Cathie Weith has dedicated her life’s work to sport, active recreation, physical activity and health in the South Canterbury region.

On Wednesday 23 December, Chief Executive Julyan Falloon and his team will reflect on the her contribution of Weith’s over her 18-year career with Sport Canterbury, as she looks to retire after almost two decades of helping people realise their physical activity and health goals.

Originally from the United States, Cathie moved to Timaru with her Kiwi husband after finishing her Master’s Degree in Physical Education and Teaching.

From there she worked as Head of Department and Sports Coordinator at Timaru Girls High and helped to develop the Sports Science course at Aoraki Polytechnic.

Through this work and her attendance at several coaching courses run by Sport New Zealand, Cathie developed an association with Sport Canterbury – South Canterbury.

After starting a family, Cathie revisited this connection and initially joined the Regional Sports Trust working in Sport Development. She often filled in as the leader at the local ‘Kiwi Seniors’ groups.

“I saw the things that the Trust was doing which really resonated with me – it seemed like the right fit and where I wanted to be,” she says.

Following this, Cathie delivered Sport Canterbury’s Green Prescription service to South Canterbury region for five years, building the service from just 10 hours a week to the two full-time and part-time positions it is today.

Later, her passion for kāumatua health led her to sit on the steering group, which developed the District Health Board contract for the ‘Falls Prevention’ service in South Canterbury.

For over 25 years, Cathie has taught exercise classes in the community. ‘Shape Up’ – is a gentle exercise to music class that includes strength and balance practices, which she runs several times a week.

“Movement is so important right through the ages – I see the benefits of moving through the people I work with.

“I love helping people because it’s in my general nature – I like working with people – it’s nice when you see people improve and know they are all the better for it,” she adds.

When asked if she plans to carry on teaching her ‘Shape Up’ class after she retires from the Trust, she replies with a somewhat sheepish response.

“My ladies would be really angry at me if I didn’t continue – some of them have been coming for 15-20 years. I enjoy teaching the classes and its exercise for me too.”

As for her final thoughts as she reflects on her time at Sport Canterbury, she says;

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished with Strength and Balance, as well all the community work – it’s a great, feel good place. We do a lot of good things in the community.”

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