Promoting a sense of belonging with Regina running team shirts

HMCS Regina’s fitness team wore custom purple and gold T-shirts to the Sept. 23 Formation Run at Naden, organized by PSP. Photo HMCS Regina’s Facebook page.

Kateryna Bandura,
Lookout Editor

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Sailors continue finding ways to promote unit solidarity as the Base eases out of the pandemic.

For HMCS Regina, that meant donning custom-made purple shirts during the September Formation Run.

“HMCS Regina created custom purple T-shirts for the Regina Fitness Team for this event to encourage solidarity and pride within the unit,” said Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) John Altura, Sports Officer with HMCS Regina. “We wear the purple proudly and support each of our members professionally and personally.”

HMCS Regina wore purple and gold shirts to reflect the unit’s official colours.

Organized by Personnel Support Programs (PSP) and geared specifically to those working on the Base, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Formation Run is a monthly event (except December) on the last Friday of the month. It is a 5-km run/walk to encourage maximum participation across the fleet.

SLt Altura said the concept of custom shirts for the ships’ company had been a long-standing tradition for varying units across the fleet.

“As part of the RCN, we tend to move around different units throughout our career. Having a keepsake from a sailor’s time in that particular unit is a reminder of the hard work and sacrifice it takes to be part of that team,” he said.

Alyssa Jesson, Fitness and Sports Manager at CFB Esquimalt’s PSP, said the run on Sept. 23 at CFB Dockyard/CFB Naden saw the biggest turnout this year, with 261 participants.

“The Formation Run provides an opportunity to come together outside of the office, and to enjoy fresh air while participating in physical activity,” Jesson said.

Commander Meghan Coates, HMCS Regina’s Commanding Officer, said events like this are significant to CAF members.

“Here in HMCS Regina, we endeavor for a healthy work-life balance, which is the key to a healthy professional life,” she said. “The run was a success, and it’s a great beginning for HMCS Regina to rebuild its team as we come out of refit.”

PSP keeps track of attending units and posts the top three female and male runners on the MARPAC splash page.