From June 17 to the 23 Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals recognized recreation professionals across the province, and they saved the best for last.

Micheal Ulriksen, the community and leisure services director in Humboldt, was recognized on the 23rd of June by the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (SARP).

Ulriksen is approaching his 11th year with the City of Humboldt after starting in the fall of 2008 working in the Elgar Petersen Arena. Eventually, Ulriksen would move up to a programs and events position and has been the director of community and leisure services since November 2016.

"I've said over and over that I wouldn't nearly be in the position I am now and be able to move recreation in Humboldt forward if I hadn't had those first few years on the front lines," said Micheal Ulriksen.

The duties of the community and leisure services director are no easy task. Ulriksen oversees the recreational facilities including the Uniplex in Humboldt as well as the parks throughout the city.

"I also get to oversee an amazing team of dedicated staff that go out and operate our facilities, developing our parks, and sports fields," stated Ulriksen.

After 11 years of serving Humboldt, Micheal Ulriksen wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

"This has been my dream position since I was younger wanting to work in recreation and just help get people active, healthy, enjoy outdoors, and sports, and I look forward to being able to continue to do that and not only for myself but for the community and my family as well."