Skip to content

REC REPORT: Aim to be like an Olympian, with Grand Forks Recreation

The Grand Forks Aquatic Centre can help those who are motivated to live healthier lives or just want to have more fun in life.

The 2012 London Olympic Games are well underway. Many of us who don’t normally tune into sporting events on TV often make the exception for the Olympics.

The Olympic motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” and if you asked any athlete, they would confirm that those three words run through their heads as they pursue their Olympic-sized goals.

Whether an elite athlete, an amateur sports enthusiast or a sideline dreamer, we all need motivation to spur us on to improve our skills or to even get off the couch and try.

Considering statics show that less than 50 per cent of adults get enough physical activity to reap any healthy benefits, there is a definite lack of motivation among us.

So, how do we get motivated and where does it come from?

For some of us, personal motivation seems to be natural or part of our DNA. For the rest of us we have to learn to be motivated, foster it and be encouraged by it.

Many people try and motivate themselves to do things they just aren’t interested in doing in the first place. So, before you set any goals or develop an action plan, ask yourself, “Why is this important to me? What will I get when I achieve it? What will happen if I don’t achieve this?”

If you can’t come up with any answers, than maybe now is not the time to begin something new. It might mean revisiting it at a later date.

Once you have answered the key questions, it’s time to surround yourself with encouraging people and stimulating environments – both of which are key to sustaining motivation.

The Grand Forks Aquatic Centre can provide both components to those who are motivated to live healthier lives or just want to have more fun in life.

Programming at the pool provides fitness and learn-to-swim classes for all ages and abilities.

There is opportunity to take part in on-land and in-water programs.

You do not have to be a swimmer to participate.

If value is a motivation for you, then the aquatic centre can help you out in that department.

Beginning today (Aug. 1) to Friday, Aug. 17, Grand Forks Recreation (GFREC) is having a membership pass sale.

If you purchase 25 sessions or more, you will receive a 10 per cent discount off of your passes. There is no expiry date on these memberships, so you can stock up for fall.

Monday, Aug. 13 marks the last summer swim lesson set for 2012. Sign the kids up for Red Cross swim lessons and the staff will motivate and train your child to be confident and safe in and around water.

International Olympic Committee founder Pierre de Coubertin, when referring to the Olympic Games, stated, “The most important thing is not to win but to take part.”

Though we’re not Olympic athletes we can live like champions in our everyday lives by getting up, taking part and being responsible for our own health and well-being.

We want to help. For more information on Grand Forks Recreation programming, call 250-442-2202.

You can also visit our website at www.rdkb.com and view the summer flyer.