Olympic athletes visit First Nations schools

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A group of Canadian Olympic athletes received a very warm reception on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve Sept. 15 to 19. They visited Manitoulin Island as part of Act Now, a wellness promotion program.

The Act Now contingent included downhill skier Kate Pace Lindsay, canoeist Larry Cain, relay runner Desai Williams, and synchronized swimmer Kristin Normand. They were accompanied by chiropractor Dwight Chapin, dietitian Heidi Smith and psychiatrist Cornelia Wieman.

The health promotion project focuses on three main fronts: activity, appetite and attitude. The main goal of Act Now is to educate Canadians about the positive effect of healthy lifestyle decisions on personal and professional achievement.

For Larry Cain, a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame since 1997, the trip to Wikwemikong was educational on a number of levels. As winner of seven gold, three silver and one bronze medal in world canoeing competitions, he enjoyed team-building activities with both elementary and secondary school students during his visit.

"This is the second year I have done the First Nations program," he said during a break from young autograph seekers.

In his view, encountering Aboriginal culture through the Act Now outreach has many benefits for all involved.

"In Indian culture there is a strong connection to the environment and a tradition of treating nature with respect. There's also a real strong sense of community. In the city we sometimes lose that sense of sharing, so it is nice to be able to take that message back home to the city with us."

"It has been an excellent experience," proclaimed Desai Williams, surrounded by enthusiastic students at a community barbecue. "It is great to be here in a totally different environment; you get to see a different side to Canada. You have a chance to see how the Aboriginal people do things. The people are beautiful and the community is lovely."

To create a bond with the Northern Ontario youngsters, Williams shared some of his struggles growing up. "I came to Canada in the 70s," he said. "I had my share of trials and tribulations. Our message is to work hard and to never give up on following your dreams. Any kid can feel down at times or go to one side or the other. We're here because we believe positive influences make a difference."

Kate Pace Lindsay, Canada's female athlete of the year in 1993, agreed that sharing personal experiences helps to encourage youth to set their sights high. "We tell our Olympic stories and the lessons we learned growing up in the playgrounds and school yards of our youth. Our program is built on the idea that whatever you choose to be involved in, be the best you can be."

The athletes led the students through group sessions on goal setting, peer pressure and developing a positive attitude. Special emphasis is placed on bolstering self-confidence, Lindsay said.

For Marcel Recollet, a math and healthy active living teacher, the Act Now approach gave him a boost and helped to confirm that he is on the right track. "I am inspired to keep on doing what I am doing," he said. "I run every morning already. And the program has motivated me to avoid soft drinks and drink more water."

He feels the students responded positively to the Act Now messengers.

"Sometimes it is better to hear a different voice," he said. "The way the athletes say the message might be a little different and it might get the students thinking about changing their lifestyles. It could just be the shot in the arm they need."

Wikwemikong Chief Walter Manitowabi was also very gratified with the Act Now presentations. "Many of our youth are in awe of our visitors," he observed during a community volleyball match. "We consider ourselves very fortunate to have some of the world's best athletes come to visit us."

He pointed out that many of the athletes were raised in smaller communities so are familiar with the struggles of youth in the North.

"They are role models for all o us," he said. "They are promoting what we all promote in our communities, and that is to live a healthy lifestyle and don't be afraid to follow your dreams."

Student Sheena Wassegijig was equally appreciative of the program.

"They were effective in the way they could accentuate the message and get it out to the crowd," she said. "They made us take a second look at what we are doing to our bodies. Because they are professional athletes, they know how to get the message across. It is pretty great to have them in Wiky because we don't often get such top athletes to come here."

"The students are able to pick up on the good positive energy from the presence of the athletes in the school," according to Wasse-Abin principal Neil Debassige. "You can really see the potential of the school when you see the kids in action. It is real, actual potential, not just theoretical. The workshops have been a great motivator for both the staff and the students. The program helps to create a bond between the staff and the students. It also gets the community involved."

Now that the school year is off to a positive start, he hopes the students will remain committed to healthy lifestyles.

"The Act Now team gave us the big push, but now it is up to each individual to follow through," he said.