Sport Matters 2021

AUGUST 2021

SPORT

Discover local sport programs, people, businesses, and resources.

PUBLISHED BY LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL

THE RETURN TO

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 THE "WHY" OF SPORTS MATTERS Learn about why we created this publication and the importance of sport!

05 VALUE OF PLAY

There are so many benefits of play for children, we highlight ways to encourage children to play!

07 LOCAL ATHLETE LIZ GLEADLE Read about Liz's journey to the Olympics, and how she is just one of many Lethbridge Olympians

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08 LETHBRIDGE HOSTING HISTORY Read about Lethbridge's strong history of hosting successful and major events!

10 ACCESSIBLE SPORT IN LETHBRIDGE We believe everyone should experience quality sport, learn about sport programming offered for all experience levels and abilities.

14 FAQS FOR PARENTS 16 FAQS FOR ATHLETES

SPORT ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS 3 4 5 6 9 9 9 11 11 12 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 22 23 26 27

Ace Volleyball Club Lethbridge Rugby Club

18 FAQS FOR ORGANIZATIONS 20 MORE THAN A COACH

How we celebrated coaches in 2020, and will do it again in 2021

Lethbridge Boxing Club Lethbridge Plays Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association

22 YQL (YOUR QUALITY LIFE) STORIES

A new series featuring everyday people living active lifestyles.

Adaptable Outdoors Ravens Lacrosse Southern Alberta Skating Academy

24 EXCLUSIVE SERIES! FROM SPORT TO LEADERSHIP

Lethbridge College Kodiaks Bridge City Gunners Disc Golf Club Lethbridge Minor Softball Association

26 QUALITY SPORT CHECKLISTS

These checklists are a tool to assess and improve the quality of sport programs you are involved in.

Calgary Flames Sports Bank Lethbridge Lacrosse Association Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy Lethbridge Synchrobelles

30 RETURNING TO SPORT

Information about the exciting return to sport in Lethbridge and what you can expect to see!

Dragon Boat Association of Southern Alberta Lethbridge Skating Club Lethbridge Speed Skating Association Lethbridge Curling Club University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Lethbridge BMX Lethbridge Ringette Association

SPORT/ RECREATION BUSINESSES 13 15 15 18

Player's Bench Boarderline Ascent Cycle Runners Soul

INSIDE THESE PAGES Inside the pages of this publication you'll find ads from many local sport organizations and related businesses with information about their upcoming or ongoing programming.

Watch for links you can click that will direct you to organizations websites or social media, where you can find even more details. Some organizations have quick videos you can check out to see for yourself the quality programming waiting for you.

We encourage you to follow the links, learn more about the organizations and programs in our community. If you have questions or want more info, reach out to the organizations, or to us, we'd be happy to help you connect with local sport.

We want to thank all the organizations and businesses that have supported this inaugural publication. We truly hope 'Sport Matters' will be a useful resource for the community, | 03 and that it will contribute to the return of sport in Lethbridge.

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WHY SPORT MATTERS Welcome to our inaugural Sport Matters online publication. Sport Matters is the first online publication of its kind in Lethbridge. In this publication you will discover the sports people, programs, and places that are part of Lethbridge’s vibrant sporting community. This magazine provides you with a visual experience of what sport means to us and informs you of new and engaging opportunities that are happening at a growing pace.

Now that sport has returned, we want to help reconnect children, youth, and adults to the many choices of sport and active recreation programs. With over 90 local sport organization members that provide programs for all ages and abilities, there is surely something for everyone.

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We believe everyone should experience quality sport. There are sport, physical activity, and active recreation options available in Lethbridge for all ages, abilities, and sport experience. Whether you're looking to be active and socialize, try a new sport, looking for elite or beginner programming, Sport Matters includes organizations that provides all these options.

As you turn the pages of Sport Matters you'll find articles written by our staff to guide you. Whether you're a parent/guardian or grandparent, elite, adult, or recreational athlete or a sport organization, Sport Matters is for you. Watch for links to follow if you want to explore further.

