Champions

Meet some of the Champions participating in the HSBC Clean Air Achievers program. If your Champion is not listed below, click on the link at the bottom of the page to find his or her profile.

Abbotsford, BC
	Margaret Langford Whitewater Slalom Kayaking "I am very aware of the air pollution problem, as the area where I train is the "holding tank" for all the air pollution that is funnelled up the West Coast from the US."
Ottawa, ON
	Katie Weatherston Women's Ice Hockey "We all need to actively participate in making our world a better and cleaner place! If we all make a commitment to being more active by biking and walking to places we would help to keep our world clean and keep our bodies healthy."
Saskatoon, SK
	Mike Bacon Wheelchair Rugby "Clean air is vital in maintaining a healthy environment. This can only be accomplished through instilling clean air attitudes in today's' youth."
Halifax, NS
	Mary-Anne Arsenault Curling "I believe in this program because I want my daughter to have clean air to breathe."
Calgary, AB
	Kimiko Zakreski Snowboarding "Being that I am an athlete, it is easy for me to recognize the importance of a healthy set of lungs and having the luxury of breathing in clean and healthy air. My goal is to educate people on how their everyday choices can have an impact on the environment and that we need to preserve what we have left."
Toronto, ON
	Andrew Haley Swimming "When I was 8 years old I lost part of my left lung to cancer. Given my decreased lung capacity it is very important that I breathe the best possible air I can. I feel that educating the public is the only thing that can really help us all live healthier and happier lives."
Hamilton, ON
	Brandon Crichton Cycling "Since the age of 10 my parents have always told me to go ride my bike outside and enjoy the 'fresh air'. I love being outside but what I don’t like is the pollution and smog that sometimes makes me want to stay inside. We can all be a part in cleaning the air we breathe, let’s start."
Saskatoon, SK
	Meaghan Buisson Inline Speed Skating "Through skating, I have traveled the world, challenging myself through sport while appreciating just how incredible our planet is. As a skater, however, I have also trained and raced in extreme pollution; and in doing so, experienced first-hand the damage we are doing both to ourselves and the only home we have. We all have a role to play in saving our environment, through the choices we make each day. No steps taken to help our environment are too small to make a difference!"
Ottawa, ON
	Sarah Boudens Whitewater Slalom Kayaking "The majority of my training time is spent outside paddling on natural rivers. It's nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors. It's important to keep the waterways clean and pollution free so that I and future generations are able to enjoy the rivers as well."
Calgary, AB
	Crystal Phillips Speed Skating "I'm passionate about preserving and improving the environment for future generations to enjoy as I am able to. With this in mind, I am determined to be pro-active in lessening my carbon footprint while encouraging others to do the same."
Toronto, ON
	Marc Martel Triathlon/Ironman; previous sports career in Rowing "As an athlete, the air, water and environment all play really important roles in my life and sport career. For those of you who enjoy sports, or aspire to become an Olympic athlete, or just like being outdoors, it is very important to do what you can to help our air and planet. One day you will be able to say 'I was responsible for changing the world we live in'."
Victoria, BC
	Adam Kreek Rowing "As an elite level athlete who competes outside on an open body of water, the environment impacts me on a daily basis. As an athlete who is trying to squeeze the most out of my body, mind and spirit, personal and environmental health become intrinsic personal values."
Invermere, BC
	Christine Keshen Curling "Most importantly for me are my love of the outdoors and my lifestyle of being active. I run outdoors 5 times a week, ski, waterski, mountain bike, among countless other activities. In the past 10 years I have seen our local lake deteriorate so much."
Toronto, ON
	Rich Vanhuizen Beach Volleyball "Being a Clean Air Champion has given me a fantastic opportunity to spread awareness about something that really is important to everyone, whether they realize it or not."
Calgary, AB
	Mike Kwiatkowski Snowboarding "I feel that it should be my concern to help do my best for the environment, as well as setting an example for others. Being in a position of responsibility, and being a role model in the community, I can be a positive influence educating children and adults about environmental issues."

To view other Champions’ profiles visit Clean Air Champions.