“It’s a gathering place and whether you’re a student, an employee, an academic or anyone, they’re all coming here for a common purpose,” says Julia Panchyshyn, a Manager of the Human Resources Service Centre at UM.

For over 20 years, Panchyshyn has also been a group fitness instructor for Recreation Services. She says she’s seen firsthand how the facility enabled a “very special” community to grow on campus.

“It’s a really tight-knit community, and I think working on campus, you run across people that have been in your classes or at the gym, and you make these connections,” she says.

“A renaissance fitness cathedral.”

Julia Panchyshyn

The facility, designed by Cibinel Architecture in collaboration with Batteríid Architects, replaced the “gritty” grotto, the former basement-level workout facility. In addition to the updated fitness facilities, the building also houses the High Performance Training Centre, the heart of strength and conditioning for Bisons student-athletes and the Applied Research Centre, a hub for faculty research advancing our understanding of kinesiology.

When it opened, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management Dean Douglas Brown said the new facility, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, was a “renaissance fitness cathedral.”

“I love that in almost every corner of this space, you’re looking out at the sunshine and the green,” said Kaylee Green, a program coordinator with Mini U. “We’re really lucky here with how accessible it is, how safe it is and the opportunity to play and be a part of this community.”

“It’s great to see that sometimes their passion starts here, at an almost grassroots level.”

Green says the space creates the chance for Mini U to expose campers to new experiences they weren’t previously able to accommodate, like more climbing programs on the 32-foot wall. She says many of the climbing leaders today were once kids in the climbing camps years ago.

Kaylee Green

“It’s been nice that [ kids who’ve gone through Mini U programs] want to stay here and they want to share that passion with the kids,” she says. “It’s great to see that sometimes their passion starts here, at an almost grassroots level.”

When the building opened, Brown says the goal was to create a space that would help draw people into the campus and community. Green says it’s done more than just that; it has become a safe and comfortable place for many young campers.

“I love working out with all the students because it gives me the energy to push myself.”

Green says many of the campers look up to the people in the community, like instructors they meet and older athletes they see working out. Getting to engage in the same facilities as them gives them a “goal” for their future.

Prema Bursa says she shares a similar enthusiasm for the community in the ALC.

“It’s the people, the members, the staff, the fitness attendants, the reception desk, everybody.”

Prema Bursa

“I love working out with all the students because it gives me the energy to push myself,” the longtime member says. “I see what they’re doing and I want to do the same.”

Bursa, a senior in the community who has been a member for over 30 years, says it’s the people that keep her coming six days a week (Fridays are her rest day).

“It’s the people, the members, the staff, the fitness attendants, the reception desk, everybody. They’re all so helpful, so wonderful and such passionate people,” she says.

Panchyshyn says the welcoming feeling the community has in the space is really its defining feature. She says the anxiousness of going to the gym lightens when you see the familiar faces of the attendants and members.

“It just makes it that much easier and takes that scariness away,” she says. “Then you’ll recognize someone another time, or see them elsewhere on campus, and you now have this connection which just makes things a little easier each time.”

Programming engaging recreation and outreach in the Active Living Center, whether it be through Recreation Services, Mini U or Bisons Sports is part of the faculty’s strategic plan centered around building health communities.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Active Living Centre’s and its role in building health and wellness in the community, a number of events will take place from June 7-17.

The celebration kicks off on June 7 with the Get Active open house and wraps up with Sneaker Day, a staff and faculty event on June 17. Throughout the week, people who attend events at the ALC can be entered to win prizes from Recreation Services, including daily 4-month memberships, and one 12-month membership grand prize.

Celebration events

June 7: Get Active open house

• Get Active opens the doors to the ALC with free access to the fitness facilities on the Fort Garry campus.
• • •  Get Active showcases membership benefits, provides access to fitness facilities and builds community both on and off campus.
    •  The facilities will be open to the public for free from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    •  Visit the event listing for a full schedule

June 9-13: Staff appreciation week

• All faculty and staff at UM will have free gym access throughout the work week.
• Workout on the fitness floor, try a group fitness class or sign up for drop-in climbing. Take advantage of all the benefits of the Rec Services membership for free this week.
• UM staff can stop by the customer service desk in the ALC and Joe Doupe Recreation Centre with their staff card to fill out a waiver to take advantage of free gym access for the week.