We missed sport. As we experienced a life without sport during the pandemic, many turned to outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and hiking. Others stayed indoors, isolated. The great news is that your sport community is working hard to rebuild, to be ready to welcome new members and reconnect with old friends.

The Jumpstart State of Sport Report 2021 states that a ‘return to normalcy’ in sport won’t be quick or easy. Knowing the importance of sport for our community and children, Sport Matters was designed to give you an insider’s view of sport in Lethbridge, while supporting the sport community and people involved.

VALUE OF PLAY There are many benefits of play and physical activity for children. Active For Life is a great resource with lesson plans for teachers and caregivers, fun activities for children, and articles for parents. An article that caught our eye shares how the benefits of physical literacy extend far beyond physical benefits, and provides tips and advice for helping kids develop physical literacy in our current society.

Imagine a world in which kids choose to move because they’ve learned to enjoy being active. Imagine these kids choosing to stay active through their teens and into adulthood. Even better, imagine them raising the next generation of active and healthy children.

READ THE ARTICLE FROM ACTIVE FOR LIFE

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VALUE OF PLAY Genius of Play highlights how play is more than just fun, focusing on six main benefits of play: Physical - Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, and motor skills.

Emotional - During play kids learn to deal with emotions, and practice empathy and understanding with others.

Social - Playing with others helps kids negotiate group dynamics, collaborate, compromise, deal with others’ feelings, and share.

Cognitive - Through play kids learn to think, read, remember, reason, and pay attention Creative - Using their imaginations in play, kids form unique ideas and solutions to problems.

Communication - Play helps kids learn how to exchange thoughts and feelings through speech, signals, writing and actions

The Genius of Play website includes a variety of play ideas by age, benefit, and prep time to help families play every day!

VISIT THE GENIUS OF PLAY WEBSITE TO EXPLORE TONS OF PLAY IDEAS!

A local collaboration of organizations, Lethbridge Plays is dedicated to promoting play for all children and youth! Lethbridge Plays hosts and promotes events for families and youth, learn more about Lethbridge Plays on their website.

VISIT THE LETHBRIDGE PLAYS WEBSITE

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Liz Gleadle was twice awarded Senior Female Athlete at the Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards (LSCAA). She received the award to celebrate her 2012 and 2014 seasons.

Since 2014 Liz has continued her stellar throwing career and today, Liz has just competed at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in the Women's Javelin event. We were able to catch up with Liz as she prepared to compete at her third, and final, Olympic Games.

Liz’s approach to the recent Olympic Games represented the culmination of her experiences and lessons learned over a 17-year career representing Canada. In order to understand where she was in the run-up to this Olympics, it is important to look back at the moments leading up to this year that shaped her as an athlete and affected her preparation for the Tokyo Games.

Gleadle left her home province of British Columbia in 2012 when she decided to make a run at qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Taking a year off school at the University of British Columbia, Liz came to train under Lawrence Steinke in Lethbridge. The decision immediately paid off as Gleadle not only earned her spot on the Canadian team heading to London but also qualified for the women’s javelin final becoming the first female Canadian javelin thrower to do so since 1968.

Heading into the Olympics, Liz had refined all aspects of her preparation and was heading to the Games with a simple goal in mind: to throw a Personal Best and have the best throwing series of her life. Well aware of not trying to control the uncontrollable Gleadle did not set a target for placement at these Games, focused instead on showing up and throwing as far as she could. Above all Gleadle wanted to be able to focus on having fun and being happy while competing. Liz loves high-performance throwing and finds her joy in it, and wanted to ensure that she was able to have fun throughout the leadup to and during the Games.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON LIZ ON THE LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL. WEBSITE

You learn something from everybody LIZ GLEADLE SPORT MATTERS | 7

SPORT SPORT HOSTING HOSTING HISTORY HISTORY Lethbridge has a rich history of sport that built the foundation for the sporting community we have today.

