YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Nov. 18, 2015
As this beautiful fall continues to bring us mild temperatures and wonderful running conditions, it's a reminder of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to slip on quality running shoes and hit the trails.
For those less fortunate, it's not always so simple, but we have the chance to help out. December 5 is Brainsport's Free Shoe day at King George School. If you have any gently-used or new shoes you'd like to donate, please drop them off at the store byDecember 2.
In the spirit of helping out, our Q&A this week features an interview with Michelle Wray from an organization called Start2Finish.
Q&A with Michelle Wray
Tara: For those not familiar with Start2Finish, would you mind telling us a bit about the program?
Michelle: Everyday Start2Finish help give children the building blocks to graduate. We empower children with the tools to succeed for life so they can create a "Cycle of Success."
Tara: What makes Saskatoon a good fit for the program? And when did it start here?
Michelle: Our goal at Start2Finish is to empower Canadian children with the tools to succeed. We have supported children and schools in Saskatoon for a number of years through our Backpack Program, and building relationships in the community. We have a mission to reach children in various communities across Canada so once those relationships were established with community we were in position to begin the sustainable follow up program to the backpacks which is the Running & Reading Club. The program at King George Community School launched in October 2014.
Tara: Who should volunteer to be a part of Start2Finish?
Michelle: Any one and everyone! Our programs are sustained through dedicated volunteer teams which include volunteers from businesses, social groups, faith groups, various associations, university, college and high school students. These partnerships make up our community matrix which allows us to increase our effectiveness in the community.
Tara: What has the response been like here in Saskatoon, both by students, teachers and volunteers?
Michelle: Our volunteer Olivia Yuel shares, “We have a lot of returning volunteers to the program which shows that it is working, and they are contributing and making a difference. The children from last year are back in the Club. When the program resumed this fall after the summer break Coaches said to children as they entered the gym “We are here again!”, and kids said with big smiles on their face “You’re back!” – they really understand the support. Teachers are excited about the Club as well. After being at school all day they stay after school to participate in the program, which speaks to the success of the program.
Tara: From your experience, what is the most rewarding part of being involved with Start2Finish?
Michelle: Olivia shares again: “Seeing the kids smiling when they run. People show up each week to encourage them and show that they matter”.
Upcoming Events:
Save the date for the 4th
Say goodbye to 2015 and toast
Registration forms available at Brainsport startingDecember 1. Cost: $15.00 Place:
Hosted by New Balance Saskatoon and Empire Parkour. November 22, 7 p.m. at The Broadway Theatre. Clickherefor more information.
Transition Sport and Fitness' Fall Triathlon Training Program starts this week and there are still a few spots open to Swim, Bike, & Run (with 1, 2, or 3 times per week options). All abilities welcome. If you've ever wanted to try triathlon (or perhaps receive some technical swim instruction by an international-level coach) now is your chance. Visitwww.
ZONE Sports Physiotherapy's Friday Morning Track Session is a go at the Saskatoon Field House. 24 sessions, starting November 6 to December 18, resuming again January 8 to April 29.
Time: 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Cost: $360 for all 24 sessions. Minimum of 8 athletes, maximum of 20 athletes. Please email Brad Spokes at
Empire Parkour Jam Session
Presented by New Balance Saskatoon and New Balance Saskatoon. November 29 from 6 p.m. to 9p.m.at Taiso Gymnastics 1521 Quebec Avenue. For more information clickhere.
Yoga for Triathletes and Runners
Looking to up your overall human performance? Come sign up for ZONE Sports Physiotherapy's Thursday Night Yoga Classes with Instructor Josh Safronetz, Baptiste Institute Yoga Instructor in training. Josh promises to leave you sweating with this style of yoga. Improve your global flexibility, breathing, and overall core strength in these one-hour sessions. Sign up today by emailing
Thursday nights from 6:15 to 7:15 at ZONE Sports
November 19 to December 17, resuming January 7 to March 31.
Cost: $240 for all 18 sessions www.baptisteyoga.com.
Brainsport Free Shoe Day
December 5 is Free Shoe Day at King George School!
You can help out by bringing your gently-used, or new shoes to Brainsport by December 2.
Gingerbread Run
This year's Gingerbread Run has sold out — thank you to everyone who signed up! There's still lots of space left for volunteers. You can sign up on the event website or e-mail us at
Mondays 4:30-5:30pm & Thursdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
November 16 & 19: General Alignment – It's all connected!
No classes the week of November 23
November 30 & December 3: Barefoot Balance
December 7 & 10:Happy Hips
December 14 & 17: Soothe your Shoulders
-Where you are now in your alignment and movement patterns and how to increase movement and mobility
-Simple stretches and exercises that can be performed almost anywhere with minimal equipment
-Basic anatomical and biomechanics concepts to help you make conscious habit changes to improve your body's alignment and improve how you feel!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara
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