FEBRUARY 2010 01

Healthy Lifestyles and Great Life Choices

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Being an Active Role Model

S A S K AT C H E WA N PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N

01 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 01

FEBRUARY 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CEO’s Report 01

A New Direction for SPRA 02

Fitness Leadership Q & A - A District Perspective 03

SPRA Fitness Leader Profile 04

Municipal Ice Rink Program 06

Building Communities, One Crop at a Time 07

Push2Play 08

A Great Day Had By All 10

Accessible Playspaces - Fun For All! 11

Monkey See – Monkey Do 12

A Community Connected - Chinook Parkway 13

Girls on the Move in Fort Qu’Appelle 14

Lottery Lingo 15

Funding Opportunities 16

Events 17

DIRECTION is published four times a year (September, December,

March and June). The publication is provided to members of

the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all

communcations to:

Editor, DIRECTION

#100 - 1445 Park Street

Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5

You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross,

Communications Consultant at 306.780.9370, by fax at

306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this newsmagazine are the opinions of the

authour(s) and do no necessarily reflect the policies or opinions

of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that

full credits shown for the author and the newsmagazine.

CEO’S REPORT:

BEING AN ACTIVE ROLE MODEL

Practitioners and volunteers who work in the parks and recreation

field are intuitively aware of the benefits of being active.

This knowledge guides us as we develop policies, programs

and initiatives that help improve the quality of life in our province.

Do we as individuals, or the organizations we represent,

consistently exhibit behaviour that supports our beliefs? Are we

good role models for those we serve?

People generally self identify others who they want as role

models, and the rationale they use to choose one individual over

another varies and is contingent on each person’s individual

needs, wants and view of the world. Role models come in all

shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, and can be found just

about everywhere. A person is chosen as a role model by

another, and that choice is contingent on a number of attributes

and characteristics of both the chooser and the chosen.

There are a number of definitions outlining what a role model is,

and although the actual wording may be slightly different from one

to the next, common themes emerge, including: there must be an

individual that serves as an example and there must be someone

else that aspires to be like that person and are willing to copy

and/or emulate them. It is not necessary for the behaviour being

emulated to be positive, it is only necessary for someone else to

aspire to copy that behaviour.

It is therefore incumbent upon those who would like to be seen as

a role model to ensure that the behaviour we display reflects the

changes and differences we want to make in the world. We are

unaware of when our behaviour will impact others and if we aspire

to have a positive impact on them, then we must consciously

strive to project a positive image in those areas that are important

to us. There are few among us that can claim they set a positive

example to others in all aspects of their lives. This makes it

imperative for us to identify those areas in which we want to effect

change and to act in a manner that positively reflects our beliefs.

Saskatchewan is in the midst of an inactivity epidemic that is

taking hold of our population and affecting our health, mental

state of mind and self esteem. By ensuring that, as leaders in our

field, we choose healthy and active living lifestyle alternatives,

we can position ourselves as positive role models for those that

would emulate us.

This doesn’t mean that we need to look like we go to the gym

every day to work out. A healthy and active lifestyle is not

necessarily synonymous with a svelte and trim body. A healthy

and active lifestyle means that we are taking steps to ensure

that every day we eat healthy and are active enough for health

benefits.

We have a responsibility to ensure that our commitment to

healthy living is more than just something we commit to during

our working hours. We need to commit to it in our personal time

as well. Not knowing when someone will determine whether or

not they want to emulate us dictates that if we aspire to be a role

model, we must try and live an appropriate lifestyle all day,

every day.

Individuals however, do not have a monopoly on being role

models. Organizations, businesses and other communities

of common interest can have a strong influence on other

association’s corporate values and how they choose to operate.

Policies and initiatives that support healthy active living need to be

shared throughout the province, so that we can collectively learn

from each other and benefit from those ideas that have proven

successful. By taking the time to share individual and organization

successes, and by actively advocating and searching out new

ideas, we can move forward in meeting the challenges the

inactivity epidemic is presenting.

SPRA continues to collect, catalogue and share information

forwarded to us by organizations regarding their programs

and initiatives. Take the time to access this information at

http://www.spra.sk.ca/successstories. If you are doing something,

either as an individual or as an organization, that promotes a

healthier active province, become a positive role model and share

it with us so that we can share it with others. You never know

when you will be chosen.

Norm Campbell

SPRA CEO

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SPRA STAFF

in motion STAFF

President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director for Villages Rob Boulding

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Clint McConnell

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

Project Manager Marnie Sinclair

Project Facilitator Corinna Dahl-Ritco

Project Facilitator Sara Toth

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger

Project Administrator Nicole Yacishyn

Assistant Consultant Kendra Schmidt

School/Youth Consultant Lyle Brenna

Executive Assistant Carol Priebe

Administrative Assistant Gail Todd

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466

Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

Program Manager Garry Michael

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Information and Research Services Luella Newman

Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen

Communications Consultant Lori Ross RECREATION CONSULTANTS:

Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett

Parks and Open Spaces John Firnesz

Physical Activity and Fitness Joni Hagen

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

Leadership and Evaluation Nancy Porter

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky

Physical Activity/Youth Leadership Karen Thompson

ADMINISTRATION:

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught

Administrative Technician Ryan Monks

Administrative Assistant II Donna Matheson

Administrative Assistant I Paula Lichtenwald

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Crystal Smith

Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555 Fax: (306) 780-9257 www.spra.sk.ca

www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

Cover photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan / Greg Huszar Photography

FEBRUARY 2010 0302 FEBRUARY 2010

FITNESS LEADERSHIP Q & A – A DISTRICT PERSPECTIVEThe Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation District responds

to questions on fitness leadership and its role in their District.

