Delegates at the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association conference in Swift Current got to hear an inspiring message from former Canadian rower Silken Laumann.
The three-time Olympic medallist told her story of triumph over tragedy, and the importance of following your dreams.
"That personal piece that we all need to connect with, which is having dreams, being able to envision the best possible scenario for our life," she said. "Becoming aware of the beliefs we hold deep within ourselves and how they limit us, and replacing those beliefs within ourselves."
Silken Laumann talked with reporters after her keynote address
She reflected on some of the adversities she overcame in her career, including a devastating leg injury she suffered in a training accident ahead of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where she won a bronze medal just two months later.
She says her experiences can relate to the community recreation industry and its young leadership.
"There are a lot of young leaders, and I think the most challenging thing about becoming a leader is seeing yourself as a leader," she said. "It seems like some title that somebody ordains upon you, but how do you actually earn that position? We earn the position by leading, having courage and being somebody who's willing to take risks... A leader in a community like this is somebody that wants to work as a team to make things happen.
Laumann added she believes everyone should keep having and following dreams, no matter how old they are.
"I just believe there's no time limit on a dream," she said. "There's no magical age where, you're all supposed to stop dreaming, and I see that a lot. I think people that are retiring should have dreams."
The three-day conference wraps up today, and included meetings, a trade show and information sessions for representatives of Saskatchewan's recreation industry.
Tue, May 7, 1:00 PM
Agriculture, Transport
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