get off the couch and into the wonderful world of dog sports!

Aside from participating in dog sports, I attend fitness classes twice a week at Southland Leisure Centre to help me rebuild and maintain my fitness.

If you are interested in dog sports, check out some of my YouTube videos on Freestyle Disc or Flyball!

- Nancy

About 14 years ago I had a minor injury at work. At the moment it didn’t seem like anything more than a pulled muscle, but I was wrong. I needed several years of medical help for it. I tried everything; orthotics, physiotherapy, chiropractors and pain medication. All of them worked to a certain point but never fixed the problem. There were times the pain was so excruciating that I could not walk. A frozen bag of peas became my best friend. I had no choice but to change jobs, twice, because I could no longer have a standing job. I had to take a desk job in the end. I gained over 25 pounds just by not being physically active.

Being in almost constant pain took a toll on my physical and mental health. The desk job added more unwanted weight. I was frustrated, in pain and depressed - sometimes all at the same time. One day my doctor suggested I try a deep water fitness class (which was relatively new at the time). I don’t know what was more terrifying; the thought of putting on a swim suit at 40 pounds overweight, or the fact that I was afraid of water and couldn’t swim.

After crying at work one day because I was in so much pain I decided I had to try the water. I was afraid of swimming because I nearly drowned in the dive tank in high school. And here I was facing it again. I had no idea what to expect so I put on the floatation belt and climbed in to the deep end of the pool at Village Square Leisure Center. For the first six weeks I was so scared that I never let go of the wall! At first I felt uncomfortable because there was a good 30 year age difference between me and the other participants. But we were all there for the same reason so it didn’t matter.

The instructor was a ray of sunshine that made me smile and laugh every time I went. I admired her and how comfortable she was in front of the group. Her classes were always full and many of the participants had been going for years just because of her. I became one of her regulars.

I was amazed at how quickly I noticed a change in my pain level. The cold water, movement and weightlessness washed away the pain. If I missed a class, I was in pain the next day. I went 2-4 times a week to the drop-in classes. When I was in the water and not in pain I was able to do cardio and get my heart rate up. I was finally able to start losing weight! It took almost two years, but I lost 20 pounds.

After a couple more years I got down to a weight I was comfortable with, and then my husband and I were expecting our first baby! I continued to go to the deep water workouts regularly because it helped with swelling, back pain and muscle pain. I continued to go to the pool until I was 8 days past my due date - not because I was trying to be a hero, but because at this point the deep water was the only place I was comfortable.

Through deep-water workouts and watching what I ate, I was able to lose most of the weight from having my first child before my second child was born 22 months later. I was in the water again at 8 days overdue. With both pregnancies I continued in my regular drop-in classes.

Now my life had changed and I was a full time stay-at-home Mom. Finding time for me was difficult and I was getting less activity again. My husband was wonderful and tried very hard to get home early on “pool nights” so I could go for an hour. This worked well for a while. Then there were times I would race over to the pool only to find that the class had been cancelled because there was no instructor. It started to become very frustrating.

One evening I had an instructor who said that if anyone was interested in being an instructor we should come see her. This got me thinking. After another cancelled class I stormed out of the Leisure Center one night and sarcastically remarked to the staff that maybe I should become an instructor. As I walked to the parking lot I thought, Yes, I could do that! How hard could it be? I disliked gym class in high school so this was going to be a huge life change. As a shy person, the hardest part for me would be to stand in front of a group of people. I was even more afraid because I didn’t physically look like a fitness instructor in my mind. I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously because I was neither thin nor muscular then.

It took a lot of nerve for me to approach the instructor after class and get the information I needed to start my fitness career. Ten months after I took all the courses, tests and work experience I taught my first class for The City of Calgary. It was a unique feeling being up on the deck teaching and looking down on the spot that I clung to so many years ago. The best part was that I was going to get paid to exercise! That was the motivation that I needed to stay fit. I’ve lost 60 pounds (40 of them I lost twice) and it has not been quick (it’s taken 10+ years). I put the weight on half as fast as I worked it off.

The most important thing that I have learned is that exercise can be fun. I set a goal for myself as an aquatic instructor that I would teach a prenatal aquatic class, because at the time there were no classes specifically for pregnant women. A year later I did it! It was very rewarding to be with other Moms and not only share my knowledge and experiences, but to give them the opportunity to share their stories and connect with each other.

When my daughter was four someone asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She said, “A fitness teacher like my Mom.” Suddenly I realized the important role parents play in whether their child becomes happily active or not. With the help and support of my supervisors we started parent/child activity classes for those under 2.

