La Verendrye School in Portage la Prairie has won their 18th straight Physical and Health Education Canada Award for Quality Physical Education.

LVS phys. ed. teacher Mark Sokolowski says it couldn't happen without the support he gets throughout the school.

"From everybody, all the students, all the staff. It's something we take a lot of pride in. We want to offer the best Phys. Ed. Program we can for our kids, and to get a little recognition now-and-then is a nice thing. It's something we take quite seriously here, we're proud of what we do here, and we recognize the importance of Phys. Ed."

He explains a lot of planning and teaching goes into a strong physical education program.

"I kind of compare it to being no different than teaching reading or math, it's just a different medium. Kids have to be taught how to move correctly. So having a pre-planned program offering a variety of activities, exposing kids to a variety of things that they might normally get a chance to. Having opportunities outside of the gym, having guest speakers come in and guest instructors come in. Just tapping the resources we have in our province and our community."

LVS Vice-principal Valerie Smith says Sokolowski's a real benefit to the school.

"I think that Mr. Sokolowski is a lot of the culture at LVS. because whatever he does, he does 150%. That is why this is the 18th year he has won that Phys. Ed award because he gives his all to the students, and it's all about the kids. He gives it his all in our Phys. Ed Program, and our Intramural Program, and we're blessed to have him on the LVS team."