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Recreation gets a boost in Grand Forks with appointment of new community programmer

RDKB
By RDKB
August 8th, 2022

The Grand Forks Recreation Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Shields as appointment of its first ever community programmer.

The news of the appointment has created a buzz and sense of excitement is in the air within the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Rec Department as it works on developing, promoting and hosting brand new local programs.

Raised in the West Kootenays, Shields brings 10 years’ experience accrued in the sports & leisure industry to her new role. 

She will kick off her tenure with the launch of a fresh and exciting Fall schedule, soon to be announced, that will encompass a physical literacy-based multi-sport program on Fridays designed to appeal to children out of school.

 With a shared vision to build social capital for the people of Grand Forks, the ‘new team in town’ is brimming with ideas to keep everyone, from toddlers to elders, entertained, happy, energised, and motivated. 

 From their base within the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena, they have plans to shake up the local recreation offering, create more fit-for-life opportunities, identify existing recreational gaps, fill them, and make the pursuit of healthy lifestyles more accessible and affordable to all.

 In response to demand and high on the agenda is the roll out of more cultural activities as well as those aimed at girls/women-only groups.  Embracing the bigger picture, collaboration with other community groups will bring some new and exciting events to Grand Forks and beyond in 2023.

 “We are thrilled that Amy has chosen to join and expand our team.  We can’t wait to see what the future holds!” says Melina Van Hoogevest, recreation supervisor at RDKB’s Grand Forks recreation department.

“Her qualifications, previous work and volunteer experience as well as her passion for introducing exceptional programs for our community make her the perfect fit,” she adds.

 “There is so much scope to boost our fabulous arena and aquatics programs.  Having a fresh slate to add more quality and growth to them, for more local people to enjoy, is an awesome opportunity and will be a lot of fun,” says Amy whose vast experience encompasses work with seniors as well as children in the FUNdamental stage of the Long Term Athlete Development model. 

“The provision of robust, high quality, low cost and accessible recreation activities are so important.  They help build stronger, active, healthier communities, bring opportunity to those who need it most and improve overall wellbeing across all ages and groups,” she adds.

Leading by example, Shields is very active: she has competed in Master’s track and field championships; loves to ski and hike; and has completed an impressive nine long distance running events comprising Marathons and an 50K Ultra. 

Shields also has NCCP coaching certificates in cross country skiing, gymnastics and track and field.  

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