Canada Games Pool

	Ljiljana (Lilo) Ljubisic Lilo, as a teen, started coming to the Canada Games public swims in 1979 to keep in shape. Due to a common childhood illness and its misdiagnosis, Lilo began to slowly lose her eyesight since the age of 16 months. In 1983, Lilo began competing at a Provincial level in discus and shotput. She joined the National Team for the 1984 Summer Paralympic Games as a B-3 athlete (legally blind with very limited vision). By 1990, Lilo’s eyesight declined to the point that she was competing as a B-1 athlete (no vision). Since 1990, Lilo has 19 International podium finishes to her credit and has attended five Paraylmpics, receiving six paramedals and has remained world record holder in discus and shotput for the last ten years. In her spare time, Lilo is a motivational speaker on overcoming adversity. Lilo loves the Canada Games facility where she does all of her fitness training. “I have used fitness centres all over the world and have yet to find one that maximizes assets to this degree. There is something here for everyone, no matter what level you are starting at and what you aspire to.” Lilo adds, “There are ongoing opportunities here for everyone from recreational to competitive and everywhere in between.”
	Krista Woodward Krista is a former NWSS basketball star and BC and Canadian High School record holder in javelin throwing with an official personal best of 50.13 meters: the first high school female in Canada to throw over 50m! Krista has represented New Westminster, BC and Canada at several international events that include: Jeux de la Francophone Games in Hull, July 2001, Canadian Senior Track Championship in Edmonton, 2001/02 and the World Junior Championships in Jamaica, 2002. Because of her outstanding javelin skills and international competition experience, Krista has been granted a scholarship to Georgia University. She is showing excellent improvement under the coaching excellence of Don Babbit and is keen to excel in both her javelin throwing skills and Exercise Science major. As an elite athlete, Krista is committed to a regular workout schedule and her fitness centre of choice is at the Canada Games Pool. Krista feels that the Canada Games Pool Fitness Centre has a wide range of quality equipment, is highly accessible and has friendly staff. New Westminster Parks and Recreation wishes Krista all the best in her pursuit of International and Olympic records.
	Dennis Caldwell Dennis started coming to Canada Games Pool in 1972 when he was a waterpolo coach at the Summer Games. Over the next three decades, Dennis has continued his involvement in coaching the triathlon group XSNRG from 1993-98 and is currently coaching the aquatics team for the Police and Firefighter World Games. Dennis also has achieved personal excellence in aquatics highlighted by his participation on the 1970/71 National Waterpolo team, a gold medal in the relay and a 4th place finish in the 100 metre fly at the recent World Masters meet in Melbourne, Australia. Dennis uses the Canada Games Pool five days a week for his aquatic and fitness training. Dennis finds the pool to be convenient and has found that other facilities do not have as much access to lane areas. Also, Dennis finds the water temperature is kept at a reasonable level, which allows him to train intensely.”

Queen's Park Arenex

Participants -Nicole Harris, Brian Hiebert, Jacob and Daniel Harris Instructors - Valerie Johnson and Tim Cleave Gymnastics is a great way for kids to learn how their body works and moves. It helps in their coordination, flexibility, strength and balance. I have such fond memories going to gymnastics at the Arenex and I wanted my kids to have the same experience.

Kyra Wise I’ve been going to Kids Yoga for six weeks. I was doing yoga at home by myself and my mom said “do you want me to register you in yoga?” and I said “yes” because I like doing yoga so I wanted to do it in a class. After I go to my yoga class I feel relaxed and focussed. I’ve learned that yoga is not just a sport, it is something you do to relax and to get in touch with yourself and it’s not a playground. It is where you go to think and try to do poses and if you can’t the first time try again. What you want to try to do in yoga is focus and that will really help.

