Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Feb 15/02) - Paul Moore is settling in as the new recreation programmer for the Town of Inuvik.

Moore assumed his duties Feb. 3 and explained he's been busy meeting people and learning what activities and programs already exist within the community.

"We'd like to co-ordinate with other groups," Moore said.

"Overall the main thing I'll be doing is promoting active living in the community," he said, "healthy in terms of active, but also just promoting all the different aspects of healthy living, from lifestyle choices to physical activity to mental well being."

He said, "We're not just focused on the sports stuff."

Moore will be doing things like creating programming for this year's summer camps, but said he also wants to work with young people to create activities they would enjoy, such as movie nights or sport drop in nights.

As well, Moore will not spend all his time on the phone.

"I really want to be actively participating in the events themselves."

He said he wants residents to have a variety of recreational activities to choose from.

Moore obtained a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Victoria, and worked in recreation on Vancouver Island. Originally from Ontario, he moved to British Columbia in 1986.

Moore has four children, Sadie, Chad, Miriam and Julian, and got involved in coaching because of them.

"That's where my real passion comes from 'cause I've seen how important it is, especially for the kids and youth, to really be supported by the community. So I really want to let kids, youth and adults know there's support through what we can offer."

Moore explained he came up to Inuvik in part because he has always wanted to learn more about the North.

"I've always grown up with images and ideas about people in the North and just wanted to experience up here, and bring my kids up and show them, let them have that experience too."