Q: One of the roles of the Districts is to develop capacity

in communities to increase physical activity. Why does

your organization feel that supporting fitness leadership

training will help achieve this?

A: The Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation

District supports creating new Fitness Leaders in rural

communities to increase the capacity to offer fitness programs

locally. A trained Certified Fitness Leader can help motivate a

community. All it takes is one person to shows another they

care about helping them reach their goals and prove they are

passionate about what they believe in to get others moving!

The Southeast Connection District recognizes the costs and

continuous dedication a Certified Fitness Leader must make

to keep their certification. These people are key leaders, movers

and shakers in our communities. The District will support those

leaders who help make our Southeast Connection vision

a reality, that our “communities are vibrant and engaged in

active, creative and healthy lifestyles.”

How has your organization supported fitness leadership

training? Do you partner with others (i.e. municipalities)

in offering courses?

A: Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation

District has made fitness leadership training a priority since

the amalgamation of the regions and zone in 1999. Each fiscal

year, a portion of the Saskatchewan Lottery Trust Fund financial

assistance was set aside to help offset costs associated with

training new leaders. In 2008-2009 the District dropped the

annual funding allocation money to focus their efforts on the

Recreation Investment Partnership Program. The application

focused on offering free training courses in areas requested.

We held two theory courses and one group fitness course.

We also were able to utilize our locally trained facilitators.

The District also offered local Continuing Education Courses

(CEC’s) to our currently trained Fitness Leaders such as Mind,

Body, Soul and Strength Training. This upcoming fiscal year,

the District plans on applying for the SPRA Member’s Initiative

Grant to continue offering more CEC’s in rural communities

and possibly another training module, Older Adult.

Q: How many Certified Fitness Leaders are

in your District?

A: There are 31 Certified Fitness Leaders in the Southeast

Connection District. This District has the third highest number

of Fitness Leaders in the Province after Regina and Saskatoon.

Q: What is happening in communities as a result of

having trained leaders?

A: By offering fitness classes in rural communities, Fitness

Leaders are motivating individuals and communities to keep

active no matter what their age or their physical activity level.

Individuals, especially the 45+ age group of females, are

beginning to take their personal wellness seriously. There has

been an increase in south east rural fitness centres and more

people are signing up for classes as people hear about the

benefits others are receiving. There are still not enough Fitness

Leaders in our communities to keep up the demand.

As you can see, SPRA’s new organizational magazine has

been enhanced with colour and a new layout. This change

was implemented to increase reader appeal and to move

the magazine into the present! DIRECTION also features more

issues-based cover stories and feature articles on topics

important to the parks and recreation sector! In the future,

DIRECTION newsmagazine will be distributed quarterly in

March, June, September and December. In an effort to return

to our normal distribution schedule, the next issue of

DIRECTION will be June 2010.

With the launch of DIRECTION comes for the first time,

the new SPRA logo. Three logo options were presented to

the SPRA membership at the Roundtable during the 2009

SPRA Conference. Membership input was taken back to

the Board for a final decision. The logo which graces the cover

of DIRECTION has been adopted by the Association.

The new logo uses the shape of the province to form a structure

for a stylized human figure. The energy portrayed here in the

human form, the forward motion and the clear recreational feel

is evident. The east-west lines could be interpreted as important

provincial pathways: major highways, the Saskatchewan River,

or the Trans Canada Trail. The circle could be seen as the sun,

a sports ball, or as the head of the stylized person. The various

swatches of colour can be interpreted as the sky, land and

water of the Saskatchewan landscape.

In addition to DIRECTION newsmagazine and the new logo,

SPRA is working with Brown Communications in the redesign

of its primary organizational marketing pieces to reflect its

new brand. These marketing pieces serve multiple uses and

include the:

• Membership Brochure

• SPRA Folder

• Program and Services Brochure

• Posters

• Display

SPRA would like to thank its members for their input and

patience throughout the process of revamping its corporate

image and brand as we take SPRA in a new and improved

DIRECTION!

Lori Ross SPRA Consultant – Communciations

A NEW DIRECTION FOR SPRAThe Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) is bringing its new

brand and corporate image to life with the premier edition of DIRECTION. DIRECTION

will replace RECREATION WORKS as SPRA’s organizational newsmagazine.

DIRECTION’S layout and design is based on the key traits of the new SPRA brand:

professional, knowledgeable, innovative, approachable and of course vibrant!

04 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 05

Q: Do you feel that Fitness Leaders have a role to play

outside of leading fitness classes?

A: I feel that all Fitness Leaders, whether we want to be or

not, are placed in a position of power. Therefore, we must take

advantage of being an advocate for physical activity. We need

to show others by “walking the talk” by personally displaying

a healthy lifestyle. Joan McCuster said at the 2009 SPRA

Conference and AGM that “inspiration can be borrowed” and

I feel as a Fitness Leader my inspiration can be shared. If

I display a positive commitment to a healthy lifestyle it will

motivate others. It has been proven. Therefore, Fitness Leaders

need to become involved in their community by helping out

on school councils, volunteering with their local gym or their

Sport, Culture and Recreation District, or by sitting on your local

recreation board. There are always opportunities for sharing

of information, partnership and creating new projects

by volunteering locally or regionally. If you do not show up

to help make a change, your community will not grow.

