It really is a happy tuesday because I have the honor of introducing you to Saskatchewan in motion‘s new Youth Ambassador!

I met Nafisa at a presentation Nicole and I did at the  Lieutenant Governor’s leadership forum about a month ago.  After the forum Nafisa got in touch and let us know that she wanted to get involved with the in motion movement. It was an awesome feeling to know that Nicole and I were able to connect with Nafisa, and inspire her to do her part to increase physical activity.

Now enough from me, keep reading to find out more about Nafisa and why being a part of this movement is important to her!

Kenji

Hello,

My name is Nafisa Absher, and I’m in grade 12 at FW Johnson in Regina. I’m very involved in my school and community. I also have a part time job, and I try to volunteer in my community whenever I get a chance.

Being physically active didn’t seem that important to me. However, being on the Lieutenant Governor’s leadership forum changed my whole perspective. On the forum, my fellow participants and I were expected to run, jog, or walk every morning for an hour. At first I wasn’t looking forward to going out at 6:30 AM to go walk, but it wasn’t long before I got used to it. I began enjoying these walks, and I realized how much energy it gave me throughout our very busy days. Now, my mother, my brother and I go for walks after school, and also, my best friend and I go jogging twice a week together.

I wanted to become an ambassador, because now I understand the importance of being physically active. When I found out that only 15% of kids in Saskatchewan are as active as they need to be, I realized that I must do something to change that. So, I want to help raise awareness in my school and community about this issue.

In the end, by being active we’re helping our bodies and minds to be the best that they can be. So take that hour out of your day, and fly a kite, take a hike, or jump in a lake.

Nafisa,
Saskatchewan in motion Youth Ambassador

2010 Student Leadership Conference
Some of you may be wondering what the Student Leadership Conference is all about so let me tell you. It’s about getting together with other leaders to discuss and learn about ways to use your leadership skills to benefit the people around you. Graham Richardson, another in motion team member, will be leading a session to talk about how leaders like you can work to improve the fact that only 15% of Saskatchewan Children and Youth are active enough to stay healthy.

Be the Change You Want to See In the World
Saskatchewan in motion knows that high schools students have an amazing amount of power and ability to change the inactivity trend and get other young people moving. Graham’s session will focus on what Saskatchewan in motion suggests you can do to initiate change yourself, and how to take it a step further and get involved in your community. Don Radcliff Smith, a physical activity consultant, will be leading do a breakout session to hear the participants perspective on how we can improve the 15% stat.

Stop By for a Visit
Meanwhile, Kenji will be hanging out at the tradeshow hoping to see you. The Saskatchewan in motion will tradeshow booth will be a little different this year. Kenji is setting up a video camera to create a speakers corner of sorts. We want to know what you think about three questions. If you’re attending the conference visit Kenji and on your own, or with your friends Speak Out! When Kenji and Graham get back to base camp we will be posting video responses on the Saskatchewan in motion YouTube channel. Even if you’re not attending the Student Leadership Conference (we can’t all be there) we want to hear what you have to say too, so record yourself and post your videos on our youtube channel or leave a comment and let us know what you think. 

So here’s something to think about…

1. Did you know? This generation is the first in history that is expected to have a shorter and less healthy life than their parents.

2. Only 15% of Saskatchewan children and youth get enough daily physical activity to stay healthy.

3. Tell us why physical activity means something to you.

Follow Kenji on twitter to get updates from SLC as it happens, and don’t forget to Speak Out!

Julie

Part of the contest was the opportunity for Saskatchewan’s youth to submit a blog and win a chance to be featured here on Generation Action as a guest blogger. Out of the entries (which were all fabulous, thank you so much everyone for submitting) Ogema’s own Katie Bacon was selected by the staff here at basecamp as our winner!

Congratulations to Katie on her great piece of work!

 So here is a little about Katie and her thoughts on the physical inactivity crisis, enjoy.

My name is Katie Bacon. I grew up on a farm by a small town called Ogema. I like being outdoors and doing all kinds of activities including baseball, volleyball, swimming and dance to name a few. I love being with my friends and family and having fun!
 
Thanks so much to Sask in motion for these awesome prizes!

Physical Inactivity: Who’s to blame?

I remember when I was in elementary school, we had to go outside no matter how cold it was. Before the morning bell rang at 9:00, during our 10 minute recesses, and throughout the entire lunch hour, we were kicked outside to play.

Nowadays when I visit my old school, the kids are allowed to sit in the porches because it is “too cold.”

As I watch the kids outside, they hardly play any games. My classmates and I always used to play tag, cops and robbers, boys chase girls, push down (although the teachers didn’t approve) and any other games you could think of that included running around and being active. In the summer we would get out the skipping ropes, and in the winter we would bring our sleds. Half the kids these days don’t even know all the different cool rhymes that you sing while swinging the skipping rope around and around. That was the best part of it all, teasing each other as we made up stories and rhymes about who is kissing who. Kids these days are missing out!

Also, when I was younger our town had many hockey teams, baseball teams, a figure skating club, etc. Everyone played because that is what you were expected to do. I probably didn’t even have a choice about participating when I think about it. In the summer you did baseball and swimming lessons, and in the winter you did skating and sledding. I probably didn’t want to go some days, but I did what my parents said and that was that.  I believe this is the way it should be. We weren’t allowed to sit and watch TV or play video games all day. If we did, you would hear “Get your butt off the couch and do something!” We had chores, responsibilities and hobbies that kept us busy. Kids are allowed too many choices. If they say, “But I don’t want to”, they don’t have to, which is crazy. They don’t know what is right for them when they are eight. So make them be active!

To sum it up, parents and authority figures, such as teachers and community leaders, are to blame in my opinion. I know that’s a pretty strong and harsh opinion, but it’s what I think. Kids aren’t fragile and lazy unless you mold them that way. In a way kids are babied too much. They need to toughen up and not be afraid of hurting themselves for running too fast or jumping too far. Kids need to be pushed and who knows, maybe they will find out they actually like it, or have a natural gift for a certain sport or activity. You will never know unless you make them try!

By Katie Bacon.