HELPING HAND
Wickenheiser pitches in for flood relief, mental health.
Canadian Olympic hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser will be in Vancouver Saturday lending her support to the Shoppers Drug Mart Run For Women, a nationwide initiative to raise money and awareness for women’s mental health programs.
For the past couple of weeks, she has been getting her hands dirty by helping fellow Calgarians clean up areas of the city devastated by June’s flood. She’s also found time to prepare for the women’s Olympic team training camp which opens Aug. 6 in Calgary.
The upcoming Sochi 2014 Games will be her fifth Winter Games ( she has won three gold and a silver so far) and sixth Olympics — she also competed for Canada in softball at the 2000 Sydney Games.
Q So many people have pitched in to clean up flood damage in and around Calgary. How did you get involved?
A“A few of my friends were talking about wanting to help and they have a company called DeliverGood that helps hook up companies with not- for- profits. We just put together a group of friends and family and called ourselves Team DeliverGood. We started with about 15 people and it grew to about 60 or 70 over the days. We went down into the affected areas, asked if we could help out and basically started ripping down houses that were flooded. You saw it on the news and it was one thing, but once you got into the areas and saw how bad the devastation was … it was just unbelievable. It’s really turned into a multiple- week thing and we’ve put together school buses ( of volunteers) and they are now headed out to High River, which is probably the worst affected area. Tons of people have come together from all walks of life so the response in Calgary has been amazing.”
Q Were residents surprised to see a three- time Olympic gold medallist getting her hands dirty and helping out?
A “I don’t think people were surprised, but I think they were happy to see that we were out there. ( Former NHL goalie and current Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster) Kelly Hrudey sent me a text and he came out for two or three days with his wife. We had the Hockey Canada cube van out there, taking load after load, and Robin, our Hockey Canada equipment manager, was making trips back and forth to the dump with it all. People, more than anything, were happy to see the support. It was the citizens of Calgary that have really cleaned up this flood. The people put their boots on, went out and offered to help … without that so many of these homeowners would still be on their own trying to do it. The response has been great all across the community.”
Q What is the purpose of Saturday’s Shoppers Drug Mart Run For Women?
A “The run is to promote mental health. It’s a great event because mental health is one of those issues that we tend not to talk about enough. I think a lot of people suffer through depression during parts of their lives and not having to keep it quiet is important. In sports, you see a lot of athletes and pro athletes, even in the NHL, you see people retire and then struggle with personal issues. We all go through periods of highs and lows, so it’s really a cause we should shed some light on.”
Q Exercise, especially running, is said to be a good way to combat depression. You are now armed with a kinesiology degree; what’s your professional opinion — do you see a direct correlation between exercise and mental health?
A “There is no doubt. The science and research proves it. There is an endorphin release, hormone release and a general well- being that you get from being out there and moving. Getting increased oxygen flow throughout your body is proven to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is a direct scientific correlation and it doesn’t have to be a full- on workout at the gym. It can be something as simple as getting out and going for a walk around the block. So many people with mental illness or depression often have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, so just even by walking out the front door is a good start for a lot of people.”
Q You received your Bachelor of Kinesiology during convocation ceremonies at the University of Calgary last month. Where does that rate among your list of personal and professional accomplishments? A “It’s definitely up there. It was a long process, over 16 years from when I started my degree. I really value going back and finishing. My parents are both school teachers, so since I was young, education has always been very important in our family. It was definitely scary at the start to learn how to learn again, but once I got into it I really enjoyed being a student and I’m really happy that I finished it. So maybe I can be an example for people out there in the same position that you really don’t have to be young to go back to school.”
Q Why did it take you 16 years?
A “Right out of high school in 1997, I went to school for a couple of years, but then when my son Noah came along I was really not able to ( continue). I was doing summer ( softball) and winter sports along with trying to go to school and raise a son, so that was pretty tough. I let it go, but always with the intention that I’d go back and get it done.”
Q You mentioned graduating high school in 1997. By that time you had already been on the national team for about three years. You joined the national team when you were 15. Do you think because you have been around for so long that people don’t realize how young you actually are?
A“
Thank you.” ( Laughs)
Q The fact that you have been around almost 20 years and competed in five Olympics ( four winter and one summer), I don’t think a lot of people realize that you are only 34 years old.
A “Oh for sure, a lot of people think I am a lot older than I really am because I did start with the national team when I was 15. I get a lot of ‘ Oh, I thought you retired’ or ‘ When are you going to retire?’ which I am OK with, but the reality is I was young when I started and I still feel that I have a few good years left in me.”
Q So you don’t intend on making Sochi your last Olympics? Or have you even thought about that?
A “I’ve thought about it for sure, but I don’t know, to be honest, what I am going to do. I am applying to medical school and looking at that path as well, so there are a few things to think through. I feel right now in my heart that I can keep playing. We’ll just have to see what happens coming out of Sochi and how I feel.”
Q Are you looking forward to national team training camp in August?
A “It’s always great to centralize the national team and we basically become a full- time pro team every four years. It’s an awesome feeling to be able to do that and be considered professional paid athletes. I think all the girls really love being part of that and going through the whole Olympic experience.”
Q Sochi will be your fifth Winter Olympics. Have you noticed a progression in the competition over the years?
A“I think every country is improving — some more than others. It will be really interesting to see the Russians in Sochi. They have put a lot of time and money into their program. They won the bronze medal at the world championship last year. … They have ( former NHL star) Alexei Yashin with their program now and have put some really good resources into it, so I’m excited to see what they are going to do.”
Q Has your role changed over the years?
A “I think my role has evolved. When you go from being the youngest player to the second- oldest player now, it’s definitely changed as far as what kind of leadership is expected. I’m more of a complete player than I was when I was younger, which is a natural evolution. I’m still expected to contribute on all areas of the ice and be a leader. My way of leading is by example and I suppose that hasn’t really changed over the years.”