The Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 18-24. Volunteers are a critical part of the everyday operations of the department and although volunteering has looked a little different throughout the pandemic, the thankless act of each volunteer has not been overlooked.
Volunteering has become a very prominent way of positively impacting our attitudes and behaviours throughout the pandemic including many student volunteers who have given back through the Move Your Mind program, reminding students to take care of their mental and physical health.
Other areas within the department that saw volunteers become key contributors this past year included: Advancement, Clubs, Marketing and Outreach (Team-Up, Rise-Up), Strength and Conditioning, and Athletic Therapy. Over 300 volunteers gave back to the Warriors community in these areas mentioned throughout 2020.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have so many outstanding student, alumni, and community volunteers who generously gave their time to further advance our department," said director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster. "I am especially proud of our volunteers who showed just how selfless our Warriors community can be even during a pandemic. It is very encouraging and inspiring to see."
The magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all and we are seeing how prevalent that is in our current environment. The department is very fortunate to have the support of alumni and community volunteers lending their time and talent to support our student population.
"Volunteering is a two-way street and we hope the contributions and impact are rewarding and mutually beneficial," mentioned Webster. "We are truly thankful for all the volunteers who were so generous this past year and the ongoing effort of those graciously giving their time during the pandemic."[Text Wrapping Break]
Throughout the week, the department will be thanking volunteers on social media for their selfless contributions. Below are a couple profiles of volunteers throughout the department:
Name: Katie Ivancic
Year: 3A
Program of study: Recreation and Sports Business
Volunteer area: Team-Up Leader & Rise-Up Mentor
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
I am motivated to volunteer for the Warriors because I believe that as upper-year student-athletes we are in a great position to give back and encourage young school-aged children to understand the benefits of physical exercise, eating healthy foods and creating short-term and long-term goals to help them achieve success.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
What I enjoy most about volunteering for Team-up is the look on all of the student's faces during our presentation and the excitement in their voice when they share with us what they want to be when they grow up one day.
Anything else you want to add?
Volunteering for the Warriors has made me become a more confident public speaker. I am so grateful for the opportunities that being a student-athlete has given me, including the chance to give back through volunteering while representing the University of Waterloo.
Name: Selena Dirven
Year: 4
Program of study: Kinesiology Co-op
Volunteer area: Move Your Mind
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
The Warriors has always been a welcoming community and this community has played a big part in the amazing experiences I have had during my time at UW. This has motivated me to give back to the Warriors community and help other students gain the positive experiences the Warrior community provides.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
I enjoy getting to meet other students and helping them experience the benefits of physical activity and find something they enjoy!
Name: Kimberly Peckett
Year: 4B
Program of study: Kinesiology, Minor in Medical Physiology
Volunteer area: Move Your Mind
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
Move Your Mind is a program that helps promote mental health through physical activity. This is a program that I truly believe in and have seen how much of an impact it can make for fellow University of Waterloo students. Life in university can be rough, but meeting new people, supporting one another, and being active can make a positive difference and is the reason I have been volunteering for this program since my 1B term.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
The thing I enjoyed most about volunteering for the Warriors is the amazing people that I have met. Many of the friends I have now are people who I would have never come into contact with had we not all signed up for the same volunteering program. It's great to meet people in different programs and different backgrounds, and all coming together to promote mental wellbeing through physical activity.
Anything else you want to add?
The University of Waterloo has many amazing volunteer opportunities. I highly recommend getting involved. It is very rewarding, great for resumes, and you get to meet some awesome people along the way.
Name: Kayden Toffolo
Year: 4B
Program of study or grad year: Chemical Engineering
Volunteer area: Club Manager, Karate and Jujitsu Club
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
I am motivated to volunteer as the executive manager of the Karate Club in order to support the amazing community that exists within the club. Everyone is so friendly and supportive, and I count the members as some of my closest friends - it is a privilege to be able to support the club, and to know that I am helping to make it possible for this great group of people to come together and train.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
I most enjoy the satisfaction of helping the club to run smoothly: to provide a place for everyone to have a good time, to learn something fun, and be active as part of a healthy university lifestyle. Some weeks might get very busy when I balance school, research, and club activities, but it's worth it to be able to train with everyone and to see people enjoying themselves in karate.
Anything else you want to add?
I'd like to thank all of the other execs and instructors from the Karate and Jujitsu Club, past and present, for all of their hard work – they bring an amazing energy to the club and it wouldn't be the same without them.