Angela Englot Executive Director

SPRA FITNESS LEADER PROFILE RITA BETH

I am passionate about what

I do as a Certified Fitness

Leader and who I am as

a person. I had always enjoyed

being a fitness participant

and at the age of 41, started my

training to teach Fitness. I am

certified through the very first

Canadian Aquafitness Leaders

Alliance course held in Toronto,

in 1993. During the past 16

years, I have become SPRA

certified in land Group Fitness and Older Adult and have also

become trained in PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise),

T’ai Chi Chih, and Yoga. I continue to teach in most of

these specialties.

I am vigilant to maintain my numerous certifications and I consider

myself to be a student for life.

As a SPRA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, I teach classes for

over 40. Why am I qualified for these classes? Well, I am over 40.

Well, okay, I am over 50. I love my participants. I know their names

and something about each of their lives. Many of my participants

have been attending my classes for years. My participants come

to my classes not just to get fit – they also enjoy the socialization,

music, fun, and the many stress release benefits. They feel better

after class. Many of my participants are dealing with something –

a child with special needs, an ill and aging parent, a spouse with

cancer, or their own health and emotional issues. My participants

come to me for motivation, encouragement, cheerleading,

coaching, education, stress relief, and a safe place to be.

I am accountable to my participants and I am committed to

them with dedication, enthusiasm, preparedness, variety, safety,

modifications, challenges, education, amazing music and fun.

I share with my participants new techniques from trainings,

and I post articles on health issues, and the benefits of being

in motion. My participants have written me thank you cards

and some have stated that this is the first time that they have

ever enjoyed fitness.

As a SPRA Certified Group Fitness Instructor I have many

opportunities to walk my talk on a daily, weekly, monthly and

yearly basis and contribute positively to my community. I have

been a member at large on the Moose Jaw in motion committee.

I have presented at Provincial conferences for TOPS, the Arthritis

Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Registered Psychiatric

Nurses, the Mental Health & Older Adult Conference, and the

Prairie South School Division Teachers Conference.

I have given presentations to the local Arthritis Support Group and

to a support group for the Bereaved. Through the South Central

Recreation and Parks Association, I have travelled during the

summers to the surrounding areas through the Wellness Wagon

to teach classes in several small communities. In addition to my

regularly scheduled classes, I have also given many classes free

of charge. I have taught classes at the Moose Jaw Multicultural

Council for the newly arrived Immigrant Women, to the young

Katimavik participants who come to work in Moose Jaw, to

the YMCA summer daycampers and at one of the Elementary

Schools. When the Caron Community was declared in motion,

I volunteered to lead the participants of all ages in music

and movement.

In the past several years I have twice been interviewed by our

local cable TV for the Wellness Matters segments. One show

highlighted the importance of deep breathing and relaxation

for stress relief and in the other segment, I explained and

demonstrated the benefits of T’ai Chi Chih.

Locally, I have organized the World T’ai Chi and Qi-Gong Day

which brings together the various T’ai Chi groups to demonstrate

for the public and to raise awareness of the benefits of T’ai Chi

and Qi-Gong.

Currently, I am organizing a Retreat for Fitness Leaders for April

of 2010. My presentation of T’ai Chi Chih was so well received at

the SPRA SaskFit Conference, that the participants wanted more.

Many had never been on a retreat, so I will be offering T’ai Chi

Chih, and Stress Reduction Techniques, at the retreat weekend.

Personally, each year I go on at least one retreat.

In addition to teaching my various classes each week, I also

schedule the time to attend other instructors’ classes. My healthy

lifestyle includes regularly attending a Spin class, and two Yoga

classes. This past year, I also attended classes in Drums Alive,

Hip-Hop, Belly Dance and Zumba to have FUN and to expand

my comfort zone.

I strive to balance my active yang Fitness activities with my mellow

yin practices of Yoga and T’ai Chi Chih, and Meditation. I plan

and prepare for the day, the month, and year ahead, and then,

try to live in a very mindful way – One day at a time. I do believe

that a healthy lifestyle is a balance of the yang and the yin, the

activity and the rest, the doing and the being. Please know that

while I am aware of keeping balance in my life, it does not always

happen. Balance is a constantly changing noun and verb, as life is

constantly changing. We must go with the flow.

Here are some treasured teachings I have learned over the years:

• Love what you do, and you will never work another

day in your life.

• Be aware of all of the areas of your life – physical, social,

mental, emotional and spiritual.

• Be a good role model by taking care of yourself.

• Set healthy boundaries. From time to time, re-evaluate and

see if you are living an authentic life. Choose who and what

is important to you. Use your talents! Live your best life.

• Sometimes we need to say “Yes”, and sometimes we need

to say “No.”

• We DO make a difference in people’s lives.

• Who we are and how we contribute is far reaching and

more valuable than we will ever know.

T. Rita Beth was awarded the SPRA Fitness Leadership

Award in 2005 to recognize her contributions in motivating

and encouraging others to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

She regularly attends our Provincial SaskFit Conference,

and the Can-Fit-Pro Conference in Toronto. Rita can

be reached at fitnessinmotion@shaw.ca

Rita was raised in a military family, moving frequently,

attending more than ten different schools. She has also

moved more than a dozen times with her military husband,

having lived in five provinces in Canada, and three other

countries. Since 2000, Rita has lived in Moose Jaw,

Saskatchewan. Rita is the mother of one son and

grandmother to two grandchildren. One of her mottos is:

“I’m not here for a long time – I’m here for a good time.”

