News
ElderActive and Tai Chi Yukon Sponsor Successful Workshop
What do seniors in the communities want to learn? According to a survey sponsored by ElderActive Recreation Association last year, tai chi was near the top of the list.
On March 1-2, 2008, ten people attended a two-day tai chi seminar in Whitehorse to learn a system of tai chi exercises or qi gong that participants could then share with seniors in their communities.
People travelled from Mayo, Faro, Teslin, Tagish and Atlin. There was also one attendee from Whitehorse. Ages ranged from a recreation director in her 20s to 84-year-old Vera Kirkwood from Atlin. They learned basics of tai chi posture, walking and a series of exercises designed to promote flexibility, toning, balance and the movement of chi or energy throughout their bodies. In addition to the training, each person was given a reference DVD.
The workshop was presented by Jo-Ann Gates, Tory Russell and Helene Dobrowolsky of Tai Chi Yukon. All three instructors were impressed by the dedication of the students and the skills and life experience they brought to the workshop. Attendees spoke of the friendly learning environment, thorough grounding in stance and posture, and the benefits of having three teachers. Most expressed interest in learning more. Three participants planned to teach these exercises within a few days of returning home.
This event was sponsored by ElderActive in partnership with Tai Chi Yukon, Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee and Westmark Whitehorse. Kudos to Bill and Diana Simpson for their work in organizing this event. This was a most successful collaboration.
Tai Chi Yukon Honours
Pam Boyde
The members of Tai Chi Yukon are proud to announce that the Yukon can boast another Canadian first. Pam Boyde is the first Canadian to be officially certified as a Tai Chi instructor by the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.
To achieve this, Pam has studied independently for many years and travelled Outside to numerous seminars including three trips to China. For the last six years, she has studied with the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association, the parent body of Yang style taijiquan.
The International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association developed the ranking system, similar to the belt system used by many other martial arts, in order to ensure that the art of Yang style taijiquan was practised and taught to consistently high standards. Boyde obtained a Level 5 ranking within this system before being certified as an instructor after a rigorous assessment of her instructional skills.
Pam’s dedication and skills have long been appreciated by her many students and friends. They were delighted to express this at a recent ceremony honouring her accomplishments.
“We are so fortunate to have someone of this calibre living in Whitehorse!” exclaimed Jean Johnson, a member of the Seniors’ Class.
Our thanks to the Yukon News for allowing us to attach a copy of Ian Stewart's article about Pam published December 7, 2007. Check it out here.
Olds
World Tai Chi Day in Whitehorse 2007
Elder Active Workshop
Pam, Jo-Ann and Lisa with their ranking certificates.
Tony Gonda photo