From hosting large tournaments and events, to having world class athletes and local teams winning major championships, Lethbridge is filled with incredible sport stories.

In the 1880s sport began in Lethbridge as various sport associations were created for the growth of the community. Historic Galt Park (now Galt Garden) was a location for various Lethbridge teams to compete, including baseball, soccer, lacrosse, cricket, and rugby. At other locations, locals participated in horse racing, polo, track and field, cycling, tennis, curling, skating, gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, golf, and more.

Sport brought the community of Lethbridge together as it allowed for all levels of ability and participation.

To celebrate the sports community and Lethbridge’s sporting excellence, the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1985, the city’s centennial year. One of the first teams inducted was the Lethbridge Maple Leafs, 1938-1939, the team that won the World Hockey Championship in 1951. Today, there are 360 inductees in the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame.

One of the first major events hosted in Lethbridge was the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Game's slogan “Unity Through Sport” is still fitting for Lethbridge’s sports community. Since the 1975 Games Lethbridge has been the host community to many successful events.

| 03 VISIT THE LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME WEBSITE

Major events hosted in Lethbridge since 1975 1975 Canada Winter Games 1981 Alberta Summer Games 1985 National Slow Pitch Tournament 1987 Scotties Tournament of Hearts 1989/90 Western Canadian Swimming Championships 1990 Skate Canada 1991 Canadian National Judo Championships 1994 C.C.A.A Basketball National Championships 1996 Alberta Winter Games 1999 Western Hockey League All Stars 2001 Alberta Senior Games 2005 Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games 2005 World U17 Hockey Challenge 2005 Alberta Native Hockey Championships 2006 Southern Alberta Summer Games 2007 Scotties Tournament of Hearts - National 2008 Women’s Rugby U SPORTS National Championships 2009 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games 2010 Canadian 3D Archery Championships SPORT MATTERS | 8

2011 Football Canada Cup 2011 U16 National Club Soccer Championships 2012 Alberta Summer Games 2012 World Women’s Curling Championships 2014 -16 Tour of Alberta 2014 Western Speed Skating Nationals 2015 Skate Canada International 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games 2016 Southern Alberta Summer Games 2017 World Mixed and Senior Curling Championships 2017 Women’s Rugby U SPORTS Nationals 2019 Men’s Hockey U SPORTS Nationals 2019 World Men’s Curling Championships 2019 Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open - PGA Tour 2019 Rotary Club Dragonboat Festival - 18th Annual 2019 Junior Little league Canadian Championship - 10th Annual 2019 Floorbuster Lacrosse Tournament - 17th Annual 2019 Kodiaks 10 / 4 Road Race - 45th Annual 2020 Chinook Open Invitational (figure skating) - 26th Annual

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July 2019

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Lethbridge offers sport programming for individuals of all experience levels and abilities.

Aiming to create and promote a positive sport experience for all in Lethbridge below is a list of organizations that provide programming that creates an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all.

Adaptable Outdoor Recreation Society (Adaptable Outdoors) Southern Alberta non-profit society, that offers adaptive outdoor sport programs to people living with physical and cognitive disabilities

Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association Offers individuals with special needs hands-on instruction in riding and horse care to exercise the body and spirit

Lethbridge Bowbenders Archery Club The Lethbridge Bowbenders eagerly welcome novice and experienced archers to join as the club offers something for all levels of archers

Blind Bowling A bowling league from September through April. Open to anyone who has a visual impairment. Transportation included upon request.

Lethbridge Fish and Game Association A community organized to advocate for conservation, education, outdoor recreation and shooting sports.

Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club The Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club offers programming for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Lethbridge Wheelchair Basketball Association Provides recreation and competitive programs for wheelchair basketball

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TRUE SPORT PRINCIPLES Go For It Rise to the challenge - always strive for excellence. Discover how good you can be.

Play Fair Play honestly - obey both the letter and spirit of the rules. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair.

Respect Others Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play. Win with dignity and lose with grace.

