Athlete: Kendra Chernoff Province: Saskatchewan Sport: Swimming

True Sport is publicly recognizing Canada Games athletes who are contributing to a positive sport environment. A True Sport athlete is one who embraces the Principles for Sport:

Go For It    O    Play Fair    O    Stay Healthy    
Keep It Fun    O    Respect Others    O   Give Back

When 18 year-old Kendra Chernoff leaves the Canada Games at the end of week two, she’ll be heading from the smallest province in Canada to the biggest state in the continental United States. Although she is expected to report to her new school, Texas A&M, in mid-August, the swimmer remains dedicated to her province and to her sport and will act as the captain of Saskatchewan’s swim team in P.E.I.

For this, her team has nominated this well-rounded young woman whose commitment to good sport is at the foundation of her swimming success, as its True Sport Athlete.

There’s no doubt that Kendra is devoted to excellence. She’s a hard-working athlete – always first into the pool and the last to leave.  And her willingness to Go For It is paying off!

With excellent results in the pool and the classroom, Kendra has earned a scholarship to Texas A&M University. She broke the Canadian record in the women’s 100-metre butterfly in July; and has her sights set on qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games.

This young athlete has also been singled out by her team as a True Sport Athlete, a role model whose attitude inspires her teammates to greater heights.

Her coach, Richard Millns, describes Kendra by saying:  “Her performance is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes down to why she is successful. Kendra is a radiant presence of positive energy. She is always happy, always working hard and never settles for less than her best. As a role model she is constantly showing interest in others, is always positively encouraging the younger members of her team, and lives up to all the advice she gives."

Some young athletes might think it’s enough to break records, win medals and gain the respect of their teammates. But Kendra also wants to Give Back, and thinks about other youth in her hometown of Saskatoon that might not have the same opportunities as she has had. The “Fins for Fun” campaign collects gently used swimwear from fellow swimmers and donates it to Saskatoon inner city schools’ swim programs.  Kendra helped organize the program, advertise and promote it through the media, collect more than five boxes of swim clothing, and even deliver it to the schools!

The True Sport Movement wishes Kendra the best of success at the 2009 Canada Summer Games, and in the future!

True Sport is a national movement for sport and community. Its goal is to help sport live up to its full potential as a public asset for Canada and Canadian society, making a significant contribution to the development of youth, the well-being of individuals, and quality of life in our communities. To learn more about the True Sport Movement, visit www.truesport.ca.