2020 Volume: Edition 11
To our Sport for Life champions,

The finish line is within sight. 

There’s no denying that 2020 has been more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s been a gruelling year for everyone, and as it draws to a close in the coming weeks we should all give ourselves permission to pause and reflect on how far we’ve all come together. As an organization, we’re grateful that we’ve been able to continue to serve our clients and work towards a stronger, more resilient industry.

In this month’s newsletter we highlight the impressive work being done by Canada Basketball to strengthen their grassroots programming, check in with one of our PLAYBuilder partners from YMCA, and highlight some exciting upcoming events — including our 2021 Virtual Sport for Life Canadian Summit in late January and early February, and the first-ever Winter Health and Fitness Week.
President of Caribbean Olympic Committees shares global strategy to combat discrimination in sport at the 2021 Virtual Sport for Life Canadian Summit

Amidst a global reckoning on the realities of systemic racism, experts from the highest ranks of the international sport system are strategizing a better way forward. Sport for Life is thrilled to announce that keynote speaker Brian Lewis, the current president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and Carribean Association of National Olympic Committee (CANOC), will be sharing insights into his work as chair of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) standing committee that is committed to combating discrimination in sport.

Canada Basketball develops grassroots through Long-Term Development

Basketball is growing exponentially in Canada.

Over the past two decades, Canada Basketball has worked relentlessly to drastically improve participation and performance rates, bringing basketball neck-and-neck with soccer as the country’s most popular youth sport for participants between the ages of six and 17. Now the national sport organization is revamping their Long-Term Development framework to ensure age-appropriate delivery for their youngest athletes. Their focus is on creating an inclusive and fun environment that will keep more kids engaged for longer, while developing the necessary skills to succeed in the sport and in life.

Hong Kong professor set to share My Athletic Notebook research at 2021 Virtual Sport for Life Canadian Summit

When the creators of My Athletic Notebook first set out to design and create their products, the idea was to give participants something tangible they could hold in their hands. They wanted kids putting pen to paper. And because the journal is a physical object, not an app on their phone, the creators hope it will become a distinct and meaningful part of athletes’ daily lives as they track their Long-Term Development progress.
 
First Winter Health and Fitness Week to be held in February

Following the success of this year’s virtual National Health and Fitness Day, which saw Canadians engaging in physical activity from coast to coast back in June, organizers have decided to host a week-long, winter-themed follow-up. With an emphasis on encouraging people to get out of their houses and moving with winter-themed sports and activities, it will be hosted with all the COVID-19 pandemic health protocols in place at all times. 

It will be held from Feb. 1 to 7, 2021.
Sport for Life builds quality sport champions through co-operative education

Sport for Life has had a fruitful relationship with co-operative education since its inception in 2005, with multiple students making key contributions to the organization over the years, and many going on to work long-term within the industry.

As our non-profit continues to grow and flourish, the team plans to continue relying on post-secondary students to bring new perspectives, encourage diversity, and contribute to our mandate.
PLAYBuilder Q&A with Joe Skotcher of Les Chater Family YMCA

Joe Skotcher is the general manager of Les Chater Family YMCA in Hamilton, Ontario, which services Burlington, Brantford and Hamilton.

He recently decided to implement PLAYBuilder software into his operation to better meet the needs of his members. Sport for Life connected with Skotcher to hear how that’s working out so far. 

Si vous voulez consulter nos infolettres en français, cliquez ici.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. 
Sport for Life Society |  (778) 433-2066 | www.sportforlife.ca