Issue 10 / October 2010 
Move More!
Welcome to our latest E-Newsletter from:www.participACTION.com

Message from the President  
 
It's October, and the school year is in full swing.  Our young people are certainly busy these days, but, unfortunately, the hard facts tell us that this doesn't mean they're physically active.  Only 12% of children and youth are active enough to meet guidelines. 

Sogo Active is a national program, presented by Coca-Cola in collaboration with ParticipACTION, that challenges Canadians 13-19 to overcome the physical inactivity crisis.  And, Sogo Active has created a national contest to inspire youth to inspire each other and get involved - it's called Can you fill these shoes?  All youth have to do to enter is: 
  1. Log in or register with Sogo Active.
  2. Create a Competition Challenge before October 29.
  3. Get their friends to join their Competition Challenge and get active.
The 90 youth from across Canada who sign up the most friends from their area to their Challenge will be shortlisted for great prizes.  From that group, we'll choose 12 to become Sogo Active Ambassadors, win $5000 towards their education, a $500 Sogo Active grant from ParticipACTION to promote physical activity in their community, head-to-toe adidas gear and a gift card from Sport Chek.  It is a fantastic opportunity and we are so excited about it!
Click here for contest details.  Help us spread the word.  Together, we can get youth moving!


Enthusiastically yours,

Kelly
ParticipACTION Update

 

Be active in social media too!
 

Now you can keep up to date with the latest ParticipACTION news and join in on the discussion. There are three ways to communicate with us: become a fan of our FACEBOOK group, follow us on TWITTER or check out our BLOG.

Hope to see you there soon!
 
 
Annual Report

 
ParticipACTION's 2010 Annual Report

 

We are thrilled to invite you to visit our 2010 digital, interactive ParticipACTION annual report. We encourage you to celebrate the past year's achievements as your own. Working together with our dedicated and passionate partners, ParticipACTION's voice continues to grow stronger. The important programs that you have helped us launch are moving us onward in our mandate of inspiring and supporting Canadians to move more.

 

We received wonderful feedback on last year's digital report format. For that reason, we decided to keep the same format as we move onward. We're pleased that our 2010 report gives you all the features of a traditional annual report, with some unique features:

 

  •  Audio interviews with ParticipACTION leaders
  •  Dynamic videos and visuals from our 2009 programs
  • Plus, the report is easy to download, navigate and share

 

We thank you for the ongoing support that you provide ParticipACTION. Together, we can realize a healthier, more active Canada.


 

PPN logo

  

Join the ParticipACTION Partner Network

 

The ParticipACTION Partner Network (PPN) is a robust network of not-for-profit and public-sector organizations dedicated to physical activity and sport participation. ParticipACTION's belief is that the PPN will not only help support the work of individual member organizations, but will strengthen the physical activity and sport participation sector in Canada. The PPN is a formalized mechanism through which:

  •  ParticipACTION can marshal resources and deploy these resources to PPN members in support of the delivery of initiatives to address the physical inactivity crisis.
  •  PPN members can build a community of practice related to physical activity through collaboration and communication between stakeholders.
  • ParticipACTION can facilitate the coordination of communications and knowledge exchange across Canada, to ensure clarity of message to the general public and to help build capacity of member organizations.

To learn more, please contact Christa Costas-Bradstreet at ccostasbradstreet@participACTION.com

 

 

Monthly Highlight

Jesery Day

Sports Day in Canada

Thank you for letting sport move you! Sports Day in Canada, presented by CBC, ParticipACTION and True Sport, is a national celebration of sport, from grassroots to high-performance levels, in communities across the country.  In our inaugural year, more than 1000 organizations and 1 million Canadians hosted or joined Sports Day in Canada celebration events between September 11 and 18. 

 

Thank you to all the organizations who showed their passion and support for sport with us.  And thank you to CBC Sports, Radio-Canada Sports, True Sport, Telus, Global Printing Enterprises, the National Post and the Sports Day in Canada Steering Committee, including Canadian Soccer Association, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and Coaching Association of Canada, along with agency partners TrojanOne, Hill & Knowlton Canada, JWT, Mindshare and IMI International for working with us to make the first Sports Day in Canada a huge success.

 

From rugby in St. John's, NL, to Paralympic sports in Richmond, BC, to YMCA open houses, free sporting lessons and try-it days in hundreds of cities, Sports Day in Canada inspired all sorts of sporting organizations to open their doors. 

 

To rally support for Sports Day, we also celebrated Friday, September 17 as national Jersey Day - an opportunity for all Canadians to dig out their favourite team or club uniform to wear to work, school or play.  Individuals and groups from across Canada made this initiative a big success when they wore their team colours with pride.

