Inuvik (May 05/06) - Being a gym teacher is something that Shane Brewster has done in Inuvik for the past 22 years, and he still has quite a way to go before he hangs up his whistle for good.

Brewster came to Inuvik in 1984, straight out of university with a bachelor of education from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.

"I was heavily involved with sports in high school and played basketball in university," said Brewster. "So physical education has always been very important to me."

Brewster teaches at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school, working with students ranging from Grade 1 to 6.

The students get to play in the gym every other day, for a period of 30 minutes.

Brewster said his program teaches the younger students how to develop their abilities with skill building exercise.

"They run around and have a good time, playing games like 'pac-man,'" explained Brewster.

Pac-man is a game where the kids run around on the gym floor, following the painted lines, like in the popular video game.

The game is essentially a modified version of freeze tag.

The older students in Grades 4 to 6 start to learn the rules of some sports, like indoor soccer, baseball and floor hockey. Brewster said he wants to keep the youth of Inuvik in good physical shape at a young age so they will grow up to be healthy.

It all comes down to lifestyle choices, said Brewster.

"If these kids pick up physical activity at a young age, hopefully they will bring that into their adult life, too."

Since he has been around for so long, Brewster said he has seen his students have their own kids, and now he teaches the new breed of youth.

"It's nice to see my old students growing up," said Brewster.

Seeing the family grow, and assisting both generations, is something that Brewster takes pride in.

"When I start teaching grandkids, maybe it'll be time to retire," said Brewster with a laugh.

When he is not in the school teaching gym class, Brewster said he spends his time working out and running.

"Being active is a part of my life, and when something becomes part of your routine, it gets easier," he said.

"I've been here a long time and I'm building a new home here," said Brewster.

At least nine more years are still in store for Brewster, and he said after that he plans on staying in town.

"I want to spend the rest of my life here in Inuvik," said Brewster.