NAME
Suri Pafford
AGE
15
HOMETOWN
Quispamsis
OCCUPATION
Student
ACTIVITIES
What activities do you participate in to stay active?
I am an amateur boxer at Saint John Golden Gloves in Saint John, New Brunswick. I strength train year-round and play rugby during the spring. I appreciate how my coaches encourage and support my cross-training efforts.
IMPACT
How does being active make you feel and why is it important to you?
My personal goal is to represent Team Canada and compete in the Olympics. From a young age, I was encouraged to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The high standards I set for myself make me proud of the hard work and determination I invest in my training to achieve my full potential and goals.
SCHEDULING
How do you implement being active into your busy schedule?
Being active has become part of my daily routine. Although it can be challenging to balance school, training and social activities, I make it a priority to stay accountable for my training.
BARRIERS
What barriers have you faced or are you currently facing when it comes to being active?
My coach frequently has difficulty finding competitors in my age and weight division for provincial competitions, which often forces me to fight in a higher division to match my skills. Also, with several national and international opportunities available, securing the necessary financial resources can be challenging.
MOTIVATION
What motivates you to continue to be active?
I love boxing! It’s incredibly motivating to achieve my goals and prove to myself that I can excel in the sport. I am fortunate to have a supportive family that encourages me every step of the way.
ROLE MODEL
Do you have a role model and/or would you consider yourself to be a role model to others?
My role model is Clarissa Shields, a professional boxer and mixed martial artist. She is a multiple-time world champion in boxing, an Olympic gold medalist, and an advocate for women’s sports and gender equality.
Yes, I see myself as a role model. I value my drive, determination, and resilience, as my accomplishments reflect my abilities rather than my age.