Keep It Fun Find the joy of sport. Keep a positive attitude both on and off the field of play.

Stay Healthy Place physical and mental health above all other considerations - avoid unsafe activities. Respect your body and keep in shape.

Include Everyone Share sport with others. Ensure everyone has a place to play.

Give Back Find ways to show your appreciation for the community that supports your sport and helps make it possible.

TRUE SPORT INFOGRAPHIC ON SAFE RETURN TO COMMUNITY SPORT: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

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FAQS ABOUT RETURNING TO SPORT QUESTIONS PARENTS MAY HAVE

How do I get my child involved in sport?

Find a sport they are interested in playing and talk to the sport organization about the upcoming season/registration. If they are not interested in organized sports, encourage and promote active recreation such as walking, biking, etc.

Expose your child to positive role models. Their role models could be you or local accomplished athletes they look up to.

I have fear about my child returning back to sport. What can I do to feel more comfortable?

Ask the coach and the sport organization questions; they are there to help.

My child has fear about returning to sport. How can I help them?

Some children may be unsure about returning to sport because of their own fear of COVID-19. Listen to your child and don’t push them to play until they are ready. If they want to play but need reassurance, try suggesting sports that have a lower risk of contact. Provide your child with the opportunity to ask the sport organization and/or coach questions.

My child has been sedentary for quite some time. I am afraid they are going to get injured. What can I do?

Coaches and organizations are aware of this risk and are adjusting their sessions accordingly. They will ensure this by beginning at a lower level of exertion than in the past. Intensity will be increased gradually | 03 while being aware of the child’s state. As well, as a parent you can ease them back into sport by playing for a less competitive league.

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FAQS ABOUT RETURNING TO SPORT QUESTIONS ATHLETES MAY HAVE

I missed out on 18 months of a sport and I am afraid to start again. What can I do?

Talk to your coaches but remember that everyone has also missed out and will be in the same situation. Be active in ways that you can and be kind to yourself. Sport specific skills will come back.

I haven’t had the opportunity to play a new sport that I want to try. Can I start now?

Yes, talk to the coaches and sport organization about your interest and lack of experience. They will be able to help you get started in the new sport.

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FAQS ABOUT RETURNING TO SPORT QUESTIONS ORGANIZATIONS MAY HAVE

Parents are fearful about their child playing sports. What can we do?

Sport organizations are encouraged to host mandatory parent sessions at the start of each season.

Offer the parent sessions at 2 or 3 different times to accommodate schedules. At these parent sessions sport organizations can explain the protocol in place to keep their child safe, explain the gradual return to sport that your organization has in place to decrease injuries and answer any questions or concerns parents may have.

Athletes are nervous about returning to sport after not playing for so long. How can we help?

Prioritize reengagement, fun, and be understanding about the quality of sport specific skills. Organize a coach meeting so all coaches are consistent with their approach as well as provide an opportunity for coaches to learn from each other.

How do I support my athletes’ mental wellness as they return to sport?

As athletes re-enter the busy life of school and sport, it is important to support a healthy adjustment to structured days and busy schedules. Support athletes by giving them the opportunity to speak about their experiences as they return to sport.

Are there sport specific return to play guidelines?

Many sport governing bodies have COVID protocols that local sport organizations are required to follow.

Not all sports have governing bodies or ones that are providing guidelines. If your organization has questions regarding return to play guidelines contact the Lethbridge Sport Council for support.

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PROGRAMS

NEWS

EVENTS

SPORT DIRECTORY

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Looking for a sport or organization not featured in this publication?

The Lethbridge Sport Council sport directory includes sport organizations and businesses offering sport and active recreation opportunities in our community!

What will you find in the sport directory?

419 local, provincial, and national sport organization Enhanced member listings for over 80 local sport organizations. Listing includes information about their organization, facilities, social media links, photos, and videos!

