 |
|
|
|
|
  
|
Promoting active living Paul Bickford Northern News Services Published Monday, January 9, 2012
On Dec. 19, he started his new job as recreation programmer with the Town of Fort Smith. "What I want to do is improve the quality of life of the community," said the Nova Scotia native. Dillman said recreational activities let people refresh their minds, bodies and spirits, along with offering social opportunities. "It's a great way to meet new people, and learn new things," he said. "It's good for self-esteem and self confidence." One of his goals is to add more structure to the town's recreation programming. "There are very few instructor-led programs, so what I'm looking to do is add some instructors so you can learn how to play soccer, floor hockey, basketball," he said, adding there will also be programs where adults can learn things like yoga, arts and crafts, stained glass and pottery. "Just so there's something for everyone," he said. "So you can come into the centre and there's always something available for you." Among the other things he is looking at are music programs and children's programs, including after-school activities. The Town of Fort Smith has not had a recreation programmer for more than six months. Dillman explained his role is to get a program in place, make it available to the community, and give people a way to have a healthy and active lifestyle. His job will be mainly focused on the Rec Centre, but he will also seek to utilize other facilities throughout the town, such as Northern Life Museum for arts and crafts programming or Mary Kaeser Library for children's story times, computer programs and activities for seniors. Dillman began working part-time in a rec centre in his native province about 10 years ago. Afterward, he went to Dalhousie University and earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Management with a major in recreation. Before coming to Fort Smith, he worked for two years as a recreation and athletic director at a high school. "I've always wanted to work in a community centre, so I was searching around for some job opportunities across Canada and I found this one," he said of his new job in Fort Smith. "It worked out well. I've already been loving my time here." Fort Smith has a great Rec Centre, he noted, pointing out it has a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room and squash court. "There's something for everybody," he said. Dillman is working for the Town of Fort Smith on a one-year contract, which has an option to renew. "And I would love to stay longer." The 25-year-old said he enjoys working in the recreation field, especially meeting people and working with youth to give them alternatives to being out on the street. "It's just the sense of community that I love, providing the benefits of living and social opportunities, and programs for anyone," he explained. "There are a lot of benefits to being in the recreation and community fields."
|