Name: Vanessa Armstrong
Year: 4B
Program: Honours Kinesiology with Human Nutrition Minor & Rehabilitation Sciences Specialization
Volunteer area: Student Trainer
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
I'm someone who loves to help people and make any kind of positive impact for even just one person. Over the last 3 years of being a student trainer, I've seen how I've done exactly that for so many people within athletics – whether it be the student-athletes, fellow student trainers, or our Athletic Therapists. Even on the nights where I'm freezing cold sitting in the rain until 12am at practices, I know someone needs me to be there. Being able to see the impact I have had on people as a Student Trainer is what keeps me excited to volunteer, no matter how exhausted, cold, or wet I might get.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
This is a hard one because it's more of a feeling where I'm just completely at ease when I walk into the clinic or stand on the sidelines. It's a very unique opportunity to learn things from Athletic Therapists that are (quite literally) in the middle of it all that I otherwise wouldn't learn in a lecture hall or lab. I've also always had trouble making/maintaining friendships, but from the amount of time you spend with people that share a common interest, it's near impossible to not make friends you'll have for a lifetime.
Anything else you want to add?
I have so many things I could add, but I think to sum it all up, volunteering in athletics as a Student Trainer has been the absolute best decision I have ever made in my life and I will forever be grateful for it.
Name: Warriors Men's Rugby Alumni and Supporters Committee
What motivates you to volunteer with the Warriors?
Stephen Webb, Committee Chair (Warrior 1975–1979): Giving back to the rugby program.
Graham Stickler, Men's Rugby Head Coach: I coach rugby to give back to a sport that has given me so much. I have seen, quite literally, change in young people's lives for the better.
Andy Bauer, Committee Member (Warrior 1998–2002, 2005, 2007): I have a lot of great memories and experiences being part of the Warriors men's rugby program, and I hope to help others have those experiences.
Tim Bauer, Committee Member (Warrior 1998–2002, 2007, 2009): Both the school and the rugby program has given me a lot. I'm honoured to give back to say thanks and to help current and future Warriors have similar great experiences.
Josh Windsor, Committee Member (Warrior 1990–1996): As a player and former head coach of the Warriors, I recognize the importance and influence that varsity athletics has on the character development of young people. I hope to help provide exceptional opportunities and experiences for our current and future student-athletes during these formative years.
Bryce Carlin, Committee Member (Warrior 2009–2011): Being able to make an impact and trying to bring the program to the next level.
Jason Shaw, Committee Member (Warrior 2006–2009): What motivates me is to give back to a program that has given me some lifelong friends and memories and hope the current players can enjoy their student-athlete experience as much as they can.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Warriors?
Stephen Webb, Committee Chair (Warrior 1975 – 1979): Assisting in getting the "Alumni and Supporters Committee" off the ground and connecting with old teammates and meeting other alumni.
Graham Stickler, Men's Rugby Head Coach: The student-athletes' enthusiasm and willingness to learn is infectious and something I really enjoy.
Andy Bauer, Committee Member (Warrior 1998-2002, 2005, 2007): Working with the men's rugby alumni committee helps keep everyone connected, and so volunteering creates new opportunities to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Tim Bauer, Committee Member (Warrior 1998-2002, 2007, 2009): Connecting with current Warriors and staying plugged into the vibe of the school and athletics.
Josh Windsor, Committee Member (Warrior 1990 – 1996): As a part time assistant coach and member of the newly formed alumni committee, I enjoy reconnecting with former teammates and other alumni sharing our memories and experiences.
Bryce Carlin, Committee Member (Warrior 2009-2011): Building and reviving a community around the rugby program and having the opportunity to connect with teammates and other alumni in the process.
Jason Shaw, Committee Member (Warrior 2006–2009): Watching the evolution of the rugby program and the sport itself from where it was during my time playing. It's been great to keep in touch with former players and coaches and seeing where life has taken everyone.
Anything else you would like to add?
Stephen Webb, Committee Chair (Warrior 1975 – 1979): It is a pleasure working with the university on this program to help connect alumni to the current team and each other.
Graham Stickler, Men's Rugby Head Coach: I am impressed by the University and Athletics Department's commitment and support to grow student participation in sports generally, and in my case, rugby in particular.
Tim Bauer, Committee Member (Warrior 1998-2002, 2007, 2009): Clearly I love being a Warrior: 10 years of school; 7 years playing; 7 years coaching; 3 years (so far) as a professor. When you love something, you do anything you can to help make it great.
Bryce Carlin, Committee Member (Warrior 2009-2011): I'm thrilled to see the excitement we're starting to generate and positive feedback from alumni on some of the initiatives that the committee has started.
Jason Shaw, Committee Member (Warrior 2006–2009): I am excited to see what the future holds for the program. With continuous support from a growing alumni network as well as the Department of Athletics, the program is in great hands!
