People in Sport

C H R I S T O P H E R C A M P B E L L

Chris Campbell has been teaching boxing in Lethbridge for nearly a decade A knee injury forced Chris to switch from more traditional martial arts to boxing Chris identifies as a neurodivergent person The term ‘neurodivergent’ describes someone who processes information differently Those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and similar conditions sometimes identify as neurodivergent. Chris believes his difference is a gift and has used his energy to serve his community the best way he knows how.

He studied boxing while traveling in Korea then returned to Lethbridge to pursue a Bachelor of Science in exercise science, minoring in philosophy In 2016, working closely with the University of Lethbridge and Parkinson’s Alberta, Chris began instructing a modified boxing class for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Through exercise and medication, the participants are able to slow the progression of the condition and regain their agency by preventing a reduction in mobility

In 2022 Chris opened the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Boxing club at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society and ran a free multi-sport class for Indigenous youth In December 2022, Chris became the program manager at Sik- Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society In his new role, he plans to provide a variety of sport programs to improve mental health and provide community outreach, art, and music to both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community.

It’s important for sport to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to ensure all participants feel welcome, included and have equal access to sport. The People in Sport stories feature individuals in sport representing populations that have generally faced barriers to participation

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