FEBRUARY 2010 0706 FEBRUARY 2010

ENERgY EFFICIENCY: REDUCINg ENERgY COSTS FOR SASKATCHEWAN RINKS

Over the next five years, rinks in the province will have the

opportunity to participate in SaskPower Eneraction’s Municipal

Ice Rink Program (MIRP).

By mid-2010, it’s expected 12 rinks will have an ongoing energy

efficiency improvement solution in place and be retrofitted with

cost-effective and energy-efficient equipment.

Once those rinks are complete, MIRP will move across the

province tailoring solutions to other rinks’ needs.

Rinks with artificial ice will be selected based on expressed

interest at www.saskpower.com/rinks.

MONEY IS TIgHT AT MOST RINKS. HOW WILL THEY AFFORD THE PROgRAM?

Making these energy efficient improvements to your rink’s

operations and equipment can save a facility between 40

and 60 per cent in both electricity and natural gas costs.

Putting an ongoing energy efficiency improvement solution

in place will help secure financing and help clearly measure

achieved savings.

These savings will in turn be used to pay for the improvements.

Rinks can make cost-effective improvements today that would

pay for themselves tomorrow. Once the improvements are

paid off, the energy savings go straight to the facility’s

bottom line.

Replacing old, inefficient equipment is not the whole picture

when trying to lower energy bills. It’s why the ongoing energy

efficiency improvement solution will provide facility operators

with training on how to run the rink as efficiently as possible.

There will be regional education and training workshops for

all rink operators.

SaskPower Eneraction will also provide real-time data

and detailed reports telling operators how well they are doing

in comparison to past performance and similar facilities.

HOW DOES MIRP HELP MAKE FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS?

With MIRP, SaskPower Eneraction will do facility assessments

to identify which upgrades and improvements are needed.

This includes a baseline study that compares the energy usage

of a rink in past periods and to other similar rinks.

The study will show SaskPower Eneraction the efficiency

of a certain rink’s operations and equipment, as well as what

energy savings opportunities can apply.

Based on this study, MIRP will provide recommendations of

cost-effective improvements, taking into account all applicable

grants or subsidies and calculating the value of the expected

energy savings.

Based on this information, each rink and its municipality decide

which improvements to make. Once that decision is made,

MIRP helps implement the improvements.

MIRP will provide project management, grant/funding

application assistance, financing/loan application assistance,

commissioning and verification, education and training, as well

as ongoing reporting.

AFTER THE RETROFIT

MIRP will continue to provide energy usage monitoring and

work closely with facility staff to ensure rink operation continues

to be as efficient as possible.

As new technologies become available, MIRP will investigate

them, assess their benefit and contact those rinks in which it

would be cost-effective to implement.

MIRP is a total package. The ongoing energy efficiency

improvement solution will remain in place for the long term.

It’s to ensure participants experience real energy savings,

that the improvements are cost-effective and that each facility

is designed to be as energy efficient as possible.

This is accomplished within a municipal rink’s existing budgets,

all the while ensuring the service a rink provides its community

is of top quality and increasingly affordable.

HOW CAN MY MUNICIPALITY’S RINK PARTICIPATE

If interested in the MIRP, please contact the program manager

and express your interest by visiting the customer inquiry form

at www.saskpower.com/rinks. Click “Contact our Rink Program

Manager” or email directly at ktischler@saskpower.com.

By knowing the number of rinks that want to participate,

SaskPower Eneraction may be able to secure better funding

from provincial and federal government departments

and programs.

Together we can make your rink more energy efficient,

cheaper to operate and sustainable for the future.

MuNiciPAl ICE RINK PROgRAM

Recreation and sport infrastructure have become pillars

of Saskatchewan communities. Whether you use the community

parks or coach the local hockey team, the quality of life in our

communities relies on this infrastructure and its volunteers.

We can quantitatively measure the number of hours logged

or dollars donated by our volunteers, but how do we measure

the contagious community spirit that defines this province?

Community spirit is mobilized by volunteers but the real action

begins with you and your ideas! Let’s face it, serving on multiple

committees or fundraising may not be everyone’s strength but

everything starts with an idea; a contribution; a vision and maybe

a tractor. For local farmers, their responsibilities go beyond your

average nine to five job and with mother nature as your boss,

their jobs and outcomes are unpredictable. Lack of time makes

them unlikely volunteers, yet they have found a unique way

to make a difference in their community.

Paddockwood farmers have been donating their time and

equipment to farm 90 acres of land, with proceeds from the

harvest going to the Paddockwood Arena Association. These

funds help cover increasing operating costs, as well as repairs

and maintenance of the facility. The success of this past year’s

harvest raised over $9,000 more than required to operate the

facility. While there is proof in the numbers, their undeniable

commitment and contribution is incalculable.

Local Melville farmer, Todd Miller planted a similar seed. His idea

to plant a crop and harvest it as a fundraiser for Melville’s new

Communiplex was welcomed by the community. However, his

sudden passing left his dream in limbo. Deeply affected by his

death, friends and family came together to follow through with

his vision, raising over $10,000 for the project. Todd’s generosity

infected the community and left a legacy that will impact

generations to come.

