Delon Chan is graduating with a BKin in the health sciences stream. Delon has been selected as the undergraduate speaker for the UBC Spring 2021 graduation ceremonies as a result of his passion and dedication to the KIN community. Upon graduation, Delon will be completing a Masters in Kinesiology at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Darren Warburton. He hopes to study medicine in the future and become either a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist or a pediatrician.
Delon says he was drawn to the KIN program due to its community and broad understanding of physical activity and health. “We have classes that focus on the cellular microscopic level of the human body and health but also have classes that discuss the sociology behind physical activity and sport.”
Since joining the KUS in his first year, Delon has served as a KPAC coach in his second year, VP Academic in his third year, and was a KIN camp leader, on the graduation committee and part of the KIN Games Team in his fifth year. He has also incorporated a mental health committee in the KUS, “ I wanted to create dialogue surrounding mental health. We partnered with other organizations and constituencies to host events like QPR Suicide Prevention training, and self-care events that included puppy yoga and succulent planting.
He further engaged in the community by serving as an Senior Orientation Leader in 2020 and a coach for Active Kids, and worked as a research assistant with the UBC Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology for the past three years to support Indigenous scholars. “I have travelled to Indigenous communities such as Lytton, BC where I facilitated the implementation of a community-based, Indigenous-led physical activity and lifestyle behaviour program. I’m currently helping organize the ISPAH congress with my lab in October 2021, which is co-chaired by Dr. Darren Warburton & Dr. Shannon Bredin.”
When asked about the most important aspects he has learned from KIN, Delon states “Taking care of ourselves! From learning about the benefits of physical activity and the importance of holistic health and wellness, I think it is really important that we prioritize our own health and wellbeing in order to function properly and chase our passions.” Outside of KIN, Delon enjoys hiking, biking, and running. He hopes to complete a half-marathon as his next goal!
