June 28 and 29th, 2008 was a very good weekend for a past Slave Lake resident. Ron Walker competed at the Athletics Alberta Championships held at the Foothills Athletic Centre in Calgary Alberta, and threw his way to three medals.
He placed second in the Men’s shot put, second in the Men’s Discus and a Gold medal in the Javelin throw.
He states he hasn’t been competing for a few years because Slave Lake doesn’t have a track team, but now currently residing in Edmonton, he has facilities that he can train at.
He has been hitting the weights since last year and feels that he is in competition form.
“I actually was a bit overweight and didn’t like the way I was feeling about my situation, so after a few positive changes in my life, I decided that getting back into shape was an important step to reaching that goal of internal happiness and wellness. That and graduating from Northern Lakes College University Program”.
So, after losing that weight and getting some musculature and strength back, “I started to have those old feelings again about competing in athletics. I entered a couple of track meets and knew that is what I wanted to do. I haven’t entered a major competition since winning the bronze at the North American Indigenous Games in North Dakota, so it was a very enriching feeling to win medal at the provincials, at my age,” he quipped.
“I think of my nieces and nephews and want to maintain a positive image for them to look up to. The only way I know how to do that is by living in a manner that is respectful and honorable to the image I want them to see, and hopefully immerse themselves into. That being sports and all the wonderful gifts that come with that; self respect, teamwork, health, and community involvement.”
Ron Walker was a goaltender with the Slave Lake Strikers for a few years as well as a Level 2 National Certified coach with the Slave Lake Minor Soccer Association since 2002. He still has many family members in town, namely the Walker–Twin Family Traditional Dancers, with whom he was a member of, including other boards like National Aboriginal Day, and Slave Lake Youth Justice.
Walker returns once in awhile to visit, and work at some cultural events like Powwows and Round Dances.
He has been trained to work in those areas through an extensive apprenticeship through a respected Arena Director for the last nine years.
These days, his schedule seems to be more relaxed, but he feels that hard work and training leads to better opportunities in life.
He currently works with youth and as a silversmith, producing rings, pendants, and earrings.
Ron will be competing at the Canadian Master's Athletics Championship's being held in Regina Saskatchewan, August 1 through 3, 2008.
We wish him well, and congratulate him on an excellent job.

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