Brainsport Times May. 9, 2018

In this week's edition of the Brainsport Times we want to share with you a story about a pair of very special mocassins - and the evening surrounding the presentation of these mocassins to the owner of one of the largest shoe company's in the world. New Balance owner Jim Davis made his first-ever trip to Saskatchewan, along with a handful of other folks from the company, last month. Brian saw this as an opportunity to create a memorable and informative experience, with a focus on Saskatchewan's aboriginal community.  After a presentation featuring guest speakers, Jason Warick and Tarrant Cross Child, a smudge was lead by Derek Rope and a song and dance wasperformed by Marc Okihcihtaw. It was all capped off with the gifting of a pair of mocassins to Jim Davis, crafted by Cree artist Katelyn Paskemin - complete with the New Balance logo.

Brian's here for this week's Q&A to talk to us more about the evening, so let's get to it!Q&A with Brian Michasiw

Tara: What was the motivation for putting on this unique presentation for Jim Davis?

Brian: Jim Davis is a pretty amazing person. New Balance is one of the companies I respect the most in the world of shoes. He’s done things his own way for his entire career. It’s a privately owned company and I feel like what they stand for, I also stand for, which is ultimately shoe fitting - compared to having the most amount of shoes at the lowest price or having them be trendy shoes. New Balance has always been about looking after people, which I hope we stand for as well.

Tara: What made this the right time for a presentation such as this?

Brian: Every year Jim Davis does a cross-country tour of Canada and this was his first-ever stop in Saskatchewan; and I wanted to give him an experience he’d never forget. I think that a lot of times he’ll go into a shop and they’ll talk about some basic fundamental business things like margins or discounts, or procurement - and I thought those are all important things that need to be discussed, but this wasn’t the time or place. I thought this was about an education about what Brainsport stands for and how New Balance has supported that.

Jim Davis being presented with a pair of mocassins crafted by Cree artist Katelyn Paskemin of Sweetgrass First Nation. Photo suppliedTara: Why was it important to you to highlight the aboriginal community?

Brian: We gave them a bit of primer, we talked about some of the current events that were happening . . . and the factors of our economy. We also pointed out that Saskatoon is Canada’s youngest city and that is because of the First Nations demographics. I think it would be naive and irresponsible if we didn’t discuss the most up and coming demographic in this province. On one hand, there’s opportunity there for a business like mine, but there’s also a responsibility for a business like mine to accept some truths and responsibilities on how to do this in Canada and specifically Saskatchewan with regards to First Nations people.

Tara: Where did you get the idea to have a pair of moccasins made to present to Jim Davis?

Brian: Derek and I had a meeting to discuss the day and he thought we should really give them a gift. It was cold out when we were having the meeting, so we thought maybe a pair of moosehide mitts or something. And then Derek suggested a pair of moccasins. I thought that was just such a beautiful idea - giving the man who owns one of the largest footwear companies in the world a pair of the original shoe.

Upcoming EventsSaskatchewan Marathon

The 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon event takes place on May 27! There's still plenty of time to get registered and train for your event, whether it be the 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. This is sure to be an exciting weekend featuring a pasta dinner, race expo and some of the best road racing in the province! To learn more about the event, including how to volunteer go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.Brainsport Spring Run Off 

Join us on Saturday, May 12 in Elbow for our annual Spring Run Off! Take the short drive to Elbow, or hop on the shuttle, and enjoy a 5K or 10K trail run on the beautiful and challenging Elbow Recreational Trail. Register here: raceroster.com/events/2018/15233/brainsport-spring-run-off.Beads of Courage Colour Festival Fun Run On Sunday, June 3 get out for a fun run and get covered in colour along with your friends and family!Beads of Courage is an Arts in Medicine program that supports children and infants living with chronic or life-threatening conditions by awarding them with glass beads each time they endure a medical test, procedure, or surgery.

The 5K family-oriented fun walk/run will get you covered with colour to symbolize the colourful beads these children earn and support Beads of Courage-Canada programming.  All funds raised go towards Saskatchewan programming. For more information and to register go to: http://www.colourrunsask.ca/.Saskatoon Triathlon Club - VolunteersThere are several opportunities to delve into the triathlon scene this summer as a volunteer. The STCI is looking for volunteers for the following races:

- Sask Marathon water station Sunday, May 27
- Brainsport Kids of Steel Saturday, June 16
- Living Sky Triathlon Saturday, June 23 - June 24

To volunteer email STCI Volunteers: http:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Canada Goose Ultra

The Canada Goose Ultra is a timed distance running event for all levels of fitness. The race welcomes new ultra runners and offers a fast course for seasoned ultra runners. Choose from the 6-hour, 12-hour, or 24-hour event. All events are run on a certified 4K loop. The course is a flat, paved route through a beautiful urban park. This race is officially the 2018 Canadian 24-hour Championship. The race takes place on May 12 through 13. For more information and to register click here.
 

SIGA’s Second Annual Good Food Run

On June 10, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is hosting its second annual fun run in support of CHEP: Good Food Inc. Presented by SIGA’s Long Runners, participants can choose between a 1K, 5K or 10K run. There are finisher medals for all participants! Family entertainment, water stations, swag and after-race snacks and refreshments provided. Registration is now open! To register or donate go to http://www.siga.sk.ca/goodfoodrun.

RIKI Walkathon 50th Year Celebration

The RIKI Walkathon is celebrating its 50th year on June 9. The entire family is welcome to come walk 22 miles along scenic Pike Lake. Gate fees are being waved for participants, and there will be refreshments and awards for the top fundraiser after the walk. All funds raised this year will go to the Riversdale Kiwanis Club. For more information about this event click here.

Canada Beer Run

The Canada Beer run is going coast to cost this year, hitting eight cities across the country, including Saskatoon! On June 3 the run stops in Saskatoon! Run your way through 10K making stops at six breweries along the way!
For more information about this event visit https://canadabeerrun.ca/products/saskatoon-beer-run.

Product of the WeekNew Balance 880v8 

The New Balance 880 provides a unique combination of cushioning, responsiveness and durability, making it an excellent option for those putting in lots of mileage and who like to feel a jump in their step while still be protected from the hard ground. This is a reliable shoe you can count on to get you through many, many miles. 

Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara