Cape Dorset (Sep 25/06) - Helena Wortman may be one of the biggest assets the new recreation centre in Cape Dorset has.

Wortman is just 17-years-old, and a recent graduate of high school.

Helena Wortman gets in an elevated position to record the opening ceremonies at the new youth centre in Cape Dorset. She makes time for work, being a mom and playing soccer. - Kent Driscoll/NNSL photo

She will be working five nights a week at the centre, and being young lets her connect with the centre's clients.

"I've always wanted to help with something like this. I think that this will be great for the community. There's been so many suicides, people turning to drugs and alcohol, because there is nothing else to do," said Wortman.

The daughter of Robert and Oleesia Wortman has plenty to be proud of: she has graduated high school, plays soccer for two different teams and has been raising her son Joshua, who will be two years old in December.

"I'm still playing for two teams, the 17 and under and the 25 and under," said Wortman.

She was a part of last year's Cape Dorset girls team that went to the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska, an experience she treasures.

"It was great. I was in another country, and I had never been to America before," said Wortman.

"I would like to understand how to teach kids and some first aid would be nice, you know, just in case," said Wortman.

This young mother has her own personal style. You won't see Wortman without a fantastic set of earrings on.

"I buy them down south and here. I have maybe 15 sets. My son likes to play with them," said Wortman.