{"id":106004,"date":"2023-11-08T10:00:46","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T15:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningmagazine.ca\/?p=106004"},"modified":"2023-11-08T10:07:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T15:07:20","slug":"under-armour-diversity-series-saskatchewans-harvey-weber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningmagazine.ca\/ua-diversity-series\/under-armour-diversity-series-saskatchewans-harvey-weber\/","title":{"rendered":"Under Armour Diversity Series: Saskatchewan’s Harvey Weber"},"content":{"rendered":"

Harvey Weber<\/strong> is a former University of Saskatchewan cross country and track runner and a competitive masters track athlete, but his own running accolades aren\u2019t what make him a local hero. Weber is a dedicated coach, mentor and advocate for runners from all walks of life. With a passion for helping others succeed, he has been instrumental in developing sustainable sport and promoting holistic health and well-being within the Indigenous and newcomer communities in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.<\/span><\/p>\n

An early coaching start<\/b><\/h2>\n

Weber began coaching track and field during his final year of university, in 1986. He became an NCCP performance distance coach and has been the distance coach or head coach of Team Saskatchewan for the Western Canada Summer Games and the Canada Games every year since 2007. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Harvey
Photo: Sid Jimenez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A former teacher from Tisdale, Sask., Weber became the head coach of Running Wild Athletics Club (RWAC) after he retired. In this role, he has brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations, M\u00e9tis and individuals of all cultures and ages. The club’s developmental program caters to athletes aged 12 to 75, ranging from beginners to world-ranked masters athletes<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Empowering diverse athletes<\/b><\/h2>\n

Weber’s primary role as head coach revolves around recruiting diverse athletes to join the club. With the help of other coaches, he trains athletes for competitions like the Saskatchewan Athletics Championships, Saskatchewan High Schools Provincial Championships, National Legions, the North America Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the World Masters Track and Field Championships<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Harvey
Photo: Sid Jimenez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Within RWAC, Weber personally coaches around 25 runners, comprising both track athletes and road runners. He has also instructed the Athletics Canada Sport Coach Certification Program to 20 First Nations coaches, equipping them with knowledge on coaching the fundamentals of track and field for their own athletes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a coach, I feel it is super important to give all people the opportunity to get involved in running or track and field,\u201d says Weber. \u201cI would see people from other cultures, such as newcomers from India, trying to become more active themselves or find active programs for their children.\u201d This belief has driven him to organize sports camps for Punjabi youth; he has also trained 10 new Canadians through a six-week running program that culminates in a 5K road race.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overcoming barriers for Indigenous youth <\/b><\/h2>\n

Over his 30 years of teaching, Weber witnessed the challenges faced by Indigenous youth in education and sports. \u201cWhen given the opportunity [to coach] by Derek Rope<\/strong><\/a>, founder of Running Wild Athletics Club, I was determined to see what we could do for these athletes,\u201d says Weber. His aim was not only to support these young athletes in their sporting endeavours, but also to encourage them to stay in school and pursue higher levels of education.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weber’s involvement in organizing track meets like the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Indoor Games proved  immensely rewarding. These events provide young athletesa chance to compete and experience being part of a larger community, some of them for the first time. <\/span><\/p>\n

Unsung Heroes<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n