A Smart approach to physical activity

The Liverpool resident started with the Region of Queens on Oct. 15, and is developing a plan for keeping residents moving. “This job tells you that we are thinking to the future and that physical activity is important,” says Smart.

The job was created in partnership with the Region of Queens and the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection.

Smart will develop her plan based on a report from the Physical Activity Strategy Steering Committee. The committee was comprised of organizations from all over Queens Co.

A primary goal for Smart and her position is to keep all of Queens Co. included in the plan. “We’re not going to forget Caledonia, Port Medway or Port Mouton,” says Smart. She adds the different segments of the population will be included as well. “Young girls are going to want a different way of being active than seniors.”

With that in mind, she hopes to keep the public informed and involved with the process. “You can make as many programs as you want and come up with as many strategies, but if you don’t involve the community then it’s not going to do anything,” she says. “I want people to get excited that we are doing things in the community.”

Smart is a graduate of Dalhousie University, and holds a Recreation Management degree. She was involved with the Dambusters swim team for 13 years, and later coached for four years. Smart also curls competitively, representing Nova Scotia three times at the National level.

For more information, questions or comments, contact Smart at the Region of Queens Recreation Department.