Dr. Brass School in Yorkton held an event Thursday to kick off a school year dedicated to Fun, Fitness and Fabulous Fun.
The morning of events included a presentation to the assembled students by Canadian Olympic athlete Kelsie Hendry.
Hendry, who competed in the Summer Olympics in 2008 in Beijing, China in pole vault, told students the international sporting event is dedicated to many of the ideals all should strive for; leadership, excellence, and "always wanting to do your best."
Hendry, who was at the school through the RBC Olympian Program, said while not everyone will reach the Olympics, everyone should be active to stay fit.
"Find something active that you like to do," she encouraged, adding that might be running, tennis, soccer, or just taking the dog for a walk.
Goals are also important even for non athletes, noted Hendry, adding they can be goals such as watching less television, playing less video games, or to always get a good night's sleep.
Hendry said she does a lot of school presentations, and tries to focus on two messages, starting with encouraging youth "to try to lead a healthy lifestyle," and then to find a passion to work at being successful at, adding "it doesn't have to be athletics." They need to "find something in their life that makes them happy, makes them interested."
Once you find your passion it must be balanced with other things in life.
"You have to understand when education plays a role, and when your passion plays a role. They need to make sure you have time for friends, community and themselves."
Balance is also important in assuring physical activity. Hendry said youth need to be able to put down the video game controller, and turn off the television, in order to do active things.
"You still need time to get out and play with their friends," she said.
However, if someone wants to dream of being an Olympian then they should work toward that goal.
"It can be a really big dream and you work hard on that dream," she said, " You need to try to pursue one of your passions. Set goals for yourself."
Hendry said her Olympic dream grew over time.
"When I was your age I had no idea I'd be competing in the Olympic games," she said, adding once she aspired to achieve that "it took a lot of hard work and commitment If I had to climb the rope I did it all the way to the top."
Hendry, who holds the Canadian pole vault record at four-metres-55, missed the medals in Beijing, said she herself remains focused on the Olympic dream.
"I didn't get the gold medal in Beijing so I hope in London I do a little bit better," she said.
"I'm working my hardest for the Olympics in 2012," she said, adding they will be held in London, England.