 

To view photos and inspirational stories from across Canada, please visit the Sports Day in Canada website at www.cbcsports.ca/sportsday. While you're there, you can also watch the complete six-hour Sports Day in Canada broadcast on September 18, as well as all the coverage leading up to the big day.

 

Thank you to everyone who shared this inspiring day with us. We look forward to celebrating Sports Day in Canada with you again next year.

Research Update
 
The Impact of Physical Activity on Breast Cancer Risk

The general health benefits of regular physical activity are well established, but more recently, research has demonstrated a link between physical activity and a lower risk for breast cancer. A study reviewed the evidence examining the relationship between physical activity levels and breast cancer. Specifically, it looked at:  type and dose of physical activity, timing of physical activity, population sub-groups and potential mechanisms operating between physical activity and breast cancer. The research showed that physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in women, and particularly among post-menopausal women. The greatest reductions in breast cancer risk were observed among active women who participate in recreational activity, engage in vigorous activity and those who are active throughout life.

  
For more information, please see our Research File.
Q&A
Q - I've started a walking program many times. What can I do to make sure I stick to it this time?  Meredith
 
A - First of all, remember that starting and stopping any physical activity routine is normal - and that the most important thing is that you start again. Here are some tips that may help keep you putting one foot in front of the other:
  • Invite a friend to join you. Knowing that someone is waiting for you will help make sure you go.
  • Walk at times that fit your daily schedule.
  • Start slowly. Trying to do too much at the once can be discouraging.
  • Record when you walk on a calendar so you can see your progress.
Professional Development
 
Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA)
The Energize workshop and ARPA Conference

October 21-23

Jasper, AB

 

The Energize workshop and ARPA Conference will focus on a solid program for elected and appointed officials that will combine learning from our history with the sharing of current practices and create the recreation and park opportunities we want for our communities in the future. The 2010 ARPA Conference Committee is committed to bringing together the best minds to discuss and share current and innovative topics, extraordinary techniques and unique practices. The 2010 Conference will create an exciting learning environment for personal and professional growth in the industry and will challenge delegates and speakers to embrace the importance of learning from the past, sharing experiences from the present and creating legacies for the future... all leading to endless possibilities.

 

For more information, please visit the ARPA website.

 

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

Professionals on the Move

October 21

Ottawa, ON

 

The Professionals on the Move event will bring together local Community Health Centres for the first time in Ottawa, representing professionals (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians and exercise professionals from Eastern Ontario), the University of Ottawa Heart Institute clinicians, Heart-Wise Exercise partners and local Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) members. The objective of the professional development morning is to present the new Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) and Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination (PARmed-X+) pre-activity clearance process and its role in reducing barriers to physical activity participation for healthy Canadians and those with chronic conditions.

 

For more information, please visit the CSEP website.

 

Recreation Nova Scotia

13th Annual Conference and Trade Show

Nov 17-19

Halifax, NS

 

Recreation Nova Scotia is pleased to invite you to the RNS' 13th Annual Conference and Trade Show. This year's theme will be Nova Scotia ... Becoming Canada's Recreation Playground. Plan to experience a top quality program, excellent networking opportunities and a professional trade show. Register for what will prove to be a memorable experience. You will leave the conference more energized, connected, informed and full of new ideas!

 

For more information or to register, please visit the Recreation Nova Scotia website.

 

ParticipACTION Partner Forum - Webinar

October 20, 1:00-2:30 pm EST

National

 

The ParticipACTION Partner Forums are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing between partners. The theme of our October 21 forum is Age-Friendly Communities (youth and older adults). If you are interested in participating in our forum, or would like to receive information about all of our 2010 Partner Forum dates and themes, please email forum@participACTION.com.


The next ParticipACTION Partner Forum

 

Date: February 2010 (Date to be confirmed), 1:00pm - 2:30pm (EST)
Theme: Physical activity and sport participation: the relationship to preventing, treating and controlling breast cancer. If you would like to sign up to participate in this forum as a presenter or a participant, please email: forum@participACTION.com. We are looking for people to present their initiatives (programs, resources, etc.) related to physical activity/sport aimed at addressing breast cancer.


If you have an upcoming professional development opportunity that you would like featured, please contact info@participACTION.com


Highlights and Events 

Green Communities Canada

iCANwalk
Ontario
 
Green Communities Canada is challenging Ontarians everywhere to pledge to walk, bike or use any other form of active transportation instead of traveling by car for short trips, and to record their efforts for one month. The iCANwalk pledge is a call to action encouraging Ontarians to use active transportation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and decreasing our dependency on oil. It's also a great way to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. One of the goals of this initiative is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 tons over the campaign period, from June 2010 to March 2011. Taking the iCANwalk Pledge is an excellent way to demonstrate how individual actions, collectively, can have a significant impact - on our health and the environment. Everyone that completes the follow-up survey to the pledge is eligible to win fabulous prizes, such as Urban Poles, StepsCount pedometers and Canada Walks merchandise.