LETHBRIDGESPORTCOUNCIL.CA

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MORE THAN A COACH

Aaron Hernandez shares his story about how jumping coach Jaime Thomas impacted his life beyond track.

I first met Coach Jaime Thomas in 2011, when I was in Grade 11 at Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale, Alberta.

I signed up for the local track meet in order to get out of running laps in gym class. I didn’t mind, I really enjoyed track and at that age was above average compared to the kids I was competing against. At that track meet, I had participated in the triple jump, an event I enjoyed due to the complexity and dexterity it took. I ended up winning that meet with a jump that even surprised myself, and apparently, surprised Jaime too. He saw the mark and ended up getting my contact information through a mutual friend who he was coaching at the time. He asked if I would be interested in training with him, and as a high school athlete being approached by a university-level coach, how could I say no?

Coach and I spent eight years together where I learned more than just the basics of the horizontal jumps. First of all, Jaime was the reason I went to post-secondary. In my grade 12 year, I didn’t have much of a plan for life after secondary school. I didn’t think I had what it took to go to university, and I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do with my life. Jaime helped me understand the process of applying for school and helped me get scholarships as I had nothing put away for tuition costs. During my time at the university, Jaime was constantly a support system and someone I could go to should I have any problems. In my final year, I thought I failed an exam that I needed to pass in order to pass the class. The first thing I did while I was freaking out was call Jaime and explain the situation. He gave me sound advice and helped me stay calm (and for the record, I passed!). Even after retiring from track and field, Jaime continues to be a friend, confidant and role model.

On top of everything Coach has done for me outside of track, together we achieved so much on it. Without Jaime, I would not have accomplished everything I have.

He and I were able to connect on a level that surpassed athlete and coach. He always knew how to get the best out of me, whether it was physically during practice or mentally during a competition. He always listened to my ideas and suggestions on what I thought needed to be done to help me get to the next level. Jaime also had a special approach and was able to help me understand new concepts or techniques much quicker than other coaches. He is a coach that understands how to get the full potential out of his athletes.

Today, in order to be a great coach, you have to be more than just a coach. You have to be a mentor, role model, support system, and friend. This is what I have with Coach Jaime and this is why we shared so much success together.

READ THE FULL STORIES OF WHY COACHES JAIME THOMAS AND RIC SUGGITT ARE 'MORE THAN A COACH'

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National Coaches Week is a time to celebrate the positive impact coaches have on athletes and their communities.

In honor of this the Lethbridge Sport Council released a series called ‘More Than a Coach’ to share stories from local athletes to show how coaches impact athletes' lives beyond sport.

MORE THAN A COACH As athletes, coaches are people who you spend hours on end with, learning plays, developing skills, and sometimes running lines, be it for fitness or punishment. It is the time spent off the pitch, however, that generally has the greatest impact. Despite having had many coaches in my lifetime, few have made a lasting impression the way Ric Suggitt did. If you were to ask me to name someone who is ‘more than a coach,’ he would always be the first to come to mind because of the way he built relationships, the lessons he taught us, and the legacy he left.

With some unorthodox methods, Sluggo taught us many lessons. One was to treat everyone you encounter with respect. A lot of things go on behind the scenes for varsity athletes to be able to complete.

From athletic therapists to the operations staff at stadiums to the custodians at the university, everyone plays a part and should be appreciated. He taught us to always treat people with kindness, saying hello and thank you for all of their efforts as you pass by in the hallway. This small moment has a lasting impact on our gratefulness and on the reputation of athletes and their teams reputation of athletes and their teams.

Jill Tataryn shares her story about how rugby coach Ric ‘Sluggo’ Suggitt taught her lessons that have impacted her life forever.

Just four weeks after signing it, tragedy struck the Humboldt Broncos hockey team where Logan was playing when a semi-trailer collided with the bus carrying the team. Boulet was among the 16 killed by the crash.

Due to the strength of his still-beating heart, he was able to donate his organs, just like his trainer Sluggo. Despite the pain of their loss, the Boulet family made Logan’s selflessness a lesson to Canadians. Within two months of his death, organ donation registration increased by an estimated 150,000.