June 17: Sneaker Day

• A special lunch-hour event for staff and faculty from across the university to connect, enjoy some fresh air and embrace an active lifestyle with a 3 km walk at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses, sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President (Administration).
• Staff and faculty are invited to socialize after the walk and enjoy cookies and ice cream (from the UM Dairy Club). Registration has closed but UM staff are welcome to join us on the walk.

The AFU Showcase is open to the university community and the public, where you are invited to connect with units from across the university and learn more about their offerings. Registration is not required to attend the AFU Showcase, which will take place in conjunction with the Centre on Aging’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, which will be held on the same day and location.

Why attend the AFU Showcase?

The AFU Showcase is a way for both the UM community and public to connect with one another. Using the AFU principles for inspiration, here are 10 reasons why you should join us!

1. To encourage the participation of older adults
   Whether you’re interested in learning opportunities, being a research participant, or engaging in a variety of activities and events, connect with UM staff to find out about opportunities available to you.
2. Personal and career development
   Interested in learning more about where your future career path can take you? Access resources to update your resume or learn about current job and volunteer opportunities and get recognized for your extracurricular activities through the student Experience Record. Connect with staff from Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre. Those who are current students or have graduated from UM within the last six months can schedule meetings with Career Services and are also able to access online resources and workshops.
3. Range of education needs
   Whether you’re looking to change careers or pursue a graduate degree, staff from the Faculty of Graduate Studies can talk to you about the various graduate programs offered. They can also share information about the Graduate Focus on Aging Concentration.
   Are you in need of support for your learning? Student Accessibility Services can assist students with disabilities to foster future academic success. Connect with them in person to find out how.
4. Intergenerational learning
   There are many opportunities for older adults and younger adults to connect and learn from one another. Whether it’s by auditing a course or attending an arts or cultural event, check out the Events calendar to find out what’s happening on campus.
5. Online educational opportunities
   Whether you’re interested in learning about research through an online webinar or taking a short course, connect with Extended Education staff to learn about their range of learning opportunities both in person and online!
6. Research agenda
   The Centre on Aging has a participant database for those aged 55 years and older who are interested in participating in research studies focused on older adults. Sign up to be contacted about future studies and contribute to aging research.
7. Longevity dividend
   Manitobans are known for their generosity. By 2041, the projected number of those aged 65 to 74 years will be over 140,000 Manitobans, with over 80% of individuals aged 55–74 donating to a charitable organization. Learn how you can make a difference to future generations at the UM by connecting with Planned Giving staff.
8. Health and wellness programs and cultural activities
   No matter which campus you’re on, the Family Resource coordinator (Fort Garry) or Rady Family Centre  (Bannatyne) provide various resources and supports for staff to access on family care topics: child care, older adult care, newcomer supports.
   Visit Recreation Services to learn about their Aging Actively programs and if you haven’t already, take a tour of their facilities during the lunch hour.
9. University’s retired community
   UM staff considering retirement can find out about other considerations they need to know by connecting with the UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Group or taking the Road to Retirement course on UM Learn.
   For those who will be retiring, speak with a University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) representative to learn how retirees can stay connected with the UM.
10. Dialogue with organizations representing older adults
    As part of the Centre’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, you can connect with exhibitors who will be available to talk about programs and services they offer in Manitoba to older adults, their caregivers, families, and friends.

For more information

To learn more about Age-Friendly University Showcase participants and initiatives, visit the AFU Hub.

Angus, who has served in her role for almost two decades, has witnessed generations of students reap the rewards of recreation programming at UM. Speaking to what she enjoys most about supporting this programming, she reflects, “I love seeing students find activities that bring them joy, whether it’s discovering a new passion for yoga, joining an intramural team, or simply making fitness a part of their routine. Recreation is a key part of student life, and fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and well-being through our programs is incredibly rewarding.”

A core tenet of Recreation Services is that it provides opportunities for all students to engage, and not just seasoned athletes. Different programs can meet students where they are, across a spectrum of experience, interests and time or energy commitments. Angus provides some suggestions to help students giving Recreation Services a try for the first time:

• Start small and explore. You don’t have to come with any previous experience or make a big commitment. Some great entry points are beginner-friendly group fitness classes or recreational sports.
• Find what you enjoy. There’s something for everyone, so look for what piques your interest and try a few options. Different programs like structured classes, solo workouts, or team sports have appeal for different kinds of people and lifestyles.
• Bring a friend. Trying new activities can be easier with a buddy! It’s also a great way to integrate physical activity and social time in your schedule.
• Ask for help. Staff and trainers are here for you and happy to help you find the right opportunities, whether you’re looking for specialized programs or general ways to get more active. You can even start by booking a Strong Start session, which is a half hour timeslot that connects you with a fitness attendant who can discuss your interests and provide a free customized tour. These sessions are free with the sole purpose of setting you up for success.

