Aivars Caklis

Aivars has taught physical education at a rural high school in Latvia for the past 32 years, working with children to inspire them to develop their athletic potential, as well as to embrace the benefits of an active lifestyle. He has spent his whole life in teaching sports, and the fact that this has been his true calling can be confirmed by generations of young athletes who have passed through his hands. Aivars is himself an active athlete, regularly taking part in an historical 12-kilometre run around Lake Vilande in Estonia for the past 35 years. This race has been organised every year since 1928, and it is one of the oldest races in the Baltic States. Aivars works hard each year to find ways of ensuring that children whom he trains can take part in international events, and he also takes care of sports events in his local community - events such as sports camps for local children. Aivars is so very much devoted to the work that he loves that he inspires everyone around him to share his love for sports.