Sluggo’s impact on Logan Boulet and organ donation is just one example of the legacy he left behind. He also left behind a legacy of kindness, commitment, and passion for the sport of rugby. I will never forget to work hard, but always play like a kid in the backyard, having fun. Ric Suggitt was a role model, teacher, mentor, friend, inspiration, and much more. Ric Suggitt was more than a coach.

Sluggo left a lasting impression on most players, assistant coaches, trainers, and athletic therapists he worked with. He may never realize it, but he also left a legacy affecting thousands of others—including six very important ones. When Ric passed away in 2017, he became an organ donor. His donation went on to help save six people in need. At the time, Ric had been training some junior hockey players in their off-season.

His influence had made a strong impact on one player in particular, Logan Boulet. Ric had inspired Logan to become an organ donor, and he made the effort to tell his friends and family that when he turned 21, he would be signing his donor card.

In addition to these 2 stories, in 2020 we recognized 33 local grassroots coaches during Coaches Week. In 2021, we plan to do it again. This year National Coaches Week is September 19-26, 2021, and we encourage all athletes to take part in saying thanks coach for the time, effort and generosity coaches provide to sport and the impact they have. If you know a coach that should be recognized and thanked publicly, please let us know by emailing info@lethbridgesportcouncil.ca SPORT MATTERS | 21

INTRODUCING A NEW SERIES FEATURING STORIES OF EVERYDAY PEOPLE LIVING ACTIVE LIFESTYLES.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

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LISTEN ON YOUTUBE

READ THE STORIES

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FROM SPORT TO LEADERSHIP Being a leader does not simply mean you have to have the title, with leadership comes greater responsibility, not greater power KARA HAGEN

The Sport to Leadership series features local women leaders sharing their experience with sport, and how the skills learned through sport and active recreation impact their professional roles and life. The series features Constable Kara Hagen (LPS), Paula Burns (Lethbridge College President and CEO), Maria Fitzpatrick (Former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Lethbridge-East) and Keegan Brantner (U of L Pronghorns).

Kara Hagen uses her story to tell the many skills learned through sport, “participating in multiple team sports, as well as individual sport has played a large role in shaping me into the person I am today. Time management skills, resiliency, the drive to always push harder, and the ability to fight mental and physical fatigue came from participating in sports. The balancing act of managing morning practices, lunchtime skills building, after school games, and weekend tournaments, all while balancing part-time jobs and still maintaining honour roll marks, helped form healthy behaviors and respectable life skills. Even at a young age, I knew I had a responsibility to more than just myself; I had coaches and teammates relying on me. The skills I learned while having fun with my friends meant little to me at the time, but when I look back I am grateful for the opportunities I was presented and the experiences gained. I frequently joke that being involved in sports has kept me out of trouble, but truly it has done so much more. The confidence-building, sportsmanship, commitment, and of course the leadership and teamwork life skills gained from organized and individual sport are amazing traits to learn and become a part of your identity, all while having fun and being healthy and active. Some of the best leaders do not even consider themselves leaders at all.”

Maria Fitzpatrick recalls many fond memories and lessons from her time in sport, “I was beginning to realize how important it was to focus on what I was doing and how I was doing it. If I wanted to win and I did want to win then I also had to hone my focusing skills...the focus as a political leader was and still is, what is the end result for the constituent, and will it be positive. Will it make life better for Albertans. The question for me was, what do I need to do to make that happen? This was and is what I want for my community and to achieve this is where I am focused.

I believe that being involved in sport especially at the elite level is where I developed and honed my skills to focus on what needed to be done to achieve the target goal.”

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FROM SPORT TO LEADERSHIP To me, it was never about winning. I participated because it felt good. It felt good to build friendships with my teammates.