The benefits of participating in recreation extend far beyond physical fitness. Angus emphasizes that physical activity is especially important for students, saying “it’s about mental health, resilience, and community.” There is a multitude of reasons for students to get active, depending on their personal interests and goals. “Whether a student wants to train for a marathon, relieve stress with a fun game of volleyball, or simply take a break from studying with a group fitness class, we want to provide those opportunities,” describes Angus. Exercise is often one of the first things dropped from routines when life gets busy, despite how integral it is for supporting students in all other areas of wellness and success. By recognizing exercise as a core aspect of student life, rather than an auxiliary activity, students can reap the full benefits. As Angus explains, “Recreation helps students build healthy habits that can stay with them for life. Research also shows that students that are engaged in campus recreation are more likely to graduate and have higher GPAs.”

Recreation programming falls under several categories that serve different purposes. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Intramural Sports: Fun, recreational leagues where students can compete in sports like basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, innertube water polo and more.
• Recreational Clubs: Student-led clubs focused on activities like badminton, climbing, rugby, soccer, synchronized skating, tennis, ultimate, volleyball, and wrestling. (A new dance club is coming this spring, as well!)
• Group Fitness & Wellness Classes: Yoga, HIIT, spin, and other instructor-led classes designed for all fitness levels.
• Personal Training: One-on-one personal training and group training to help you meet all your fitness goals.
• Adult & Community Programs: Open to the broader community, offering dance, martial arts, and recreation programs.

Even within each of these categories, there is a range of different types of activities and sports to explore. Angus and the Recreation Services team are always working to keep up a selection of varied programming that is fun and inclusive. Updates to the program offerings, such as the new Pilates Reformer class coming soon, are always in the works.

Check out the UM Sport and Recreation Online Registration webpage to explore the full list of recreation programs. Programming runs with academic terms, so when students are registered in courses for that term, their cost of membership is included in tuition (some programs require an extra fee, and some are free with membership). Spring registration is coming up next and opens March 27, 2025 at noon. If you are not registered in spring courses but are still a UM student, there is a Student Term Rate membership available for only $150 for an entire four months, so you can continue to be active all season.

“I think the best I think the best part of Mini U is the ever-changing climate of our programs,” says Sheffield. “We’re constantly trying to evolve the program to be as cutting edge as possible.”

Sheffield says the leaders who bring a “fresh vibe to the environment” is also a highlight for him each year. Mini U employs over 150 UM students each year as leaders and supervisors in its summer camp and seasonal programs. Sheffield says Mini U prides itself on being a first for many students.

Drew Sheffield, Mini U Program Coordinator

“We are often their first interview experience, the first job orientation and their first role taking on real responsibility,” says Sheffield. “It’s important we get it right so that we can create really good future leaders, to move onto whatever their career might be.”

Sheffield says Mini U also helps to build the student experience, with leaders and supervisors growing a particularly strong bond over the summer.

“You’re learning how to properly communicate with each other, how to build relationships, not just with the kids, but also amongst your peers. And those relationships, because of that shared experience, are long-lasting.”

Adam Toffan, the Joe Dope Recreation Centre supervisor, says Recreation Services also builds a shared bond in the recreation facilities of both campuses.

Adam Toffan, Joe Doupe Recreation Centre Supervisor

“We want to have a welcoming and inclusive community where people feel free to be themselves,” says Toffan. “We get to work with people through their journeys and get to know their stories. We want their experience to make them feel centred and heard.”

Toffan says that communities develop through shared interests across all recreation facilities, clubs, programs and classes. He says the close relationship between Recreation Services and its members creates a larger impact beyond physical health and well-being.

“We try and look at health and fitness with how it transfers to other parts of your life and creating an active lifestyle that works for you,” says Toffan. “We want people to leave the gym feeling ready for whatever they have coming at them next, whether it’s school or work or just life in general.”

At their core, both Mini U and Recreation Services share the goal of building a healthier community by fostering physical, mental and emotional well-being. They aim to create spaces where individuals can grow and develop into healthier, more capable and well-rounded people.

