When 8-year-old Hunter Catonio found out that she was going to interview Beckie Scott, Canadian Olympian and multiple medal holder, Hunter was over the moon.

The winding roads of Canmore are home to many of Canada's athletes and the feeling of sport fills the air so much so it makes anyone with two left feet feel like taking a run. It isn't uncommon to find athletes training all year round - we passed several parents cycling with their kids in a pull pram, and many others in roller blades training for what could be Vancouver 2010.

The terrace of blue houses with the red roofs as Beckie calls it, is home to herself and her family. When we arrive, she opens the door and greets us all with a smile that could warm any Canadian winter.

Hunter: How did you become an Olympic athlete?

Beckie Scott: I started cross country skiing when I was about 5 years old. I really liked the sport, and I liked a lot of thing about the competition. I was a big Olympics fan too! I watched it on TV, and decided that at a very young age that that was what I wanted to be.

H: How much pressure is on you when the competition begins? And how do you deal with it?

BS: (laughs) There is a lot of pressure. The bigger the event, the more pressure there is. I think as you grow and as you gain experience as an athlete, you learn to deal with the pressure. You have to view it as a positive, and as a motivator, and as the people who are there to watch you, who also have expectations, are your support.

H: What does it take to become an Olympic athlete?

BS: Good question! It takes a lot of hard work, belief in yourself, goal setting (like everyday and you have set yourself the goal to become an Olympic athlete), and take a team who support you wholeheartedly and can work with you.

H: Was it fun to become a cross country skier?

BS: It was very fun. Though I'm not competing anymore, I still enjoy it. Of all the sports I do, I still love skiing the most. The transition out of being a competitive skier was definitely different. It's a big change, but the sport itself has helped me to stay connected.

H: How did you get involved in Right to Play?

BS: I became involved in RTP, when they invited me to become an ambassador. They have lots of athletes who support them.

H: What is Right to Play?

BS: Right to Play is an international humanitarian organization. They use sport and play to improve the health, development of life-skills, and fostering peace for the children in the most disadvantaged places in the world. It is using sport and play to reach children who don't have the opportunity to do so.

H: How can we help and get involved in Right To Play?

BS: Everybody can help, by just spreading the word, and by spreading awareness. Talking about it and if there is an opportunity - seeing a potential partner who can be involved or help. There isn't a lot of money for the organization to operate, we try to make the money to send them money.

H: What is it like in Africa? It is risky?

BS: It is not a big risk safety wise. I have never felt threatened. It is however, eye opening, and a life change. You are really surprised by how they survive.

H: What was your first gift to the children?

BS: I didn't give a material gift because I went as a visitor. You could say the gift was in a way the opportunity to be with someone who had achieved their goals in life and is trying to give back. It was a very special experience, and opportunity to give back to others who don't have much.

H: What do the children mean to you?

BS: They mean a lot because it is why I've chosen Right to Play as the charity I work for and support. I believe the kids for the future. Especially kids with no opportunities where there's war and disease, it is really important that we help them.

H: What is your favorite memory of the children?

BS: I was at the school for deaf kindergarten children and they have no uniforms. There was this deaf street child, who came in because of the one free hot meal a day. We played RTP games with the children, and it wasn't any different from kids who could hear playing. It was an amazing experience, and they learned a lot too. It was life-changing for me.

H: Would you go back?

BS: I would love to go back. It is a question of resources, it is not cheap to go there, but I'd love to go back.

H: What are your future plans?

BS: I work for Right to Play now, and I'm trying to help as much as I can. To bring awareness, fund-raising to continue to help the kids. I now have a little boy of my own, so I want to raise him as well as I can.

H: Any regrets?

BS: (laughs) No I don't have any regrets. I have lots of opportunities to travel, great friends from all over the world now, and I am involved in a lot of other great things like that Vancouver 2010 Olympics Committee. You sure ask tough questions, you're gonna be a great journalist!

Right To Play is raising funds with 16-month calendars (starting Sept 2009) on sale for $20 each. If you'd like to support the cause, by purchasing a calendar for yourself, or friends, or even carrying it in your stores in Calgary, please contact Beckie Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Email (will not be published)

Name

Title

Comment
 remaining characters

Post