Mike Danskin

​Born and raised in Victoria, BC, I played soccer, baseball, basketball, and rugby. When it came time to choose I pursued a career in rugby and was fortunate to represent Canada in the 7’s and 15’s formats.
 
When I retired from rugby, I found the outdoors to be the perfect replacement. Hiking and trail running were my favourite and led to an initiative called “1 Day for the CMHA”. The event involved completing a challenging ultra distance trail run in one day. The three challenges were: summiting 4 mountains in Banff, the West Coast Trail, and the Grand Canyon’s double-crossing. Approximately $50 000 dollars was raised over the three events and for those of us who participated, we felt what it was like to push our bodies and minds to the max.
 
Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to work in several kids camps and coach a number of different teams. A passion for education emerged and led to the pursuit of a professional career in teaching. While at UVic for round two, I met my partner Jess and we made the decision upon graduation to move to the Northwest Territories and apply our new trade. We were in a small isolated community of 500 people called Whati, and it was an extremely enriching opportunity that provided an important perspective, personally and professionally. Jess and I are now back in Victoria and I am working as a humanities and PE teacher at St. Michaels University School. Everyday I get to spread my passion for health and wellness through multiple forms of activities and I’m excited to share this passion with the children of Cuba!

Expectations of the journey.....

I am really looking forward to sharing in the excitement when kids receive their sporting equipment. I can imagine the Christmas morning smiles and I hope to get into a few games of scrub!
 
I have not ridden more than about 10 km on a bike so my expectations in that department are some physical and mental hurdles in addition to a sore rear end!
 
Cuba will be new to me as well, but I have heard only amazing things. It feels like a good time to go and will be a great opportunity to see the country from the unique perspective a bicycle affords.

 Best assets you will bring to the journey....

Positivity, perseverance and excessive sweating....

Reasons for getting involved:

I have been watching closely since Paul’s first ride and the endeavour has always struck me as an amazing initiative. The chance to improve the day-to-day for those in need and spread the gift of sport is reason enough to get involved. Throw in a little personal physical and mental hardship and it’s the perfect combination. I am always looking for the next adventure and am thrilled to be a part of We Haul 2 Play’s Tour de Cuba 2016!