This year marks my 5 year anniversary as an aquatic instructor for The City of Calgary. I love my job and I love the people I meet doing it. I’ve told my story 100 times and I’ll happily tell it 100 more if I can inspire just one person to lead a more active life.

When I ran my first Calgary Marathon in 1999, my husband proposed to me at the finish line. Ever since then the Calgary Marathon has been special for me and my family. Even when I was pregnant and couldn’t run the marathon, I volunteered as a course marshal or handed out water.

When the Timbits Marathon was introduced as a way to get kids involved, my children Mckenzie and Dillon (who were 5 and 3 at the time) participated for the first time. The kids walk or run 1 KM at a time, ensuring they complete 41 KM before race day. On race day they finish the last 1.2 KM of their marathon along with elite and citizen runners. My children participated in this for five years, and then I had an idea: Perhaps other kids at Mckenzie and Dillon’s school would like to get involved?

I approached the principal and asked if I could introduce the Timbits Marathon and the school agreed. I measured the school yard and found that 3.5 laps of the yard was 1 KM. I expected about 15 kids to sign up but I was completely shocked when over 90% of the students registered – a total of 137 kids!

I went to the school every day and set up cones with the help of a grade 6 student. I stood at the start/finish line with my pom-poms and cheered on the kids as they ran or walked their laps. Each student kept a kilometer tracking sheet and every day the kilometers were added to the master tally on the wall of the school gymnasium. By the time we were finished, the students were amazed to learn that if we added up all the kilometers they collectively ran, it would be enough to get from Calgary to Quebec City!

The reason I did this is because I wanted to share our healthy family routine to encourage and remind all of us that positive physical activity is not only for the sake of being naturally fit, it’s just plain fun! It’s not about body image or running marathons. The simple things like taking the dog for a walk or going on a bike ride help to keep you fit. You don’t have to train like a pro, you just have to get out there and have fun!

My daughter Mckenzie has noticed the benefits of being part of an active family. When I asked her how recreation improves her life, she thoughtfully replied, “As a family we’re really active. We take our dog for walks and ride our bikes while Mom runs. It helps because when we go tobogganing I notice that we don’t get tired as quickly as the other families do!”

-Lisa, Mckenzie and Dillon

Almost every weekday you will find a determined lady at Village Square Leisure Centre who always works to her maximum effort in the pool. Willy inspires many people around her including her instructors. She usually stays longer than the planned workouts to do (as she says) her “extra curricular stuff.”

Willy has been coming to the pool for 13 years now. She started with the Aquacize classes, then 5 years ago she switched to the Deep Water Workouts and has been doing them ever since. In 2008, she weighed 252 lbs and had health problems. She went on a weight loss program and lost 80 lbs. Her deep water workouts have played a big part in keeping the weight off along with eating sensibly.

-Submitted by Cheryl, Fitness Instructor at Village Square

This is my mother, Rosa, and she is 86 years old. She walks to church every single day, volunteers at the church, cleans, sets up and then walks back to her home just over a mile away. Recently she broke her ribs from a fall but she still keeps going – nothing can keep her down! She can actually outrun me any day! The spunk and energy she has is beyond anything you can imagine.

She immigrated to Canada from Italy in 1955, raised 5 children, always keeps a spotless house and now has 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. This is a photo of her with one of her great-grandsons.

-Submitted by Maria

Riyaz has a history of Cerebral Palsy on the left side of his body. In the spring of 2010 Riyaz developed weakness on the right side of his body and was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, which caused him to have no strength in his legs and body.

Riyaz joined the Disability Fitness Program at Village Square Leisure Centre in the fall of 2010, and with the great help of staff and volunteers he quickly re-developed his strength and went from using a walker to a cane. He was then able to work out on his own. Riyaz now has a yearly pass and attends Village Square regularly. He recently placed second in the 6 Week Fitness Challenge at Village Square! Congratulations Riyaz - continue the great work!

-Submitted by Gennie, Recreation Program Specialist at Village Square

Betsie is one of our most popular weight room patrons since 2001. She is passionate about health, exercise and staying physically active. Betsie has been a dedicated volunteer in the Disability Fitness Program since 2008. “I absolutely love working with the people in the program” she says. As one participant ads, “She is always smiling so it makes us so happy!”

-Submitted by Gennie, Recreation Program Specialist at Village Square

Kris is a very committed and diverse athlete. He has been strongly focused on strength training for the past year. You’ll find him in the weight room six days a week as well as swimming and playing shinny at Village Square Leisure Centre.

Kris finds that his training keeps him feeling positive and empowered. He is always willing to help and encourage other people in the weight room. Kris is an inspiration both physically and personally.

