A student in Memorial’s School of Human Kinetics and Recreation is making a significant impact on the recreation community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Third-year physical education student Michael Carter is stepping up to leadership roles at the national and local level, including his work as a co-founder of Hustle NL, a not-for-profit organization to promote access to youth recreation opportunities in rural areas.

Numerous benefits

Mr. Carter feels strongly about the benefits of recreation for youth as he explains in the following video.

Mr. Carter’s commitment to recreation was recognized recently when he received the Kevin Waterman Scholarship from Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador. The scholarship was awarded based on his impressive accomplishments and a nomination from Dr. Erin Cameron, assistant professor in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation.

“I am impressed with Michael’s initiative, professionalism, social skills, insightful questions and ambition,” said Dr. Cameron. “Michael is one of the most self-motivated and naturally gifted young leaders I have worked alongside.”

The award was presented at the organization’s annual general meeting and conference May 27-28.

Supporting emerging leaders

“These scholarships support Recreation N.L.’s goals and mission,” said Gary Milley, executive director, Recreation NL. “They are intended to ensure future quality leadership through the provision of financial support to emerging leaders like Michael who are enrolled in recreation studies.”

In the following video, Mr. Carter says he was inspired by the numerous other individuals who were honoured at the awards ceremony.

“At the banquet you sit in a room full of very inspirational people and you get to see they are dedicated to and motivated by their profession and you get to hear them speak about their work,” he explained. “As students, we get to see these people and how they got to where they are. I only hope to impact my community as much as they have impacted theirs.”

Future leader

On Memorial’s campus, Mr. Carter has shown great leadership working as the program lead for the Physical Literacy Experience (PLE) program, which is facilitated by the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation.

He has served as a True Sport Champion with the True Sport Foundation, a national organization promoting safe and inclusive sport and recreation, and developed curriculum for extra-curricular activities around physical literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador as a volunteer through the foundation.

Mr. Carter has also served as a Motivate Canada Activator for Motivate Canada, a national youth organization that promotes youth-driven development and leadership.

A longer version of the interview with Michael Carter can be viewed here.