Ken Pankiewich, a physical education teacher at Faraday School, wrote a letter of recommendation for Karen Insley of Aspen Fitness Inc/GymKidsCanada for the Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Karen helped the school design and implement a new fitness room/mini-gym to enhance the physical education program. Students have greatly enjoyed using the new fitness equipment and have become more physically active. The new mini-gym has contributed to the health of students and basic motor development. Faraday School received an award for their commitment to physical education from Karen's support and dedication to school fitness initiatives.

1. From: Ken Pankiewich [mailto:kpankiewich@wsd1.org]
Faraday School, 405 Parr Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2W 5G1
Principal : R. Cockrem
Subject: Testimonial Letter
March 2, 2011
Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Women’s Business Owners of Manitoba
“Students just love it!!!” Staff of FaradaySchool
I had the pleasure of working with Karen Insley of Aspen Fitness Inc/GymKidsCanada this past year when we
designed and implemented our new Fitness Room/Mini-Gym facility to enhance our physical education
program at FaradaySchool.
Our goal was to create an environment that would entice students to enjoy physical activity in a “mini-gym”
environment. Karen’s wealth of information regarding new fitness equipment and health awareness programs
was instrumental in helping us design a fitness room suited to the students’ size, strengths and abilities. Her
input to this project, attention to detail, and her exceptional customer service in delivering, assembling and
setting up the fitness equipment was greatly appreciated and contributed to its success.
Since the implementation of our new mini-gym, we have experienced great student participation using the
newly acquired fitness equipment from Karen. We have noticed an increase in students’ daily physical
activities that has instilled a desire to keep active - which not only helps in the development of healthy bodies
but also healthy minds.
Classroom teachers are enjoying observing this new enthusiasm for physical activity and the use of the
equipment in our mini-gym. This new environment has contributed to the health of our students and has also
nurtured the basic motor development of our mentally/ physically handicapped students.
We are proud to announce that Faraday School has been awarded the Elementary/Junior High School
Platinum Recognition Award from Physical & Health Education Canada (PHE Canada - Ottawa) in recognition
of our school’s achievement and commitment to quality physical education.
Karen played an integral role in our success and we would like to thank her for her support and dedication to
instilling a positive experience with school fitness initiatives.
The Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award with the Women’s Business Owners of Manitoba could not go to
a more deserving resident as Karen Insley.
Sincerely,
Ken Pankiewich, Physical Education Teacher, Faraday School Phone: (204-586-8583) Fax: (204-589-7731)