Staff Appreciation Week is dedicated to building a healthy campus community by encouraging faculty and staff to prioritize their well-being.

What you can do during Staff Appreciation Week

• Group fitness classes
• Open gyms and courts
• Work out in the fitness centres
• Climbing (pre-registration required)

How to participate

Come to the customer service desk with your staff card, complete a waiver and you can enjoy free access all week.  

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week and prioritize your well-being!

Staff membership perks

Staff can enjoy a recreation membership for as little as $18.00 bi-weekly through payroll deduction. Staff and faculty can also add a spouse at the staff rate and dependents on their payroll deduction plan.

Recreation Services also has locker rentals and towel services for members for an additional fee. Inquire at the customer service desk for details.

Get more information about memberships.

The open house showcases membership benefits, provides access to fitness facilities, and helps build community both on and off campus. The facilities will be open to the community for free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with various activities will be scheduled throughout the day. 

“Our goal is to encourage the community to come together, move their bodies, and connect with others who share similar interests,’ says Tanya Angus, director of Recreation Services at UM.

“We believe in the power of physical activity and social interaction to enhance well-being. Our Get Active open house is not only about showcasing what we have to offer in terms of programs and facilities but also about creating a sense of belonging and community.”

The facilities will be open to the community for free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a variety of activities will be scheduled throughout the day.  Get Active is open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to recreational activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Schedule

Fort Garry Campus (430 University Cres)

The Active Living Centre, Frank Kennedy Centre, and Joyce Fromson Pool facilities are free for the public to use throughout the day. Please see the schedule of activities to plan your visit.

Active Living Centre fitness floor

All-day access from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those 15 and over. If you’d like to learn more about the spaces, we’re hosting two group tours of our facilities.

Tours start at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. Meet at our customer service desk give minutes before the start time to take a tour of the facilities.

Group fitness

Try a fitness class led by one of our certified instructors. All fitness and experience levels are welcome. Participants must be 17 and older to attend.

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

• Abs & Glutes:  Second floor, Dance Studio
• Cycle Xpress: Third floor, Cycling Studio

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

• Yoga Flow: Second floor, Multipurpose Studio 264
• Zumba: Second floor, Multipurpose Studio 274

Open gymnasium

Pick up a racket and try out some court sports. In the morning, the Brown Gym on the second floor will be open to play pickleball and badminton. In the afternoon, drop-in volleyball.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Pickleball/Badminton
  • Bring your own or rent a racquet. Balls/birdies can be purchased and other equipment can be borrowed from the customer service desk.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm

• Volleyball
  • Equipment can be borrowed from the customer service desk.

Mini U games

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Bring your children, grandchildren or other young ones aged 5-12 in your life for games led by our Mini U team. Games take place in the Brown Gym on the second floor.

Recreational swim

2:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Take advantage of lane swimming in our 25m pool with six lanes or enjoy the deep end. A guardian must accompany minors in the pool and bathing suits are required.

Climbing wall

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Try out our 35-foot climbing wall on the third floor of the Active Living Center. All climbers must pre-register, and equipment is available at the wall.

Joe Doupe Recreation Centre (030-Brodie Center – 727 McDermot Avenue)

Fitness floor and Gymnasium

 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Guests must be 15 and over to use the fitness floor facilities and guests below the age of 15 must be accompanied with a guardian when using the gymnasium.

Group fitness

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

• Zumba: Studio

Join us!

Please remember to bring indoor shoes, clothes to be active in, and photo ID. All guests will be required to complete our gym waiver to access our spaces.

While you’re at the gym, you can enter to win a 4-month membership from UM Recreation Services.

“You start having these connections and they ultimately lead to friendships,” says Khouv. “It’s a very easy sport to meet people and socialize.”

Khouv says the sport is easy to get into and lends itself to meeting new people. Plus, he says the sport has an invisible language players develop during games.

“You sort of connect in a way even without really having to talk with them,” says Khouv. “That sort of nonverbal communication then builds itself into the socialization afterwards.”

The club welcomes anyone at any skill level, whether they’re practicing for fun or competitions. Khouv says one thing setting the group apart from others in the city is letting players of any skill level play against each other.

“People always want to play higher to improve their skills and to grow as a player,” says Khouv. “We encourage people to play amongst each other to try and build up the skill level of the club as a whole.”

Khouv says the ease of learning the basics allow for the sport to meet players where they’re at physically. He says allowing cross play between different skill levels helps bring players closer together in the community.

