INUVIK - Two Inuvik men have won awards from the NWT Recreation and Parks Association and will receive them in a ceremony in June.

Sir Alexander Mackenzie school gym teacher Shane Brewster is one of the recipients of the 2007NWT Recreation and Parks Association awards given to people who promote active living. Brewster said it's important to teach kids early to make healthy living a priority. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Sir Alexander Mackenzie School gym teacher Shane Brewster and Town of Inuvik recreation programmer Josh McDonald are both being honoured for their work promoting physical activity in the community.

McDonald said it feels good to know that his work is helping others in the community.

"I like meeting new people and seeing them enjoy themselves," said McDonald.

McDonald has been on the job with the town for the past two years.

Some of his responsibilities have been to organize town events like the Midnight Sun Fun Run.

"We want the fun run as close as possible to the summer solstice," said McDonald.

"This year the event is on June 23."

Along with maintaining the town's fitness centre, McDonald is also in charge of the annual community clean up, which is currently underway.

One of the bigger projects that McDonald is looking at these days is what to do with the Inuvik skate park.

"We are talking about the skate park and what we can do with it this year," said McDonald.

McDonald will receive the Scott McAdam Youth Leadership Award in June at a ceremony in Yellowknife.

Brewster has won the Active Living Award, which is given to people who are committed to promoting active living and healthy lifestyles.

Brewster has been promoting physical activity at the school for 22 years.

"We want to teach kids to become physically active for all their life," said Brewster.

"By giving kids a foundation of activity, hopefully they will take that into their later life."

Brewster works hard with his students to make sure they all have the best possible start to a healthy life.

"I tell them about participation, eating healthy and being involved," said Brewster.

After work, Brewster said he is active as a runner, above all other sports.

"I run a few days a week and play basketball with some guys as well," he said.

"I'm pretty active myself."

Brewster said he stays active because he enjoys the sports he plays and he wants to promote the benefits of staying healthy.

"I play squash occasionally with other people," he said.

Brewster added that most of the youth who come out twice a week to play basketball are former students of his.

"A lot of kids are involved in basketball programs at a young age and those guys kept with it," he said.

"Now they are playing senior basketball, so to speak."

Brewster also coached high school basketball six years ago.

"I was coaching a team of boys I brought through the basketball program," he said.

Brewster said being recognized is good, but being active is reward enough.

"It's a great honour to get this award," he said.

The gym teacher also had words of advice for people looking to get active.

"Start slow, start by walking and before you know it you might start jogging," said Brewster.

"Do it at your own pace."