When Ryan was 15 years old he was very skinny so he started to work out. He thought to himself that if he did not do anything about it, no girl would look at him! Jean-Claude Van Damme was his idol and he wanted to look just like him.

The older he got, the less he cared about looks and the more he cared about how he feels, which is why he’s an inspiration to others. Ryan likes to do boxing, mixed martial arts, reading, drawing and playing video games. Ryan also embodies the ABCD of fitness:

A - Accessibility: always able to assist and correct others
B - Balance: provides balance in his workout routine
C - Caring & Coordination: he shows perfect exercise techniques and always cares about others
D - Discipline: driven in his approach to exercise and fitness

We appreciate the great work you do keeping everyone motivated!

-Submitted by Ashford, Weight Room Monitor at Village Square

Lillian was the winner of Village Square Leisure Centre’s 6 Week Fitness Challenge.

“I enjoyed the fitness challenge because it made me realize how little I exercised prior to the six week challenge. After starting, exercising soon became a habit and a priority. I especially enjoyed mixing with the younger crowd! My muscles became firmer and my waist started to shape up, losing one inch! I noticed some of my spare tire disappeared and my clothes fit better. I also noticed that my stomach problems went away. I feel much better after I exercise.

I would like to thank Gennie for putting on this program and the staff working at Village Square for being helpful. Thanks Debbie and Ryan for being so kind. A special thank you to Dianna for being so congenial and for encouraging me every day - I adopted her as my coach. Thank you to the instructors of all the classes that I attended for putting up with this 76 year old youngster!”

-Submitted by Gennie, Recreation Program Specialist at Village Square

Alice started her work out routine 14 years ago at Village Square Leisure Centre. She loves to mix-up her workouts by trying different fitness classes such as drop-in Zumba, Aquacise, Deep Water Workout and Step. Alice will try every type of group exercise we offer! You’ll see her attending our evening and weekend drop-in classes every day of the week. It helps her balance her mind, body and spirit. She is a great advocate for fitness and constantly encourages others to be fit.

-Submitted by Fior B., Zumba Fitness Instructor

When Richard and Giovanna retired they wanted to remain active and involved in the community. Three years ago Giovanna began attending the 50+ Fitness class at Village Square Leisure Centre. Richard was reluctant at first, but after joining he began to really enjoy exercising. Since weight room equipment was incorporated into the 50+ Fitness class, Richard and Giovanna were confident in using the equipment and comfortable with the weight room staff and patrons. They enjoy using the circuit because they feel it is a fast, effective, total body workout. Richard and Giovanna enjoy working out together and have met a lot of new people in the gym. They are a fun and enthusiastic couple and set a good example to others.

- Submitted by Dianna, staff member at Village Square

Daljit has been a long time customer at Village Square Leisure Center. Considering Daljit’s age, the weights and repetitions that he is able to lift are amazing! The weights he lifts are usually in the 3 digit range and his intensity is always 100%. He is a very motivating person as he is always in the weight room working hard and setting a good example for the other elders and teens that come into the weight room. The special thing about Daljit is that he never gives up, he is always pushing to the limit and it shows. His favorite muscle to exercise is the back and his favorite machine is the seated row.

- Submitted by Jazzy, Weight Room Monitor at Village Square

Suba has been part of Village Square Leisure Centre’s community for the past 13 years. He is a very kind and gentle man. Suba always has something inspirational to share with everyone. He believes that we need to strengthen our mind, body and spirit every day in order to achieve inner peace. Everything needs to be in balance to achieve true health. We thank you Suba, for all the great “words of wisdom.”

- Submitted by staff at Village Square

Harold attended a Lifestyle Program at Village Square Leisure Centre in 2009. Since then he attends the 50+ Fitness class 3 times a week and goes to the weight room 2-3 times a week. Harold also skates with the senior skate group on Wednesdays at Village Square Arenas. He also enjoys walking, riding his bike and has begun to participate in walkathons. Harold came in third place for his age category in the most recent Calgary Marathon 5K walk!

Over the last couple of years, he has lost over 50 lbs to regain his Lifetime Member status with Weight Watchers. He has controlled his type 2 diabetes through exercise and diet and as a result, no longer requires medication. Harold is a great inspiration to all of us!

- Submitted by Barbara, Fitness Instructor

Brant suffered a stroke in January of 2004 and has been faithfully coming to Village Square Leisure Centre’s Disability Fitness Program for 4 years now. He is passionate about fitness, skiing and mountain biking and loves to share his wealth of knowledge with others in the weight room. Brant is always up for a new challenge, enjoys the benefits of adding the TRX to his workout routine and most recently tried and loved doing our new Circuit Training in our weight room. Forever an encourager, Brant is quick to cheer other patrons on in their journey of health and fitness. Way to go, Brant! Keep up the excellent work.

