INUVIK - Keeping active is easy for the Carpenter family because they love physical activity.

Mother Yvonne has raised her son Dwight and daughter Alyssa to be involved in sports, and they keep it a part of their every day lives.

Alyssa, Dwight and mother Yvonne Carpenter have been living active and healthy lifestyles and they want others to get active. The family is known for their athleticism and recently returned from the Polar Cup soccer tournament in Edmonton. - photo courtesy of Alyssa Carpenter

"My youngest is three and my oldest is 18," said Yvonne, a mother of four.

"I've always promoted the positives of staying involved in sports and being active outdoors."

Yvonne said that Dwight was the first to steer away from hockey, his dad's sport of choice.

"Dwight didn't get into hockey, his dad is a big player, but he did not take to the ice," she said.

"He didn't like skates for whatever reason."

As soon as Dwight was old enough, he was put into court sports.

"He's always been into organized indoor sports," said Yvonne.

It was about four years ago that Yvonne saw Dwight's determination and competitive side.

"He's strong and has a lot of agility," she said.

"He enjoys being aggressive and having a lot of fun, so team sports was a good fit."

Dwight said his first big experience in sports was in Grade 4.

"It was the first time I went to Super Soccer," he said of the annual tournament in Yellowknife.

"It was a fun trip, we had the best coach."

Dwight said he enjoys being active and doesn't desire the temptations that are there for teenagers.

"I like feeling healthy," he said.

He has a goal of being on the Canada Games team in 2009 for men's soccer.

Yvonne said Alyssa spent much of her younger years in a gymnasium.

"Shortly after having her, I became a recreational leader, which meant a lot of time at the gym," said Yvonne.

"If she wanted to see her mom, that's where she had to go."

By the time Alyssa was 11, she was already involved in hockey, speed skating, soccer, basketball and volleyball.

"She joined everything and she still goes strong to this day," said Yvonne.

Now a high school graduate, Alyssa has just completed her first season playing college level soccer.

Yvonne said that being active has helped Alyssa reach goals that were set a long time ago.

"Sports has taken her far," said Yvonne.

"She has a scholarship for soccer, she's been to Arctic Winter Games, been to Alaska and all over."

Yvonne said her daughter's opportunities have been made with determination.

"She is where she is because she wanted it," said Yvonne.

"That is the message I want to give to all kids: if you want it, it is there. But don't think it's a free ride, you have to work for it."