Alberta Blue Cross honours 2024 ‘Faces of Wellness’

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Sunny South News

Coaldale resident Jim Scott recognized for encouraging a healthy lifestyle

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

For the fourth straight year, Alberta Blue Cross’s Faces of Wellness program is recognizing Albertans who are every day champions for physical, mental and social wellness in their communities, workplaces and in their own lives.  

One of this year’s nine finalists is Coaldale resident Jim Scott.  

Scott, a running coach and advocate for wellness, began his work with a personal love for running. He has participated in numerous races throughout his lifetime, with several personal standouts, including being the oldest participant in the Churchill Polar Bear Marathon and being a team member in the Ragnar Race from Miami to Key West, Fla. His running has taken him all over North America and his passion has translated into a natural coaching ability.

“I was actually thrilled … when someone actually recognizes what you’re doing and gives you a little bit of credit in helping others and volunteering … the fact that I was recognized was really, really nice,” said Scott, pointing out the joy he gets from seeing someone progress in their journey and making healthy choices.  

“My pleasure comes just from people who are actually applying the principles of wellness and the principles of fitness,” he added.   

The Faces of Wellness program recognizes Albertans making positive lifestyle changes to be healthier, promoting a health-related cause, and making the most of life while living with a chronic condition, advocating for wellness in their workplaces, standing up for mental health or acting as a role model for others.

Included in Scott’s recognition was his longtime volunteer work at the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre in Lethbridge, that has resulted in 1,100 seniors receiving walking and strength training and overall fitness guidance. He has coached people from all walks of life in fitness and his support has encouraged many to go on to embrace healthy lifestyles, whether overcoming challenges with sobriety or training for physical exams. Scott has been an example of practising what he teaches and is a champion for personal wellness, inspiring others to prioritize their health.

“Anything to encourage people, especially older adults to move and get out of your comfort zone,” said Scott, noting the importance of staying active at all stages in life. “My challenge as a coach is to encourage people to leave their comfort zone and that’s not always easy … so it takes a little effort, a little bit of courage and determination and honestly, willpower to actually get up and do some of the things that really contributes to not only fitness but to your wellness. 

“Really at the end of the day, it’s not about living long, it’s about while you’re living that you’re living well, said Scott. “You’ll have some sort of productive and happy lifestyle.”     

This year’s grand prize recipient of an all-expense-paid weekend wellness experience in Banff is Zachary Weeks, a committed advocate for disability rights and social justice, who is using his platform to fight ableism and raise awareness about accessibility.  Sixty other nominees from across Alberta also received wellness-themed prizes for their nominations and stories. 

“In 2024 we received more than 250 nominations for Faces of Wellness from every corner of our province, sharing incredibly diverse and inspiring stories of Albertans’ commitments to wellness,” said Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of corporate relations and community engagement at Alberta Blue Cross. 

Alberta Blue Cross provides coverage to more than 1.8 million Albertans and administers a wide range of plans for employers and individuals as well as government program sponsors. And as a champion for wellbeing, Alberta Blue Cross leads and supports a wide range of initiatives across the province to promote wellness and active living.