PAULA BURNS

Paula Burns discusses the importance sport has had holistically in her life. “Mental health is often referred to as a black-or-white issue, but it’s far from it. Mental health is a continuum and every day presents new challenges and triumphs that can move you on that continuum. Sport has always been my opportunity to balance myself on that scale. When I feel strong physically, I feel stronger mentally and that manifests itself in all areas of my life. I am a better leader for Lethbridge College when I achieve that balance. I am a better mom, partner, and friend when I feel well physically and mentally. It really affects everything I do. I encourage everyone to try something new and carve out time to follow your passions. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t learned all those lessons along the way.”

Keegan Brantner a current Pronghorn athlete tells her story of how sport helped shape the leader she is today, “throughout my youth and adolescence, my stature and build often resulted in me being referred to as “naturally athletic”, although my genetics did not always result in me being the best or most talented player on a team. I was cut from teams, I was a benchwarmer, I was an injured player and I have not dressed for games. Those moments were hard but they were valuable. As an adult I can now reflect on these times in my athletic career to be the most influential in shaping me and my values as a leader, teammate and athlete. Like most, these influential times were not of great success and triumph but times where I faced adversity, challenges and a lot of self-reflection.”

The full version of each of these stories is available at on the Lethbridge Sport Council website.

KARA HAGEN

MARIA FITZPATRICK

PAULA BURNS

KEEGAN BRANTNER

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QUALITY SPORT CHECKLIST Ask Your Coaches- Minor Sports Programs: Questions to Ask 1.

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8.

Is there enough space for children to practice safely while running and playing vigorously?

Is there enough space for children to compete safely while running and playing vigorously?

Is the space suitable for the sport being practiced?

Is there non-sport-specific space that children can use for free play?

Is there enough equipment for all children to practice at the same time?

Is the sport equipment of suitable size and weight for the size and strength of the children?

Is there appropriate sport safety equipment, and is it used consistently?

Is non-sport-specific equipment available to permit children to learn a wide range of fundamental sport skills?

9. Is equipment in good condition?

10. Is the sports equipment available for free play (not only during instruction)?

11. Are fundamental movement skills taught?

12. Are fundamental sport skills taught?

13. Do all children get to learn and practice equally?

14. Do all children get to play equal amounts of time?

15. Do all children get to play different positions, and/or try different events?

16. Do coaches correctly manage the ratio of practice time to competition time? (at least 70% practice to no more than 30% competition)?

17. Do coaches emphasize skill development over winning?

18. Are the coaches trained and/or certified?

19. If present, are children with a disability included in all physical activities?

20. Do the coaches make learning the sport fun?

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QUALITY SPORT CHECKLIST For Communities and Clubs This checklist highlights elements that lead to Quality Sport experiences in any sport program. Designed to be used as a tool by community and club leaders to assess and improve the quality of their sport program.

Good programs, that are developmentally appropriate are: Participant Centered Progressive and Challenging Well Planned Designed for Meaningful Competition Good people, who are caring and knowledgeable, include: Coaches, Officials, Instructors, and Teachers Parents and Caregivers Partners and Leaders Good places, that create good feelings, are: Inclusive and Welcoming Fun and Fair Safe

VISIT THE SPORT FOR LIFE WEBSITE

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The Lethbridge Sport Council believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience quality sport. Sport has the capacity to teach lifelong lessons and skills, as well as to influence physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness benefits.

Girls are dropping out of sport at a much higher rate than boys. The Rally Report (June 2020), produced in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, reports, “1 in 3 girls are leaving sport by late adolescence. By comparison, the dropout rate for teenage boys (aged 16-18) is only 1 in 10.”

Lethbridge Sport Council recently launched the series From Sport to Leadership highlighting local women leaders sharing their experience with sport, and how the skills learned through sport impact their professional roles and life journey. This series was inspired to empower women to lead and to demonstrate that encouraging young girls to play sports has the potential to grow into women who lead.

The Lethbridge Sport Council wants to help increase the inclusivity and involvement of women and girls in physical activity and sport by providing some useful tips.

