Batool used to be the only Muslim girl on the soccer field. Now she’s seeing more Muslim women in soccer and in all sports.

“Regardless of your fitness level and regardless of how you choose to dress," she says, "I really do believe that sports are for everyone.”

Emma was bound to play with golfers older than her. That’s because she started playing golf at just three years old. Every time she was on the course, she watched, she learned, and she improved. That led to the day just recently when she played her father and her Uncle Harry. “I beat Daddy,” she says proudly.

“Start small. Move for five minutes and build on that. You won’t regret it.”

When you’re rock climbing, you have to follow the rock. But when you’re ice climbing, you can go your own way. And that’s exactly what Frederick and Christa have done since starting One Axe Pursuits twenty years ago. Their family moves for health.

“I became more active during the pandemic because I was mindful of being stuck at home.”

“I make physical activity a daily part of my routine. I work out three times a week with a trainer, and get out for a walk every day. My grandchildren have gotten me to try a few other things, like Zumba and cardio kickboxing. We have a lot of laughs trying new things!”

“I see my parents working hard to provide for my family. This inspires me to work hard.”

After Mya laces up, she skates effortlessly across the ice with the rest of her team. A warm-up, then stretching. Then passing drills. Shooting drills. Then on to team plays, developing individual skills, honing their ability to work together.

“The best way to increase diversity is to create a sport where everyone sees a reflection of themselves.”

“I learned the hard way that being a good athlete means taking care of your body.”

The one word you’ll hear most from Van Loc? Challenge. She challenged herself in university to learn fencing, becoming captain of the varsity team. She challenged herself to work as a referee, a coach and a mentor so she could better understand the subtlest details of the sport.

Meet Victor and Francia, #movementheroes who redefine age with their vitality and love.

Victor, continued his daily squats and crunches well into his 80s, while Francia discovered the power of healthy living at 70, dropping over 30 pounds and reclaiming her health.

“Fitness has played a major role in my life for years. I make sure to exercise every day.”

“There are both health benefits and aesthetics that inspire me to stay active. Even though I’ve been taking good care of myself for many years, I feel like I’m in better shape and at a better weight now than before my diagnosis. I have more muscle, agility, better focus and less body fat, and as a result, I feel more engaged in all activities throughout my day.”

“Moving my body is a variety from just staying home and having screen time.”

When I first learned to ride my bike,” Nelly says, “my grandma held onto the back of my seat. As I was pedaling, my grandma let go without me knowing. Then I looked back and I noticed she had let go! This made me feel so proud of myself.”

“When I was 5 years old I was seriously injured in a car accident. I wasn’t supposed to walk again. Running and exercising is a testament to my resilience.”

Patrick's movement journey isn't just about beating the odds; it's about embracing resilience and pushing boundaries.

“Hamish inspires me to move. I will walk him in the middle of the night if he needs to go out. He always seems to appreciate the extra effort,” says Craig.

Cold, rain, ice, nothing can keep these two from getting outside for their daily 3 hour walks around the neighbourhood.

Ruby has always loved the silky feel of the water flowing across her body. And the faster it flows, the more she loves it.

Competitive swimming has always been an essential part of her life. But at 13, her legs began to weaken. Her muscles continued to decline, affecting her arms, back, neck and face.

And in January 2023, she was officially diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Complex Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, but that didn’t stop her from achieving Canada’s first Gold medal at the 2023 Parapan Am Games.

“It took 7 long years to get my diagnosis and I'm just so happy and excited to be here where I want to be!”

“I want to be a role model for others who have physical disabilities.”

Ever since her first swim with the family at Sauble Beach, Jordan has always loved being in the water.

“Boxing has developed my physical and mental strength. I feel stronger and think more clearly than ever before.”

Mahon loved boxing from the moment they stepped into the ring at ten years old. No matter what was happening elsewhere, they never wanted to miss boxing classes. Physical activity has always been central to their physical and mental health.

“I plan on moving in nature to keep me strong for as long as I’m able.”

Jackie moves for life. As a child, she loved wandering through parks, playing in the yard, and running to school. She has always connected with nature and valued the benefits it brings - both physical and mental.

“There’s the thrill of doing it, the feeling of accomplishment, and the feeling of well-being after. I want other people to share in that joy.”

Whether it's warm summer waves or frozen winter ice, there's nothing Geoff loves more than being on the lake. All year round, he'll assess the wind strength and direction, and set off on a two to three-hour session.

“For us, watching animals move as one with nature is really inspiring. It totally motivates not only movement and being outdoors but the protection of the planet!”

For some people, getting outside is not a choice they ever need to make. Every morning at 6 am, Anne and Jerome are led out the door by their dog, Gigi.