Skip to content

Cyclist trekking across Canada advocating sports for First Nation youths

Cyclist Don Patterson is taking part in a trek across Canada to raise funds to help First Nations youths get into sports activities.
13905ponokabikeacrosscanadaWEB
Cyclist Don Patterson is taking on a 7

Cyclist Don Patterson is taking part in a trek across Canada to raise funds and awareness to help First Nations youths get into sports activities.

“I’ve been a big believer that every kid should be able to participate in sports,” said Patterson of his goal.

The 7,000 kilometre ride starts off June 21 on National Aboriginal Day, in Inuvik, NWT with an intended completion of July 18 in Point Pelee, Ont. Patterson’s goal is to stop in Maskwacis Friday, July 3 in the evening after a stop in Edmonton.

Patterson has found a way to engage youths by developing an iOS app called Spirit Runner. He says the app tracks a person’s activities with a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, yoga or a user can even create his or her activity.

With help from aboriginal artists, Patterson was able to develop an app that was not only functional, but targeted the First Nations culture as well. He says there are three parts to this ride.

First is “to raise awareness and importance of physical activity for aboriginal youths,” he explained.

Patterson suggests First Nations kids struggle with diabetes, education and other issues. He feels kids learn better if they are physically active.

As for the second, Patterson says academic achievement levels are low for aboriginal youths compared to other students and he wants to help improve that. “If these kids don’t have a high school education, there’s more challenges in society,” he says.

Third aspect is working to develop sustainable programs. Patterson said this effort must be done in collaboration with First Nations communities. He hopes to help develop programs that will continue long after he has passes through a community.

One of the things Patterson loves the most about long rides is having a cold chocolate milk. He says it is a great recovery drink after a long day. As Patterson treks across the country followers can expect to see some pictures with a couple chocolate milks in hand.

For more information about the ride check Patterson’s website: www.spiritride.ca.