Want to know more about these and other recreation news

stories happening around the province? Visit the Media Monitor

at www.spra.sk.ca/media - it is your source for recreation

information!

BUILDING COMMUNITIES, ONE CROP AT A TIME

FEBRUARY 2010 0908 FEBRUARY 2010

PuSH2PlAYThe goal of this long-term campaign is to inspire Saskatchewan parents and children to lead healthier lifestyles through active play – at least 60 minutes of active play every day.

Unstructured play is an easy and fun way to increase the physical

activity level of children – hop on a bike, grab a ball, be creative.

And for there to be a significant positive change in the time kids

are actively playing, parents, grandparents and other adults

must also become involved. There is no better way to influence

children than to lead by example, to join in the play and to push

our children to play.

Research has shown that children with lower physical activity

levels are demonstrating chronic disease risks previously

seen only in adults. This is cause for concern, as only 15%

of Saskatchewan children and youth meet the physical activity

guideline for good health set out in Canada’s Physical Activity

Guide (as reported in the 2009 Active Healthy Kids Canada

Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth).

Saskatchewan Blue Cross is not the only organization working

to reverse this trend. A recent Saskatchewan Parks and

Recreation Association Inc. news release reported:

On August 14, 2009, federal, provincial and territorial

Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity, and

Recreation, at their annual meeting, agreed to take

specific key measures to increase physical activity

levels for children and youth.

The hope is that collective efforts at all levels – community,

provincial and national – will lead to a general change in behavior

and we will see improved physical activity levels for children

in our province. Working together, we can change the future

for our children.

To that end, Saskatchewan Blue Cross collaborated with

a childhood consultant to design a Push2Play Playbook,

a collection of fun physical activities for kids of all ages.

The games do not require special equipment, relying only on

the very basics to ensure a great time, and the Playbook includes

adaptations for children with physical challenges. It is a wonderful

resource that will get children actively playing outdoors, or even

indoors if it is too cold to face the elements!

To obtain a copy of the Playbook or for more information on

the proactive Push2Play initiative, please explore the website

at www.push2play.ca; visit Saskatchewan Blue Cross offices

in Saskatoon or Regina, or contact 1-800-USEBLUE® or

push2play@sk.bluecross.ca.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross is a Saskatchewan owned

not-for-profit company created in 1946 by Saskatchewan

people. We have been taking care of Saskatchewan families

for over 60 years and are proud to be an active part of the

communities in which we live, work and play. We hope that

you will share in the excitement of this initiative and incorporate

play into your life.

We’re simply encouraging parents and children to get physically

active each day through play – just head outdoors, play hard…

and have fun!

g.N. (Arnie) Arnott

FCA President and CEO

On September 2nd, 2009 Saskatchewan Blue Cross® proudly launched its Push2Play™ For An Hour A Day initiative for the people of Saskatchewan.

FEBRUARY 2010 1110 FEBRUARY 2010

A gREAT DAY HAD BY ALL!The New Brunswick Canada Games Girls Softball Team had one mindset as they travelled to Truro, Nova Scotia for two exhibition games, play strong and put up a good fight.

The New Brunswick Canada Games Girls Softball Team had

one mindset as they travelled to Truro, Nova Scotia for two

exhibition games, play strong and put up a good fight. They did

just so, splitting the games with one win and one loss. The team

played very well suffering only two difficult innings, accounting

for the loss. Although their performance on the field was what

was on the girls’ minds last weekend, their focus changed

to a different kind of performance for the following Saturday.

Members of the team headed to Fredericton to assist in teaching

a group of persons with a disability something about the game

of softball as part of an all day recreation event (Recreation

Your Way), organized by the Inclusive Committee of Recreation

New Brunswick. The girls put on their jerseys and tied their

cleats like any other day but it was much more than any other

day. Members of the team proceeded to catch and field balls

hit off of the tee, introducing the basics of the sport. It was not

only softball skills that were learned that day, the girls learned

the satisfaction of putting smiles on someone else’s face and

giving someone a reason to be excited about the game. It was

an eye opening experience, one that only expanded the girls’

appreciation for the sport. There were many smiles and laughs

as the NB softball players encouraged and congratulated

the participants after every solid hit. Barry Freeze concluded the

softball session with motivational and inspirational words. Team

NB greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in such

an event. Every player on the team is able to do something they

love when they hit the field because of the time parents and

coaches have put in over the years and the girls feel that it’s only

appropriate for them to provide the same opportunity to others.

The Inclusive Recreation Committee of Recreation New

Brunswick is a provincial network of recreation practitioners,

people with disabilities, and disability organizations. Our mandate

is to promote and facilitate inclusive recreation opportunities for

people with disabilities throughout New Brunswick.

The Inclusive Recreation Committee’s major event “Recreation

Your Way,” is a full day designed to showcase the sport,

recreation and active living opportunities for people with

disabilities in their community. This event welcomes everyone

who wants to learn more, make connections with community

leaders and supports, actively participate and be inspired to

continue leading active, healthy lives.

You’ve seen these activities on TV, in your school and in your

community…

Now it’s YOUR turn to try them out!

Justine Jarvis

Accessible Swing: the accessible surfacing allows for easy access to the swing and transfer.

