Active Champions

June Bernard

June is a grandmother who lives with her adult son and two granddaughters. She is a support worker at the YWCA's Crabtree Corner, helping families to be healthy and strong. June takes her grandchildren and up to ten neighbourhood children on recreation outings on a regular basis, every weekend and almost every day in the summer. Her son and his friends often help out.

What Activities Keep You Fit and Active?
I take my grandchildren and the neighbourhood children swimming and skating, to parks to play tag, and on new adventures. I love to play and to give the children opportunities to explore and grow. Some days, I take up to ten children on outings. I stay active so that I can keep up with them!

What Motivated You to Become Active?
Our children are our greatest resource, and they need lots of exercise and attention to be healthy and reach their potential. When I first got my grandchildren, I realized that I would have to stay in shape to be able to keep up with them.

How Do You Motivate Yourself to Stay Fit?
I don't want to miss out on anything with my grandchildren – their growth, their achievement and their enjoyment of new experiences. When I'm tired, I remind myself that the children need me to be there for them, and so I need to stay fit and healthy.

I work with single mothers, encouraging them to play with their children, so I'm a role model to others. It's important to me to walk my talk.

What Are the Benefits of Being Fit for You?
I have a lot more energy and I sleep better. I have more confidence to do whatever I want to do. I'm able to give the children lots of opportunities to play, learn and grow. I feel good about that, and that keeps me going.

Hobbies/Interests?
I did the Sun Run this year; it was fun and I felt a real sense of accomplishment. I'm going to do it again next year. My main interest/hobby is doing what I can for my grandchildren and the neighbourhood children to keep them active. Our children are our future and it's important to me to do what I can to help them realize their potential. Plus, it's so much fun! I'm having a wonderful time.

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