Swimmer shares sporting spirit with kids
A local Olympian promoted active living to young athletes
Brent Hayden celebrated his bronze medal in men's 100-metre freestyle in swimming at the 2012 London Olympics.
Photograph by: Mike Ridewood photo , for the TIMES
Fresh off the tails of the summer Olympics and Paralympics, sports remains on the minds of everyone.
However, according to a recent survey commissioned by ParticipACTION, only four in 10 (37 per cent) Canadians say they participate in sport once a week or more.
That is why top-tier athletes, like Maple Ridge-native Brent Hayden, who finished third in the 100-metre freestyle at the 2012 London Games, encouraged kids to participate in Sports Day Canada on Sept. 29.
"I got started in sports, and swimming, because of a lot of personal motivation. I found through sports that I had fun, loved the competitive element, and overall it just felt great to be a part of sport," explained Brent Hayden, who participated in an event to kick-start the lead-up to Sports Day in Vancouver.
"I made a lot of friends that way, as well. After all, you can't make friends sitting at home," Hayden said. Hayden's advice to Canadians: "Get out there, it is so much fun, and there is a world of possibility that goes with it. Sport really changed my life. Sport made me who I am today and I am sure it will impact the rest of my life. It doesn't end when you stop competing, I have gotten to travel the world and experience so many things along the way, and met so many friends that will stay with me through the rest of my life. Sport has become my life."
Sports Day in Canada offered the perfect opportunity to experience sport at all levels and unleash the positive power of sport.
