NEWS

A Passion For Life Changing Movement

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Meet Grind For Kids participant Alfred Ball! He founded Lifemoves in 2007 to encourage and guide people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions to remain active. He has been a Practicing Kinesiologist for 10 years; in 2009 he was a finalist for the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which he is nominated for again in 2010. He is passionate about human movement and enjoying the outdoors.

We sat down with Alfred earlier this week to find out more about this commitment to raising a mountain of money for BC’s sick kids!

1. Why did you sign-up for Grind For Kids?

Grind for Kids gives me an opportunity to give back to children’s hospitals which have had a big impact in my life while improving my own health and fitness. I like the concept of this fundraiser because it is an on going event that motivates people to get moving outdoors. Last week I reached my personal record time goal for 2010 of 39:13, so now it is time to add another motivator.

2. Why do you do the Grouse Grind?

Each time I go up the Grind it is a different experience. This can be because of the weather, the people, the wildlife or the trail. It is a hike that is easily accessible by bus and it continues to challenge me. I enjoy the camaraderie and mutual encouragement between the hikers as well as the “Grinders,” those who do it regularly. It amazes and inspires me to see the different people with their varied abilities – from those with visual impairments to one of Lifemoves’ clients who had a brain injury, she completed her 100th Grind at last year’s BMO Grouse Mountain Run.

3. What motivates you to get to the top?

I never think about the top. I stay motivated by focusing on the next few foot placements as well as staying in the heat rate zones I set for the day. Each Grind starts with a few goals including what my mantra of the day is, such as “maintain a straight line” or “quick, steady feet” and what my split times well be at each quarter. Tapping the quarter signs each time I go by always makes me smile.

4. How many Grouse Grinds are you aiming to do?

This year I have maintained a steady pace of about two per week. I remember getting up in the middle of the night on June 12th noticing that it was now open. The excitement was palpable, I just had to be among the first out there. This year’s first grind started at 7:12 AM.

My goal is 35, I am at 22. This will mean I will have completed over 50 total in a lifetime; to do this before the end of the season I am taking on the next challenge which is multiples Grinds in one day.

5. Why are you raising money for Grind For Kids?

There have been many times that I have been treated at children’s hospitals in BC, Saskatchewan and Ontario. It is one way I am able to say thank you for the care that influenced my life. I want the children of today and tomorrow to have similar opportunities to enjoy movement, such as running through the park or playing on the monkey bars.

6. Other then soliciting pledges from family and friends are you planning on doing any other fundraising activity?

There are many other activities that I am going to do. I will continue to blog about my experiences, post on the Lifemoves Facebook page as well as Tweet on @Getmoving4life, @AlfredCEBall, @lifemovesca. I am going to place a donation button on the Lifemoves website, write about it in our newsletter and ask our clients to make donations.

Click here to help Alfred raise a mountain of money for BC Children’s Hospital!

Tags: Alfred Ball