Provincial-territorial Aboriginal sport body formed

Constance Lake band member Patrick Cheechoo is among the new board of directors for Ontario’s provincial-territorial Aboriginal sport body.
Cheechoo, who lives is Thunder Bay, is a director on the 12-volunteer-member board for the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario (ASWCO). Thunder Bay’s Marc Laliberte serves as board chairman.
“Sport, recreation and physical activity are a part of our identity,” he said. “The Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario will provide opportunities for our people to achieve improved health and fitness.”
The council’s vision is to encourage active and healthy Aboriginal people, families, and communities in Ontario with a mission to enhance the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, cultural, and social well-being of Aboriginal people through physical activity, recreation, and sport.
“We are committed to sport and physical activity as a vehicle for overall healthy well-being, and as a valuable tool in coping with and overcoming obstacles,” Laliberte said. “Our collective experience at the ASWCO has taught that sport is a powerful, positive force that enriches lives.”
Laliberte said six pillars will build the foundation for the ASWCO.
These include long-term holistic development through physical activity, recreation and sport; leadership and coach development; recognition of excellence; partnership and development; communications and informatics; and governance.
The council met for the first time Sept. 17-18.