“You have players in their 50s, 60s and 70s playing and interacting with 18-year-olds, acting like they’ve known each other for so long,” says Khouv.

Khouv says the club and its 150 active members, including UM students and faculty and other community members, organize social events, like bowling, barbeques and March’s Umaido Mochi Donuts popup on campus, to build an inclusive community on and off the courts.

Khouv is looking forward to the upcoming season, which includes hosting an open tournament in June. He says the group is always excited for new players to join, whether experienced players or someone just starting for the first time.

The badminton club season starts Monday, April 29. For more information or to register, please contact UM badminton club.

“My hands were so sweaty,” says Venegas. “You have no idea how shy I was.”

Venegas, the instructor of the Recreation Services’ bachata class, moved to Mexico City to learn more formally about the bachata style of dance and its cultural history. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Venegas says he grew up surrounded by various Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Antillean rhythms at family gatherings and parties and has been dancing all his life.

“My house in Mexico is two hours away from the beach, so I have been exposed to tropical music and dance since I was born,” says Venegas. “I have always taken dance as a way to express my Latino identity.”

Venegas says bachata is a Latin-American social dance, and while his class at UM will teach the basics, its main focus is helping students find their personal style.

“I’m teaching improvisation because life doesn’t have a recipe,” says Venegas. “This class is for students to feel confidence in their bodies and express themselves in a more personalized style.”

Venegas says his confidence from dance has brought him a long way, both in overcoming his shyness and by distance. After travelling to Mexico City in 2017, he came to Winnipeg in 2022 to pursue his master’s in nuclear physics in the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy. He says without his connection to his cultural history through bachata and dance, he wouldn’t have been able to make the move to Canada.

“I love the people and everything in this country,” said Venegas. “But if I had become disconnected from my roots, which are my music and lyrics and the way they help me express myself, I don’t think I would’ve been able to come here.”

The bachata class will have a free class on Thursday, May 2, as part of Recreation Services’ Free Trial Week, which runs from April 29 to May 3. Registration for regular classes, which begin on May 9, is now open.

• Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
• Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
• Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
• Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
• Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
• Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

Share your actions using #BellLetsTalk and help inspire others.

How UM is joining the conversation

Staff, faculty and students are all encouraged to join in the conversation and raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Explore supports for students and resources for employee wellbeing. Attend one of the events listed below and do something for your own mental health this week.

Falun Dafa English/Beginner’s Group
 Qigong meditation and reading teachings
Date:  Tuesday, January 23^rd 
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, 521 A/B UMSU University Centre

Date: January 24th
Time: 11:30-1:30 pm
Location: Brodie Atrium

Pause for Paws

Date: January 24, 2024
Time: 11 am – 12:30pm
Location: 162 Extended Education, Student Wellness Centre

Stigma Smackdown
Join us for an absolutely fun filled event where we welcome all people to come and pledge that they would do their part to break the stigma around mental health on campus. We invite everyone to paint their hands (you can put on a glove to keep it clean) and smack our Stigma Sheet to show their support for mental health awareness. 

Date: January 24, 2024
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: UMSU University Centre, First Floor (Beside GPA’s)

Free Group Fitness Access for UM Staff
UM staff can join Recreation Services for a free group fitness class by presenting their staff card to the Active Living Centre or Joe Doupe front desks.
Date: January 24
Time: Multiple classes. The schedule can be viewed here: Fort Garry schedule |Joe Doupe schedule

Location: Active Living Centre / Joe Doupe Recreation Centre

Bouncing Back to the Beat” – Group Drumming for Wellness
Make connections with fellow students and drum together with wellness-themed discussions and musical activities.  All skill levels welcome, instruments provided.
Date: Wednesday, January 24th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, 521 A/B UMSU University Centre

More info, email:
spiritualcare@umanitoba.ca

Mahamevnawa Asapuwa
Meditation session with Buddhist Monk for the UofM community, no previous meditation experience required.
Date:  Wednesday, January 24th
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, 521 A/B UMSU University Centre

Namchak Learning Circles Meditation
Guided meditation (Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice). Open to all students, no previous meditation experience is required.
Date: Thursday, January 25th
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, 521 A/B UMSU University Centre

Colourful Minds Paint Night

The Colourful Minds Painting Group is an opportunity for students to explore their artistic expression through paint in guided sessions. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to gather, learn and connect with each other in a safe, creative, and inclusive space.

Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024
Time: 4 -7 pm

Unwind and Thrive
Date: January 25^th
Time: 10:30-12:30
Location: Student Wellness Centre 

Mindful Campus Room at Bannatyne
Come have some fun and connect in 405 Brodie Centre. There will be games, art supplies and a space to relax available for students, faculty, and staff.

Date: Friday, January 26th
Time: Noon-2:00 pm
Location: 405 Brodie Centre

Tech Free Lunch
Enjoy a tech-free lunch!  Students welcome to bring their lunch and enjoy it with others, while engaging in light conversation.  Organized by Segue, a Christian faith-based student group.

Date:  Friday, January 26th 
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, 521 A/B UMSU University Centre

The event, co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President (Administration), encouraged community members to take a break from their usual routines, get outside together, and reconnect on campus.

“Sneaker Day is a great event to stretch your legs, breath some fresh air, and enjoy the campus,” said Douglas Brown, Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.

The events also allowed the UM community to show off their sneaker style. From sportswear and streetwear to high fashion and function, the Active Living Centre Agora and the Brodie Centre Atrium were busy with UM community members putting their best feet forward, flaunting their foot ware style.

Eric Thompson, Facilities Supervisor for the Active Living Centre Frank Kennedy Centre & Joyce Fromson Pool, wore a combination of two Nike Kyrie 4s, both themed around cereal. On his left were the Nike Kyrie 4 Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and on his right were the Nike Kyrie 4 Lucky Charms.

Eric Thompson wearing his cereal styled Nike Kyrie 4s.

“I want to try and keep them as pristine as I can, so they don’t see the light of day too often,” said Thompson. “But this seemed like a special enough occasion to take them out.”

Thompson, who has secretly been collecting sneakers for years, said he isn’t sure of the exact number in his collection but would guess it’s close to 150.

Thompson wasn’t the only sneakerhead in the crowd on Wednesday. Kelly Pokorny, the Confidential Assistant to the Dean and Associate Dean of the Asper School of Business, was sporting a pair of rose gold, Swarovski crystal-encrusted Maxima-R Steve Madden sneakers.

Kelly Pokorny wearing her shimmering Swarovski crystal Steve Madden sneakers

An old-school shoe addict, Pokorny said she had her eyes on the shiny shoes for a while before getting them when they went on sale. They were such a good deal that she bought three pairs, including an all-white version she plans to wear on her wedding day, allowing her to be fashionable and functional.

“I’d say shoes have been a weakness of mine probably since I got a credit card,” said Pokorny.

Pokorny said the other pair in her shimmering shoes is an all-black pair she uses when walking or for light workouts in the gym.

Exercise and sport were at the centre of many shoes showcased on Sneaker Day, including Holly Brown’s Salming Distance D5 runners. Brown, the Strategic Institutional Research Initiative Coordinator for the Office of Research Services, bought the trainers for their advertised zero-drop.

Holly Brown wearing her flashy Salming runners

A zero-drop refers to the level of the shoe’s sole, bringing the foot to a more natural positioning over many runners with a higher heel-to-toe drop. Brown said she bought the shoes while training for a marathon, but now they are part of her regular workout shoe rotation.

The other reason Brown likes the shoes?

“The colour,” she said. “They’re super fun and different. And I’ve had them for a long time, and they’ve stayed bright.”

Colour and style were the defining elements of many shoes seen walking around campuses, including the pair of yellow and blue Adidas Forum 84s worn by Keziah Hoeppner, office assistance with the Dean’s Office Finance team.

One of the Sneaker Day co-event leads (along with Hayley Gibson, an office assistant in Recreation Services), Hoeppner’s Adidas, closely resembles the 2023 Sneaker Day logo shoe graphic. Hoeppner said she switched out the standard blue laces to a set of yellow ones to bring the logo to life.

Keziah Hoeppner wearing Adidas styled after the Sneaker Day logo.

And while Hoeppner said the shoes were certainly cool, after the 2.5-kilometre walk, it became clear they were an example of fashion over function.

“They are not very comfortable,” she said. “My feet are definitely hurting.”

However, occasionally comfort must be sacrificed to bring events like Sneaker Day to life. You can check out the Recreation Services Instagram account for a look at the dozens of sneakers from across campus that were on display.

All the sneakers, whether fashion-forward or well-worn and loved, joined together for the community walk, which took a loop through their respective campuses, giving faculty and staff a chance to reconnect outdoors.

FKRM would like to thank all those who came out to support the 2023 Sneaker Day event.