Cyclist braves elements for healthy cause

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Fort Smith, N.W.T. resident Rob Genaille began his long trek to Winnipeg on Aug. 10, with a number of stops at First Nations and Metis communities planned along the way.

His purpose for the trip is to raise awareness about diabetes and to raise funds for a new family resource centre in Fort Smith.

The 47-year-old stresses that he does not have diabetes, and he works to keep it that way by keeping physically active, staying away from alcohol, and by making healthy food choices.

"I stay active, I do not drink, I eat properly. I do not have diabetes. I think that says something in itself. I'm hoping that people will say that he has a fairly good quality of life. So maybe by preventing myself from getting diabetes I can help others. I'm the only Aboriginal person I know of that is cycling this distance. I guess I'm the only one crazy enough to do it," he said.

This is Genaille's second time cycling to Winnipeg. His first trip was from Edmonton to Winnipeg in 1998.

"I became aware of type 2 diabetes, the adult onset, about four years ago, that is when I did my first run across the prairies. I mean the number of people getting diabetes in the Aboriginal community then was just incredible. Somebody had to do something. So I took a leave of absence and away I went. When I got to Winnipeg, Global news covered it and we did an interview for a couple of the northern communities concerning diabetes, so that trip did create awareness for diabetes. It fulfilled our hopes," he said.

Genaille spent the first week of September cycling through Saskatchewan, with scheduled stops in Lloydminster, North Battleford, Saskatoon, Lanigan, Wynyard, Foam Lake, Sheho, Theodore and Yorkton.