- Submitted by Debbie, Fitness Instructor

In the short time that Mac has been coming to Village Square Leisure Centre with the Disability Fitness Program, he has shown incredible dedication and determination to health and fitness. He always pushes for a more difficult challenge, sets goals and strives for excellence. His infectious smile and charming personality make Mac a delight to have around.

- Submitted by staff at Village Square

Lilia has been coming to Village Square Leisure Centre for the past 5 years. Prior to coming, she had shoulder problems and was not able to lift her arms. She also suffered from carpel tunnel syndrome so doctors recommended she go through surgery. She refused the surgery and decided instead to become more active. Since then Lilia has been attending the Gentle Fitness (formally Fibromyalgia & Arthritis) classes, swims in the pool 3 times a week and is now attending the 50+ fitness classes! She is also very active in hiking and cross country skiing in Kananaskis. Lilia is now pain-free, strong and has no need for medication. She believes in a healthy lifestyle and is enjoying all the benefits.

- Submitted by Gennie, Recreation Program Specialist at Village Square

Happy Birthday to Jaff - he turns 80 years old in December 2012! In 2010 he had both hips replaced only 6 months apart. Prior to his surgery he had been very physically active and before retirement had worked as a heavy duty mechanic. After his surgery his gait became short and slow. Therefore he started taking fitness classes such as the 50+ Fitness at Village Square Leisure Centre. Since then his recovery improved tremendously. Through his hard work and dedication, he has no problems walking and his strides became longer and faster. He now feels more energized and stronger. Keep up the great work Jaff!

- Submitted by Barbara, Fitness Instructor at Village Square

Tony comes to Thornhill pool twice a day, every day, to the Deep Water Workouts. He is always friendly and smiling! Since he started coming to water fitness classes, Tony has lost 90 lbs and says he feels so much better now. The water workouts are easy on his joints and have greatly improved the quality of his life. In 2013 Tony plans to continue with Deep Water Workouts to keep losing weight.

- Submitted by Erika, Lifeguard at Thornhill Aquatic & Fitness Centre

Bob’s favourite recreational activity is skating. He loves winter activities and has been coming to the Senior Skate at Optimist Arena since 1996. He’s 89 years young and we see him at every Senior Skate! Bob says he finds skating enjoyable and he’s sure that it’s added a few more years to his life! In 2013 he plans on keeping up regular skating and walking to maintain his health and wellness.

- Submitted by Rob, Supervisor at Optimist Arena

Leola is a regular at the Seniors Skate at Optimist Arena. She first heard about the Seniors Skate by word of mouth and has been coming for the last 25 years. Skating is her favourite recreational activity because it’s great exercise she enjoys being with other people and socializing. In 2013 Leola plans to continue what she’s been doing for the last quarter-century – skating with the seniors!

- Submitted by Pang, Senior Operator at Optimist Arena

When I first joined Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre it was because Talisman was going through renovations. At that point, I was only swimming about three times a week. This April I decided it was time to get serious about weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. I joined Weight Watchers and started swimming longer each day and more often per week.

Since April I have lost 80 pounds, become a lot stronger and feel one hundred percent better. Beltline is a wonderful facility because it is smaller and more community minded. It is very close to my work at Gulf Canada Square, which allows me to come over to swim four times during the week on an earlier lunch break. Although I live closer to Talisman Centre I prefer Beltline. The staff are wonderful, encouraging, and it feels like family. Thanks for helping me get closer to my weight loss and all around healthier lifestyle. 

My favourite recreational activity is the Deep Water Workout. My daughter introduced me to Aquacize a few years ago, and then we tried the Deep Water Workout and we love it! Recreation has motivated and inspired me in many ways. It adds value to my life, physically, emotionally, creatively and socially. Others seem to feel the same way as the pools are always well used and in high demand. It keeps us all healthy in body, mind and spirit!

The staff members at City of Calgary Recreation facilities are well trained, pleasant and informative. I find The City’s recreation programs are accessible to everyone – there are so many different programs/activities to choose from and they offer Fee Assistance to people who need financial help.

In 2013 I’m going to try a new activity... I’m thinking about the Deep Water Tethered Workout, or perhaps pottery making!

-Brenda

This is a story about my amazing friend and neighbour Georgina.

Since 1995 when my daughter and I moved into our SW neighbourhood, my dearest neighbour and good friend Georgina has been an example and inspiration of a positive, healthy, active and fun person not only to myself, but to many of our neighbours, her numerous friends and her extensive family members spread all over the world.

