Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 7, 2007

RANKIN INLET - The Hamlet of Rankin Inlet went with the vigour of youth when it named David Clark as the new recreation co-ordinator this past month.

Clark, 19, said he seriously started thinking about a career in recreation this past summer when he worked as then rec co-ordinator Jackson Lindell's assistant.

Clark oversaw five summer students while working on playgrounds, ball fields and other outdoor facilities, and enjoyed the experience.

"A few months later, Jackson (Lindell) told me he was leaving the hamlet for a job with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.," said Clark.

"That's when I really started thinking seriously about applying for the position on a full-time basis.

"The hamlet offered me the job on an interim basis this past December.

"I understood I would be up against competition, but, by that time, I had decided to go after it so I accepted."

The hamlet officially named Clark to the position in mid-January.

Clark said he enjoys the fact his new position allows him to be doing something new and/or different almost every day on the job.

He said he also enjoys spending a lot of time dealing with people and trying to make things happen.

Known mainly for his skill at the hockey arena and on the ball diamond, Clark said he has to work to get better with other sports and the overall planning of events.

"When you look at things like the Christmas Games, that's an area I have to work on.

"I don't mind the games themselves, but planning the event, making sure everything is properly organized and that I have things scheduled for everyone to enjoy are very important parts of the job.

"But, I like to have good structure at my work and in my office, so, that might make the learning associated with my job a little easier."