Fort McPherson (Jan 15/07) - Jackie Pascal says curling is her favourite sport.

But of course, she is also familiar with other games, like soccer, volleyball, handball and floor hockey.

Having served as Fort McPherson's recreation coordinator since May, she said it's important to keep things varied, so kids keep coming back.

Jackie Pascal, shown here at the 2007 NWT Women's Curling Championships in Inuvik, has been Fort McPherson's recreation coordinator since May. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

"We get at least 50 or 60 kids each night at the recreation centre," she said.

As the organizer of sports within the hamlet, it is Pascal's full-time job to organize events, classes and sports matches, to keep local residents healthy.

"I just like working with the community," she said, when asked her favourite part of the job.

Pascal added it is nice to have stayed in the region near her family, since she attended Aurora College's recreation leaders program and was able to find work in her hometown.

As McPherson continues to build its new multipurpose building, Pascal said she is looking forward to the new youth and elders centres, which might expand recreation.

"It's exciting," she said on Jan. 6, adding there is potential for kids and elders alike to find healthy, useful things to do.

When asked why she liked playing sports, Pascal replied "I like the friends."

Surely, this is the right attitude for someone who creates fun, healthy activities for the community's youth.