When it comes to the development of children’s playspaces we

are hearing more often how the owner/operator is planning for

accessibility. Words like ‘truly’, ‘fully’, and even ‘universally’ are

used to describe just how accessible a new playspace will be.

While this is a positive trend and follows efforts taken in most

other areas of public facility provision, it is important that we

are clear about what is meant by accessibility descriptors used

for the play area. This in turn helps everyone involved in

a project to be using a common language – for the ultimate

benefit of the users.

When we speak about accessibility from a housing perspective

for example, we are generally using the term as meaning the

dwelling meets prescribed requirements, often spelled out in

national, provincial and local legislation, codes and by-laws.

Following the lead of the US through the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA), Canada now has a national guideline

for what constitutes accessibility for the playspace.

In 2007, the Canadian Standards Association released this

national guideline in its updated CAN/CSA-Z614-07 Children’s

Playspaces and Equipment Standard. Called Annex H: Children’s

playspaces and equipment that are accessible to persons with

disabilities, this informative addition to the CSA standard is

written in normative or mandatory language for those who wish

to adopt it as policy and is closely aligned with the ADA standard.

The City of Edmonton was the first City in Canada to adopt

Annex H as policy for all new playspace developments. Prior

to this, despite a number of promotional efforts, the City had only

a handful of playspaces with any measure of accessibility. Now,

with the 2009 construction season just completed, Edmonton

boasts having over 50 sites that meet the new standard!

For Kira who regularly visits Edmonton, having accessible

playgrounds is a welcome relief from the not-so-fun therapy

sessions related to her condition of Spina Bifida. Her mother

concurs. Watching the 5-year-old try swinging, bumming through

a maze, going down a slide and being thrilled at succeeding

each time, she remarks, “You don’t have any idea what this

means. When you keep adding pieces like this to Kira’s life, then

I gain every confidence that she’ll be a healthy, active,

contributing member of society.”

To support municipalities and other owner/operators of play

areas in applying Annex H, a national coalition of advocate

organizations has assembled a series of supportive tools and

resources. These include a FAQ sheet, guidebook, and a policy

development template and can be downloaded free of charge

through the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability

at www.ala.ca.

Kim Sanderson, Chair

International Play Association Canada

ACCESSIBLE PLAYSPACES FuN FOR ALL!

FEBRUARY 2010 1312 FEBRUARY 2010

A COMMUNITY CONNECTED

SWiFT cuRRENT’S CHINOOK PARKWAYWhat does a hard surface, 18 km, walking path that meanders alongside a creek through several city parks, mean to a community? It means a family bike ride to Grandma’s house on the other side of the City. It’s a safer corridor for wildlife travelling along the creek through the City. It is neighbors running together to raise money and awareness for an important cause. It’s preschoolers discovering nature, friends re-connecting, families remembering loved ones passed. It’s something different to everyone but it is something important!

The City of Swift Current is a community of about 16,500 people.

Ask anyone about how they enjoy the Chinook Parkway and

they will have an answer for you. From preparing for a marathon,

to bird watching, the parkway provides many diverse and varied

recreational and park opportunities which enhance the quality of

life for citizens and visitors in our community.

To ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy the

parkway, the City of Swift Current has faithfully stuck to their

commitment of connecting communities. Therefore, as the

City continues to grow, so will the Chinook Parkway. New

partnerships and a new and revised plan, the City is currently

working on a new 25-30 year strategic Master Plan to connect

even more neighborhoods North to South along what is

commonly known as Speedy Creek. The future of the path

will continue into the Saskatchewan Valley, Trail, and Highland

sub divisions.

The City of Swift Current is reflecting on 26 years of the Chinook

Parkway, which was formally established in 1983. We see more

than 18 km of paved trail, 3000 trees planted, 12 rest stops

which include 6 sun/rain shelters, washrooms, benches,

waste receptacles, and interpretive brochures and signs!

We see rollerblading to school, art students inspired,

geocaches discovered, community gardens sowed…

a community connected!

Shawna Smuk

Special Programs Coordinator

City of Swift Current

That’s one of the reasons Saskatchewan in motion is

recruiting 2,010 families in 2010 to make an online pledge

at www.jumpin.ca.

“Only 15% of Saskatchewan kids meet national guidelines

for physical activity,” says Cathie Kryzanowski, Manager

of Saskatchewan in motion. “We’re not OK with that and

we’re challenging families to do just one thing to change

the situation.”

Children and youth need 60-90 minutes of physical activity

every day. Saskatchewan in motion believes families, schools

and communities share responsibility for making sure that

happens. That means 30 minutes at school, 30 minutes in

community programs and 30 minutes at home with family

and friends.

Jumpin.ca launches February 15, 2010. The site asks

Saskatchewan families to do just one simple thing to make

sure the kids they care about can move every day. Families can

create their own pledges or choose from options like:

• volunteering so kids can be active

• reducing screen time

• speaking out for an active school

“It doesn’t take super powers to make physical activity the easy

choice,” says Kryzanowski. “We’re asking people to make small

changes that will have a big impact and we’re giving them the

tools they need to get started.”

All pledges will be tracked and displayed online. Later this

year, the site will be expanded to allow schools, communities,

organizations and individuals to make similar pledges.

“In 2010, we’re focusing our efforts on ensuring Saskatchewan

kids get 60-90 minutes of physical activity every day. We’ve

made good progress in Saskatchewan, but we’re not there yet.

