Enhancing Health and Wellbeing on Campus: Meet Yann Artur

Investments that will enhance the health and wellbeing of our campus community are now more important than ever. This is why Yann Artur, CBU’s former Fitness and Active Living Coordinator, has been appointed to Coordinator of Campus Recreation and Wellness in the Department of Athletics. 

Part of our campus community for over 20 years, Yann began his career at CBU, then known as the University College of Cape Breton, in August of 1998. Yann was the Fitness and Active Living Coordinator with the Cape Breton Wellness Centre, a position that had a unique approach to promoting healthier communities. This gave Yann the opportunity to engage with Cape Breton communities to help individuals improve their health, something he has always been very passionate about. In 2012, Yann became the Manager of the Cape Breton Health and Recreation Complex.

“We are thrilled to expand Yann’s role to include the development and delivery of comprehensive recreation and wellness programs,” says CBU President David Dingwall. “As part of this year’s budget, it was important that we look at strategic investments in our campus community after a particularly challenging year that also aligns with our Strategic Plan of investing in our students and empowering faculty and staff.” 

Expanding Yann’s role will not only lead to increased intramural activity, but will also feature more wellness focused initiatives like yoga, meditation, spin and a variety of fitness classes. Programs will be delivered within three main areas: non-competitive recreation, intramural sports leagues, and club sports.

First, non-competitive recreation will be based on a drop-in system and activities will be offered on a time schedule and an open gym. “The CBU Fitness Centre, also operated by the Department of Athletics, is equipped with a variety of cardiovascular, strength and conditioning machines, and free weights,” says Yann. “We will also be involved in the community as we plan to make use of other facilities such as swimming pools, curling clubs, bowling alleys and trails, just to name a few.” 

Students, staff and faculty will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of intramural sports leagues throughout the academic year that include soccer, basketball, cricket, volleyball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, and more. 

“Further to the leagues, we will also carry out special events and tournaments,” Yann adds. “These one or two day events are very upbeat and exciting.” 

Lastly, there will be a focus on promoting the development of sports clubs within CBU. “These clubs are usually self-managed and supported by the university,” Yann explains. “They aim to encourage students and community members to continue competing in a sport at a level higher than the intramural program.” The sports clubs will be given the opportunities to practice and compete in either local, regional, or provincial leagues and tournaments.

Yann is excited to continue his career at Cape Breton University. “Working at CBU has been and continues to be the most rewarding experience,” Yann shares. “It’s positive, challenging and engaging. To have had the opportunity to experience a variety of positions, as well as working with an array of colleagues, students, and the community, makes it a complete package.” 

Congratulations, Yann!