Canadian Women & Sport suggest five ways of positive messaging to encourage and promote participation by girls and young women within sport and physical activity.

1. Use inclusive language so girls and young women know they have a place in sport 2. Emphasize fun and fitness rather than competition, personal injuries or negative experiences 3. Share personal experiences about how sport makes you feel 4. Share your role models by talking about a woman who influenced your life 5. Make a statement about the importance of physical activity in the lives of females and males.

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Not surprisingly, research shows that parents play a vital role in their children's involvement and enjoyment in sport. Canadian Women & Sport recommend the following ways parents can help make a difference in their daughters’ participation and enjoyment in sport.

Simply photograph your child being active; enlarge it, frame it and be proud of it. Actively support your daughter’s involvement in physical activity, this can be demonstrated through watching her games or driving her to and from practices. Take your daughter to the park and be active with her, this can help her to learn fundamental skills of running, throwing, catching and kicking. Be an active role model yourself, research has shown parents participation in sport increased participation rates of their children. Emphasize fun and fitness rather than competition and body image, simply love and support her just the way she is and encourage her to try a variety of new activities. Introduce your daughter to active women, expose her to women who are athletes, coaches, officials and leaders in sport. This can be done by watching women’s sporting events on TV with your daughter or taking her to women’s sporting competitions in your community. Lastly, plan active vacations or weekend excursions like hiking, skiing or rafting.

To help keep more girls and women in sport, the Canadian Women & Sport shares some ideas for what you can do to better understand how women and girls experience sport and how to sport them.

Coaches - Prioritize social connection among your athletes rather than encouraging them to compare and compete against each other. When girls feel accepted by their peers, it enhances their individual and group performance and keeps them in sport longer Parents/Guardians - Expose your daughter to positive role models. Girls are more likely to play sport if their parents participate, so that role model could be you.

Administrators - Help increase the representation of women in leadership roles across sport by establishing targets and appropriate plans for recruiting and advancing women as coaches, officials and senior leaders.

Allies - Speak up! Be vocal about equitable access for ALL girls and women with respect to programs, facilities, equipment, quality coaching, and leadership opportunities.

Corporations and Media - Make a commitment to increase representation of diverse women in sport media both in the content you produce and behind the scenes, and commit to investing in the future of women's sport.

If you want to learn more about empowering girls and women in sport visit https://womenandsport.ca/ or https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/resources

WOMEN AND SPORT WEBSITE

LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL RESOURCES

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THE RETURN TO SPORT We are so excited to see a return to sport in Lethbridge. The opportunities to participate in and watch sport is on its way back; something many of us missed. Our Sport Event Calendar which sat empty for a year is filling up with great events to thrill and entertain.

Our community will once again go to sporting events including community sport, school sport, college and university sport, WHL games, WCBL games, and major sporting events.

Upcoming major sport events hosted in Lethbridge include: PBR Canada Cup Series - August 27-28, 2021 Lost Soul Ultra - September 10-11, 2021 University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Opener Triple-Header - September 18, 2021 Lethbridge College Kodiaks Men’s Soccer - September 19, 2021 WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes Home Opener - October 1, 2021 Tim Hortons Brier - March 4 - March 13, 2022 Canadian College World Series - May 19 - May 23, 2022 ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival - June 24 - June 26, 2022 Mackenzie Tour - PGA Canada Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open - June 2022

VISIT THE SPORT EVENT CALENDAR

Lethbridge is ready for a life full of sport again, check out this video to see what sport in Lethbridge will look like this year!

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY FAVORITE PART OF

THE GAME IS? THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY.

- MIKE SINGLETARY

Physical Address 2nd Fl, Nicholas Sheran Arena, 401 Laval Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3W7

Mailing Address Phone

Email Website

110 Columbia Boulevard West, Box 21090, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 6X4 403-320-5412 and 403-320-9371 info@lethbridgesportcouncil.ca lethbridgesportcouncil.ca

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