We’re asking everyone to jump in and do their part to make it

happen,” says Kryzanowski.

Here’s how the Saskatchewan physical activity movement can

help in motion recruit 2,010 families in 2010:

• Get talking. Talk about how to make physical activity part

of every child’s life at school, at home and in the community.

• Encourage families to take the pledge. Set up a pledge

station at an event; put it in your newsletter; hold an

in motion pledge drive in your office; your school or

your neighborhood.

• Promote the important role families play in modeling

active behaviours.

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DOLike it or not, parents are role models and active parents are more likely to have active kids.

14 FEBRUARY 2010

Kate Roberts, a youth worker at Fort Qu’Appelle Elementary

Community School, wanted to start a program for girls in grade

6-8. She went to the classrooms and spoke about the program,

and talked to girls individually about why they should participate

in the program. Supported by a grant through CAAWS’

Aboriginal Girls On the Move project in January 2009, Girls

On the Move was launched in Fort Qu’Appelle and included

activities and presenters to provide participants with a variety of

opportunities. This grant will continue into the 2011 school year.

During the first session, the group talked about what they

wanted to do and what they were curious about and wanted

to try as an all girls group. Each program includes a physical

activity and an activity based on healthy choices with each

session running from two to four hours a week.

Based on the participant interests, presenters were brought

in or the girls went to learn about a number of topics and

activities including:

• Cyber bullying

• Healthy cooking

• Hip hop

• Self esteem

• Exercise/weight training

• Yoga

• Belly dancing

• Rock wall climbing

• Swimming

• Horseback riding

• Theater for living

There are presently 33 girls participating in GOTM.

Another component of GOTM program was three sessions

from ‘Theater for Living’, facilitated by Karen Schmidt from

File Hills Qu’Appelle Health. Through interactive games, the

girls were taught about personal issues, self esteem and peer

pressure. The most moving session was when the girls created

a live picture (Image work). Two girls started and one by one

another joined the picture. There were a few girls who observed

what was being created. It ended up showing what the girls

are dealing with in the community: Drugs, drinking, sadness,

bullying and fighting. The girls were asked “What do you see?

What do you feel? How can we make it different?” The girls

in the live picture held their pose while the others looking at

it talked about what they saw. The girls in the picture slowly

moved their poses to ‘high fives’, hugs, smiles, linking arms

and laughter. This was a turning point for the girls and the

cohesiveness of the program.

SUCCESSES OF gIRLS ON THE MOVE

Girls were guarded with the first few activities, however, as the

program continued, the girls relaxed and became very involved

in the activities. Dynamics between the girls changed as a result

of the program – at the beginning some girls were scared of

others who used the power of fear to intimidate them. Through

presentations and time spent together, the walls of cliques

came down. Girls shared more with their peers and looked

to each other for support. Girls that attended on a regular

basis were a very cohesive group; they always made sure the

girls that missed were kept in the loop. With the girls choosing

Girls on the Move in Fort Qu’AppelleOn the Move is a national initiative designed to increase opportunities for inactive girls and young women (ages 9-18) to participate and lead in sport and physical activity, led by CAAWS, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. On the Move is a program concept that advocates for female-only, participant-driven, community-specific programs.

the topics of what they wanted to learn and try, the girls felt

empowered and respected. Girls became more physically active

and are making healthier choices. Girls commented

“This is fun because boys don’t share,” “I never get a turn

when boys are around,” “You can’t do this in front of boys,”

or “I wouldn’t try this in front of my boyfriend.”

KEY LEARNINg OUTCOMES FROM THE PROgRAM

• Girls felt empowerment through positive female role models

and activities

• Girls got to know girls that they had not spent time with

• Girls were more willing to participate in new activities and

practice skills for organized sports in fun ways

• Girls were more willing to attempt and try again without

boys around

• Girls found ways to take part in physical activities in a non

threatening environment

There are many other wonderful stories of the girls and

their change in attitude and participation with GOTM in Fort

Qu’Appelle. This is a snap shot of how successful the program

is in Fort Qu’Appelle!

For additional information about CAAWS’ On the Move initiative,

visit www.caaws.ca/onthemove.

Kate Roberts

After School Programmer

Fort Qu’Appelle Elementary Community school

LOTTERY LINgO

$250,000 EXTRA Winner in Regina!

Gloria and Larry Beglau couldn’t have been more surprised

to see that they had exactly matched the EXTRA number from

the November 20th draw to win $250,000!

The Regina, Saskatchewan couple returned to the store

the following day and asked the clerk to check the ticket.

“The lottery machine said Woo-Hoo, and we both looked

at the monitor,” remembered Larry. “Initially I thought we had

won $25, but then I looked again and saw all of the zeroes

behind it!”

“The money will help us to travel more in the future, and see

places we’ve never seen before,” smiled Gloria.

Ticket was purchased at Sherwood Co-op Quance Market Place, 2925 Quance Street E, Regina, Saskatchewan

“SHOCKED” Winner in Esterhazy!

Jodi Denbrok was shocked to realize she had revealed a

$10,000 win on her favorite SCRATCH ’N WIN ticket –

SET FOR LIFE!

Jodi said she scratched the ticket at her kitchen table and

realized it was a winner. “It was hard to believe! We looked at

the ticket several times, and my husband said, ‘Don’t touch it,

and don’t wreck it!’” she laughed. “So we put the ticket in the

safe until we could go to the Prize Office to claim our prize.”

