Introducing Our OCTOBER Member Spotlight: Meet CLAY!
We’re thrilled to shine this month’s spotlight on Clay, our October Member of the Month!
As one of our original members, Clay has been with us from the very beginning. Always friendly and welcoming, he brings a positive energy that brightens every workout. We’re so grateful to have him as part of our community and to recognize the role he’s played in shaping the Lemonade Collective community from day one.
Share with our Members a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?
My life has always been driven by making a difference in sport and youth development. I do this in a number of ways: coach, referee, manage organizations, teach at college, mentor youth and most recently, help the 350,000 indigenous people in Ontario, be more active in sport, recreation and youth leadership. Helping people of any age find a balance between, work, health, recreation and giving back to their community is always my educational and mentoring goal.
What are some of the key moments or experiences in your life or career that have shaped who you are and what you're passionate about?
Teaching sport and recreation at Humber College for 5 years and spending the last 11 years helping indigenous people find a happier life through a sport health balance are two memorable experiences. I have been honored to be accepted by the Indigenous people to help reshape the learning, sport and personal development system of indigenous youth. Very special!
What drives and motivates you in your work or personal pursuits, and how do you stay inspired and focused?
I am a driven person with tons of energy. One of my early mentors told me if I wanted to make a difference in this world I would need to out-work and out-think those around me. Once I commit myself to a goal and a vision, I think about it, and make strategic things happen everyday. I am driven my the vision and the measurable outcomes. I also try to make everyone around me more fulfilled and accountable through the process.
Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavors you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?
About four weeks ago, August 13-17th 2025, I lead a team of staff and volunteers to deliver the Masters Indigenous Games for 500 International athletes plus 200 cultural and entertainment Indigenous people in Ottawa. Athletes came from far away as Mexico, New Zealand and Greenland. Highlight included the very small Mexican female basketball team getting a silver medal and the introduction of Arctic Sports to everyone at the games and through the media. Secondly, on September 26-28, 2025, my organization (Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario) is running a 3 day Northern Ontario Indigenous Conference in Thunder Bay. The event features a 2 day land-based camp that includes 45 people sleeping in several large teepee. On the third day we are in a Thunder Bay hotel hosting a virtual northern conference searching for new ways to assist northern Indigenous communities and organizations enhance their health, sport, recreation, youth leadership and future employment. All this information will later be written up into a "Northern Ontario Indigenous Strategy... the way ahead".