Meet your 2020 S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Heather Lewis
I am very thrilled to be a SWEET Ambassador for 2020, although this is not how I anticipated the experience unfolding when I threw my name into the hat. My motto for 2020 is Just Do It (stolen from Nike, I have no shame), but maybe it should be Just Go with It (as best as you can).
My A. Plan was to see how hard I could push my 58-year-old body and attempt a PB for the half marathon. For no reason other than it’s faster than I’ve ever run, I chose 1:37. A co-worker and I had grown our lunchtime run group up to 8 (okay, that was on my birthday), and I loved sharing my love of running. Then we were told this is not the time to train, let alone train hard.
My B. Plan is to maintain fitness. I’ve kept long runs, but only did ONE interval before distancing. Now I’m embracing solo runs and strength training.
My C. Plan? Online classes and laps in the yard.
Randi Jewer
My name is Randi Jewer and I’ve been part of S.W.E.E.T. events since the beginning or close to it. I’ve enjoyed the shopping nights, guest speakers, and meeting new ambassadors. I also took part in S.W.E.E.T. Day at Camp Fortune—except last year, when I was away racing in Halifax.
At 55, I’ve been more active since turning 40. I wanted to run, try triathlons, and eventually run a marathon—all of which I did! I started triathlons soon after learning to run 5K and 10K, then completed several sprints and half-marathons. I’ll save the half-Ironman for retirement!
I love traveling and mixing fitness into it—running cruises, hiking volcanoes in Iceland, or biking the Klondike Highway. I’ve also volunteered at many local races.
Despite open water panic attacks, I returned to triathlons after training with friends at Meech Lake. I even signed up for Traversée du Lac Tremblant and became a SWEET Ambassador to stay motivated. Fingers crossed it’s not cancelled—and Meech opens soon!
Darlene MacLachlan
Darlene MacLachlan, Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500, YACEP, and aviation safety professional with a passion for living fully, stepping outside the box, and exploring this great big world.
As a woman over 50, I’ve learned to embrace both the good and not-so-great experiences for the lessons they offer. Life constantly changes, but we can choose how we respond. Age is just a number, and physical activity supports the mind, body, and spirit. We, as women, don’t need to limit ourselves—no matter what society says about age or gender.
When I teach yoga, I invite students to let go of stress and reconnect with themselves—beyond roles or expectations—to rediscover joy and presence.
Last summer, I celebrated turning 53 by starting mountaineering in the Swiss Alps. This year, I’m taking on a new first: the Salkantay Trek—five days at altitude, starting above 15,000 ft and ending at Machu Picchu.
It’s never too late to try something new and live life on your terms.
Tammy Robinson
Even though I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle, I never considered myself athletic—until I accidentally took up running at 43.
It began with my daughter, who has Type 1 diabetes. Around age 13, her blood sugar would drop unpredictably, making her fearful of sports and exercise. To help rebuild her confidence, we started walking 5K daily. That winter, I bought a treadmill—and we began running.
At the same time, I was a peer support volunteer for women leaving abusive relationships. I had left a 24-year emotionally abusive relationship myself, and running brought me inner peace during emotional turmoil.
I joined a “learn to run” program, and haven’t looked back since. Running led to trail running, yoga, skating, snowshoeing, and early morning workouts with the Arboretum Hill Club.
I’ve made lifelong friends, feel stronger than I did in my 30s, and promote movement for mental and physical health.
As for my daughter—she’s now thriving in university. Oh, and we wore out that treadmill.
Bonnie Levesque
Hello! My name is Bonnie Levesque, and I’m honoured to be chosen as a SWEET Ambassador this year. I just turned 60 in March! I have a 32-year-old daughter, a 30-year-old son, and a 2½-year-old grandson. I live in Carleton Place and am a retired elementary school teacher, now in my second year of retirement.
I grew up near Sudbury and have always loved the outdoors. I was a competitive cross-country ski racer from age 14 through university and also ran cross-country, track, and played soccer. Surrounded by lakes, I grew up canoeing, swimming, skating, and kayaking—camping and biking too.
After university, I moved to the National Capital Region and embraced the active community here. Since retiring, I’ve been excited to take on new challenges. I had planned a triathlon and a 42 km canoe race, but both were cancelled due to the pandemic.
I’m now looking into Nordic walking certification, long bike tours, and orienteering—and can’t wait to connect with more active women!
Meet Our Past S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Over the years, our SWEET ambassadors have inspired women of all ages and abilities to get active, try new things, and build community through sport. From first-time 5Ks to epic bike tours and trail adventures, these women have shared their stories, celebrated personal milestones, and helped make SWEET what it is today. We’re proud to highlight some of the incredible ambassadors who’ve been part of this journey.