The Esterhazy, Saskatchewan resident said she plans to use

her winnings to buy two new all-terrain vehicles, do some

renovations and put what’s left away for a rainy day.

Ticket was purchased at Tri-Star Foods Ltd, Highway 22, Esterhazy, Saskatchewan

FEBRUARY 2010 15

FEBRUARY 2010 17

SPRA Member’s Initiative grant

Application Deadline: March 1, 2010

The SPRA Member’s Initiative Grant provides SPRA Active Members with assistance in developing recreation within the member’s community by increasing the skill level of the community’s volunteers. A community’s recreation programs can only be as strong as its leaders! SPRA Métis Recreation Development grant

Application Deadline: April 1, 2010

The SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant Program provides SPRA Active Members with assistance to develop recreation programs in the member’s community. This grant will focus on the development of recreation opportunities for Métis people in Saskatchewan. Recreation can play a key role in the lives of every Saskatchewan resident and should be available to all residents.

SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation grant

Application Deadline: April 1, 2010

The SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant provides assistance to First Nation members to develop recreation opportunities in the First Nation Communities within Saskatchewan. This grant will focus solely on the development of recreation opportunities for the First Nation people of Saskatchewan. Sogo Active Youth group grants

Application Deadline: March 31, 2010

Sogo Active is a youth engagement movement for physical activity and has been designed to promote physical activity among Canadians ages 13 to 19. Youth register for the program on www.sogoactive.com to connect with individuals and organizations across Canada that can assist them in getting active! Local organizations and schools can support youth groups by joining as Community Hosts. Community Hosts provide support to the youth by offering access to active living facilities, equipment, programming, etc.

Through the Community Host support and partnership, youth groups can apply for a $500.00 Youth Group Grant to support youth led physical activity initiatives. To qualify for funding, groups have to indicate that they are planning to facilitate physical activity opportunities for the group and their peers for a minimum of ten (10) weeks. CIF Physical Activity grant Program

Application Deadline: February 1, 2010

The CIF Physical Activity Grant Program supports strategic projects and initiatives that will advance the physical activity movement in Saskatchewan and increase

the level of physical activity of Saskatchewan people. The guidelines are designed to encourage regional and provincial collaborative strategies involving physical activity partners across the human services and sport, culture and recreation networks.

For additional information on these and more funding opportunities, visit www.spra.sk.ca/funding or contact SPRA at 1-800-563-2555.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIESFEBRUARY 15, 2010

Heritage Day – Celebrating the Heritage of Sport and Recreation

For Heritage Day 2010, Canada’s Olympic year, the Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) will be celebrating the Heritage of Sport and Recreation. Start planning your Heritage Day event today! For additional information, visit www.heritagecanada.org. MARCH 8 - 11, 2010

SARM Annual Convention Regina, SK

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Annual Convention provides members with the opportunity to gather as a whole to debate resolutions, discuss current issues and hear from political leaders and other presenters. In conjunction with the Convention, SARM also hosts a two and a half day tradeshow consisting of over 100 exhibitors. For additional information contact SARM at 757-3577. APRIL 6 – 9, 2010

Parks and Recreation Educational Forum and National Exchange Niagara Falls, ON

The Forum and National Exchange will include more than 45 sessions and 4 keynote addresses, a Trade Show, Gala Awards Dinner and National Showcase. Those working or volunteering at management or service delivery levels in sectors such as parks, recreation, leisure, health promotion, community development, sports, culture, education and/or customer service will find this unique opportunity one not to be missed! For additional information, contact Parks and Recreation Ontario (416) 426-7065 or visit www.prontario.org. APRIL 11 – 15, 2010

SPRA Spring Education and Training Symposium Humboldt, SK

The SPRA Spring Education and Training Symposium will provide recreation directors, facility managers, park operators and volunteers with practical and applicable knowledge. The Symposium offers specific education sessions to the parks and facilities sectors. For additional information, contact Kelly Skotnitsky, SPRA Consultant, by phone at (306) 780-9324 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/springsymposium.

MAY 5 – 7, 2010

SPEA/SHEA Conference Saskatoon, SK

The Annual SPEA/SHEA Conference provides an opportunity for professionals to assemble for the purpose of professional development, friendship, and the chance to discuss and collaborate on health and physical education issues from across the Province. For additional information, contact SPEA at (306) 656-4423. JUNE 1 – 30, 2010

June is Recreation & Parks Month Locations across Saskatchewan

Each year recreation service providers and park authorities throughout the country utilize June to celebrate the return of summer programming, to gather their communities together, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities and gain support for the parks and recreation sectors. For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/juneisrecreationandparks.

JUNE 4, 2010

SPRA Scott Irving Memorial golf Tournament Madge Lake Golf Resort at Duck Mountain Provincial Park

The SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Tournament will be a Texas Scramble with teams of 4. The Tournament will include supper and a variety of great prizes! For additional information, contact Kelly Skotnitsky, SPRA Consultant, by phone at (306) 780-9324 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/golf. OCTOBER 14 - 16, 2010

SPRA Conference and Annual general Meeting Regina, SK

The 2010 Conference and AGM will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field. For additional information, contact Karen Thompson, SPRA Assistant Consultant at (306) 780-9389 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference.

EVENTS

16 FEBRUARY 2010

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan / Keith Starks

FEBRUARY 2010 19

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