Brainsport Times Dec. 5, 2018

A new display installed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Physical Activity Complex (PAC) this fall is honouring the accomplishments of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous athletes. Stories and artifacts from nine Indigenous athletes who have been inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame are now featured in the second-floor display case and on a digital kiosk.

Chad London, dean of the university’s College of Kinesiology, said the display answers one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, which calls on relevant organizations to provide public education that tells the national story of Indigenous athletes in history.

One of the athletes honoured is Paul Acoose, from Sakimay First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan. He is best known for defeating Tom Longboat, who was then the world’s best marathon runner, in a 12-mile (19-kilometre) race in Toronto in 1910 that was dubbed the Redskin Running Championship of the World. Though Acoose was presented with opportunities to run professionally after his victory, he chose to return home to Sakimay First Nation, where he continued to run well into his 60s. He died on April 30, 1978 at age 93.

One of Acoose’s granddaughters, Pearleen Lerat, travelled to the University of Saskatchewan last month to see the display. She spoke briefly with the Brainsport Times.


Pearleen Lerat stands beside a display that honours her grandfather, runner Paul Acoose

Brainsport Times: How do you remember your grandfather?

Pearleen Lerat: He was a humble man and he enjoyed running, he enjoyed gardening. When he retired from running professionally, he went home and he looked after the garden, looked after the farm and he had five sons and four daughters. My mother was one of his daughters. And he led a very private, comfortable life. He was a very good Catholic as well, went to church every Sunday because a church was very close to their house. He supported the Roman Catholic Church and he enjoyed going to church because they would all get together and visit. And a lot of people would pass by his house and pop in and have tea and bannock with him. Everybody loved him.

BT: How do you view your grandfather’s legacy?

PL: More of an inspiration to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in keeping up with the long-distance running because his father and his grandfather, they all ran. I ran when I was in school. Track and field.

BT: How was he able to inspire people outside of his family?

PL: That part wasn’t very honourable for him. He was a very humble man so he didn’t really like people talking too much about him. He enjoyed the glory of running against the famous people who ran against him, he enjoyed that very much and he enjoyed beating them all. 

BT: Why is this an important display to have up?

PL: He didn’t really think that he would have a legacy when he was famous as a long-distance runner. I think right now, for my feeling, he would be very humbled by this, but also very proud of his accomplishments.
 

Upcoming Events

Sunday December 16: 6th Annual Lighten Up Fun Run
Get out your bells, and battery-op l.e.d. lights. On Dec. 16, decorate yourself for a fun run at the start of winter. Hot beverages and dainties post-run will once be provided by D'lish. There's no fee, no registration — just come out and have fun! Bikes, well-behaved dogs, strollers welcome. For more information click here. 

Monday December 31: No Frills Chili Run
Brainsport is hosting a no-swag year-end run in support of the Child of the Cross running clinics. Register in-store for a 5-kilometre run or 2.5-kilometre walk. Registration is $20 and the race starts at 5 p.m. After the run you will get a bowl of chili, a dessert and some sparkling apple juice.

 
Courses and programs

December Brainsport Lunchtime Run
Until Dec. 27, meet at the clocktower across from the Sheraton hotel in downtown on Thursdays at 12:08 p.m. for a 30 minute run. This informal workout is suitable for all levels of runners. No charge, no sign-up, just bring a friend and come ready to run!

Brainsport Running Academy
Back by popular demand, the 2018/19 installation of the PatTrick run clinic started Nov. 27 and there's still room to register in the 41-week and 14-week courses. Coach Pat will help focus your training and drive you towards your race goals in 2019! Both clinics take place Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. starting at Brainsport. The 14-week clinic prepares runners for the Brainsport Brainfreeze in March, while the 41-week program also gets athletes ready for the Saskatchewan Marathon (May), and Queen City Marathon (September).

Breath Move Be Yoga for Athletes
Breathe Move Be offers a Yoga for Athletes course starting on Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. until Dec. 20 at Midwest Karate. Drop-in spots will be made available for $18 when space is available. For more information and to register contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Product of the Week
 
iGlow LED Headlight

Don't let the dark get you down. Pick up an iGlow headlamp from Brainsport so you can see patches of snow and ice on those morning and evening runs.

The Brainsport Times brings you news and stories from Saskatoon's running community every Wednesday. If you have a story to share, an event you want featured or suggestions for future content, please email Brainsport Times editor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..