Georgina is the most amazing, and cheerful senior. She is 88 years old and walks every day unless the sidewalks are very slippery. If the weather is too ugly to walk outside, she has a backup plan. In the basement of her immaculately clean house, Georgina has a set of fitness equipment that could generate enough power to light her entire house every day.

Her gardening skills and experiments bring joy, smiles and satisfaction not only to her, but to others who walk by her front yard every day. You never know what will grow at the front of Georgina’s house in the spring because her secret plants are planted well in advance in the fall. She spends hours outdoor not only gardening in her own front and back yard, but she will find time and energy to plant in my garden. She will secretly rake around the hedge and front yard of my house while I am buried in meetings and everyday work.

Georgina has no time to age at all. She threw away the calendar a long time ago. Her culinary skills of a lady originally from Saskatchewan are unbelievable. She will often invite someone over for super or breakfast so she has a reason to bake and cook and to have company at the same time.

“Access” transportation is a completely foreign concept to my dear friend. Georgina is proudly driving up a storm in her Honda SUV. She regularly has eye exams to make sure she is a safe and responsible driver. Georgina’s memory puts the younger generations to shame. She keeps track of every single detail of her chores and obligations. She reminds me about stuff in case I slack. She keeps me going no matter how tired I am.

My bionic neighbour has a computer and superb computer skills. She scans, downloads pictures and sends them around the word to her family in Australia, England, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Her e-mail box is as busy as mine here at work with over 60 e-mails a day...

While watching hockey, football or curling on TV, she knits or crochet slippers, Afghans and other gorgeous projects that are gifts for others. Georgina is part of a “Stitch & Bitch” club and inspires others to join.

No, Georgina is not a figment of my imagination. She is a very real person. I have a privilege to have Georgina in my life as my neighbour and friend.

Her motto is: “Life most persistent urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

-Submitted by Slawa G.

My favourite recreational activities are playing soccer and attending the Total Body Workout class with my colleagues at Renfrew Aquatic & Fitness Centre. I like being part of a sports team or fitness class because I get to spend time with friends and family while at the same time staying healthy and active.

The City of Calgary Recreation is important because it keeps Calgarians active. It’s great to have programs and resources that are affordable and accessible for all people.

In 2013 I’m going to continue to play soccer, visit the Renfrew gym for more Total Body Workout classes with Andy (they are great, I wish it was more than once a week!), and take my family to the beautiful parks in Calgary this summer. There are so many ways we can participate in fun recreational activities in this awesome city!

- Anna

Our sons, Frank and Sam, and our son-in-law Dom, play hockey for The Cobra’s, a team here in Calgary.  Last year they won the championship and were invited to Toronto for a tournament. They were the only Canada team in the championship tournament.  They lost, but not because both brothers – who do everything together – ended up in the penalty box!

They said that recreation is a big part of their lives, without it, one would become a couch potato. Recreation has helped us by staying fit, physically and mentally.  And most of all, it’s all about having fun!

- Submitted by Maria

I’ve been going to the Beltline Pool for about 11 years on a fairly regular basis. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006, after which I intensified my workouts, managed to lose 80 pounds, and become “non-diabetic”. However, I never felt completely healthy.

I started to feel really sick in 2008 and rapidly went downhill until, in late 2010, I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Hereditary Hemochromatosis, which involves iron in the blood being deposited in all the body’s organs and joints. By then I couldn’t even walk a whole block without stopping to rest!

After three months of treatment which included giving 500mL of blood every week in order to rid my body of the excess iron, I started to feel like a human being again.

Of course, I started back to my favourite Deep Water Workouts at the Beltline Pool – and I’m now up to 5 days most weeks. As well, I’ve started strength conditioning and am planning to add more variety to my workouts by trying TRX and maybe yoga! I’ve been ice and roller skating with my grandchildren, and just yesterday hiked all over Nose Hill.

I’ve lost 70 pounds since this time last year, and my liver damage is reversing itself. This time the fitness is for good.

I can never thank the staff at Beltline for their kindness and caring over all of these years!

-Rena

When I moved to Calgary in 1976 and starting working with the City of Calgary in Parks & Recreation, I always wanted to learn how to swim, but was scared of water. So I decided to take swimming lessons. My first class was called "Absolutely terrified for beginners" which I took at Bob Bahan Pool and then continued on to take lessons all the way to Red Cross's top level (White). It has helped me a lot over the years as I was able to go swimming with my children as they also took lessons at Village Square Leisure Centre and Bob Bahan Pool and also went swimming with my friend for my exercise. I still go for Deep Water classes at City pools which helps me a lot with my condition. 

-Roshan