Moody Park Arena

The Goldbeck Family Henry, Denise, Jake and Will, have been participating in Moody Park Arena programs for the past six years. “Our family finds that Moody Park Arena meets our needs of promoting fitness and family time to our children” states Henry. Other reasons why the Goldbecks value MPA is due to the wide range of skating services, the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, the fun and creative instructors and the low student to instructor ratio. Henry notes, “It is so amazing how your child comes to the first day of lessons never having skated and the instructors have them falling, standing and walking forward in no time”.

Queensborough Community Centre

Reading - A Path to the Future The Queensborough Community Library officially opened Monday, September 9 and was initiated by Queensborough Special Programs Committee, Queensborough Community Centre and Queen Elizabeth Community School. The library is a welcomed addition to the community due to its accessibility and large selection of donated books for all ages. The community library is a place where neighbours can share the love of reading. The Queensborough Community Centre Public Library is very convenient. We don’t have to drive all the way to the New Westminster Library on 6th Avenue. I like the cozy, laid back atmosphere. You sign your books out and sign them in; the honour system is a refreshing change. We like to come in, look through the books, check out the community happenings then head over to the park. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon in your own community – all within walking distance. It’s a great meeting place. The informal atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to step in, browse for books, catch up on the latest community information, sign up for a course or just sit and relax.

Century House

	June Tripp “Century House is such a wonderful place. There truly is something here for everyone. The part of being a member I like the most is that you can get as involved as you like. Some people come to activities or events all the time and others come and go as their schedule permits. Having this flexibility is a great asset as the demands in our personal life change from time to time.” “I have been a member of the centre for just over seven years. I first started coming to Century House for the Square Dancing. It was one of the only Square Dancing groups that you could join and not have to have a partner. I receive so much pleasure from being involved with the dancers, and now I truly enjoy helping to organize the group so others can have a similar experience. The centre provides a wonderful place for people to connect with other people interested in similar activities. It is just wonderful to always have a place to go, find familiar faces and have people to talk to.”
	Ed Lewandowski “I walked through the doors of Century House two years ago after picking up a Clarion at the library. I wasn’t known as a “joiner” at the time, but thanks to the hosts who greeted me at the door, I became sold on the facility and decided to become a member. I love to play Bridge and that was the first activity I started to participate in. Soon my circle of friends grew and I started to become more involved in the centre.” “It is so nice to be recognized, remembered, and accepted. I was pleasantly surprised on my first visit to the centre how friendly and helpful everyone was. I can come and go as I please and participate in activities when and if I choose to do so. The activities are well organized, structured and led by our peers.” “I choose to become so involved in the centre because I want to give something back to a facility I received so much from. The activities and my volunteer work have given me a reason to want get up in the morning. I am a happier, healthier, more outgoing person as a result of being a part of the centre. Century House has truly turned my life around!”
	Bill & Dolores Rosevear “After retiring we had friends that encouraged us to join Century House. Before long we were on the committee for Carpet Bowling which led into other volunteer activities – including the BC Senior Games in 1999 which was held in New Westminster – which we found very enjoyable.” “We are very involved Carpet Bowlers. We have attended numerous competitions over the years and have placed quite well. In 2000, we won the gold medal in Kelowna and we placed second in the Hyack Tournament in New Westminster.” “We really enjoy meeting new people and sharing our life experiences with theirs. We also find it very rewarding to help others and Century House provides us with a place to do both.”
	Jo Ebert “I was introduced to Century House by my friend, Pauline, many years ago when she persuaded me to participate in a class that was studying Shakespeare. This was the first of many classes I took at Century House and have since learned many new things. I took a course on Public Speaking which gave me confidence when speaking to a group. I then went on and joined Mental Fitness and learned many interesting ways to keep my mind alive.” “Most recently, I became an “Old Spice Girl” and went on a little tour where my drama class performed a skit in front of various groups. We had a great time and we were very well received. “ “I tried my hand at painting, I enjoyed singing classes and I have always belonged to the book club. Fitness classes have become a big part of my life over the past 10 years and I also very much enjoy Line Dancing.” “Century House has brought me so much happiness these past years. Yeah Century House!!!”

[Benefits of Recreation]