Nova Scotia True Sport Athlete Ambassador, Mikayla Boucher 

Track athlete, Mikayla Boucher is the Nova Scotia True Sport Athlete Ambassador for August 2022. This runner’s passion for athletics started at five years old and she has no plans to slow down.  

“I got involved because I simply loved to run,” says Mikayla. “I will continue running for the rest of my life. I love athletics because it’s a great way to relieve stress, stay healthy, and be a part of a great community.” 

Mikayla is a varsity track and cross-country athlete at Dalhousie University, completing a Bachelor of Medical Sciences to become a doctor. She says the True Sport Principles help her balance life as a student and athlete. 

“The True Sport Principle of ‘stay healthy’ speaks to me as sport has helped me understand the needs of my body and how to properly fuel it to maintain a demanding schedule as a student-athlete.” says Mikayla, “Sport can do so much when it is grounded in True Sport.” 

The busy schedule of a student-athlete can feel challenging. To stay motivated, Mikayla recommends remembering why you love your sport.  

“The core reasons why I started often grounds me, and allows me to bring back the fun aspect of sport,” says Mikayla.  

“As you get older, sports can feel like more of a chore as your schedule gets busier, but remember sports are supposed to be your fun activity. Enjoy yourself, make some great friends, and stay healthy.”  

Mikayla and her best friend Tanna Burke are a great example of the friendships sport can create. As her training partner for over 15 years, Tanna uplifts Mikayla on and off the track. 

“Tanna is an exceptional runner, but that is not why she inspires me,” says Mikayla. “She inspires me because of her attitude & respect for those around her. I truly believe her positive attitude and support has helped me grow into the best athlete and person I can be.” 

Mikayla emphasizes the important connections that you can make in sport, and the True Sport Principles ‘stay healthy’ and ‘keep it fun’.

The Nova Scotia True Sport Athlete Ambassador Program is a social media campaign created to foster a positive and safe sporting culture across the province. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of the seven True Sport Principles; “Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep it Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back.” Each month a new featured athlete will share how they live the True Sport Principles in their athletic and everyday pursuits through personal stories on Instagram.