For more information, visit the ICANwalk website.

 

Mont Sutton's Fall Festival

Every weekend until October 18

Sutton, QC

 

Come on out to Mont Sutton's Fall Festival, occurring every weekend until October 18. Enjoy hiking and a range of colorful activities, fun for the whole family! Admire the unique and breathtaking panoramas and enjoy the fresh, fall air. The Mont Sutton's Fall Festival offers a range of different hiking trails and activities for everyone. Have fun by discovering, or re-discovering, Sutton this fall!

 

For more information, please visit their website.

 

Boomerang Kids

"Strollercise"

Ottawa, ON

 

For over 15 years, Boomerang Kids has hosted free Strollercise classes for new parents in several locations across Ottawa. Strollercise is a 45-minute walking or running program followed by a 15-minute core-strengthening and stretching program, specifically designed to meet the needs of pre- and post-natal participants. The plan is structured so that mothers and fathers of all fitness levels can enjoy a workout suited to their own needs, whether they are a serious athlete or just looking for walking companions. Strollercise is a physical fitness program that addresses social and emotional fitness as well. Having a new baby can be very isolating, overwhelming and confusing, regardless of academic or socio-economic background. Exercising with a group fosters a supportive community of new and returning parents. Strollercise is a safe, encouraging physical activity that welcomes everyone.

 

For more information, please contact program director Jules Hilliker at fitnesswithjules@gmail.com.

 

Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada

Eat Well and Be Active Educational Toolkit

National

 

Health Canada (HC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are pleased to inform you of the launch of the Eat Well and Be Active Educational Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to support health and education intermediaries to teach children and adults about healthy lifestyle choices using Canada's Food Guide and Canada's Physical Activity Guide. The toolkit includes the Eat Well and Be Active Every Day educational poster, downloadable activity plans as well as healthy eating and physical activity images and tips.

 

The Eat Well and Be Active Educational Toolkit is now available at the Health Canada website.

 

Sport Chek

Feel Better Challenge

October 15

National

 

Tone your muscles, pump your cardio and increase your flexibility with the Feel Better Challenge presented by Sport Chek. The objective of each challenge is to inspire and motivate women to be more active. Once you sign up on the Sport Chek Official Facebook Fan Page you will automatically receive daily exercises and motivational tips tailored to the form of exercise you would like to improve. Look for it online starting October 15, 2010. Be Active. Feel Better.

 

Safe Kids Canada

Safe Crossing Week

November 1 - 7
National

 

The Safe Crossing Program can assist caregivers, educators and parents in presenting rail safety in a fun and interactive way. Safe Kids Canada and CN are pleased to offer a comprehensive, easy-to-use, national rail safety education program that is available in both French and English. Developed with key partners, the suggested activities connect rail safety to language, science, social sciences, health and physical education for children ages five to 12.

 

Each Safe Crossing Program activity plan includes learning objectives, step-by-step activities, student assessment and evaluation, in addition to follow up activities. Caregivers and educators are invited to organize rail safety activities during Safe Crossing Week, or anytime during the month of November.

 

For more information about the Safe Crossing Program, please visit the Safe Kids Canada website.

 

Heart and Stroke Foundation

Spark Advocacy Grants

November 1

Ontario

 

Spark Together for Healthy Kids is the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario's response to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Applications are now being accepted for the November 1 deadline for the Foundation's Spark Advocacy Grants. These grants provide financial support for advocacy initiatives that focus on increasing access to physical activity and/or healthy food for children across the province.


For more information on applying for a grant please visit their website.

Success Stories
 

 

Jersey Day at the University of Alberta 

Sports Day in Canada: the University of Alberta's Faculty of Physical Education

and Recreation takes on the challenge!

If there's an organization that believes in the power of sport to keep Canadians fit and healthy, it would certainly be one that studies every aspect of physical activity across the life and abilities spectra.  So when Dean Kerry Mummery of the University of Alberta Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation threw down the gauntlet to faculty members to wear their favourite sports jersey for Jersey Day, and show their support for all things active and healthy, 108 took up the challenge.

 

Sporting a colourful array of jerseys - Oilers beside Flames, Montreal Canadiens rubbing shoulders with Edmonton Eskimos and Bears and Pandas galore - faculty members turned out in style.

 

As part of the dare, the dean said he'd empty his pockets and pledge a dollar for each student, staff or faculty member who turned up for a photo op in the dance studio to celebrate Sports Day. The challenge was quickly taken up by the associate deans and directors, who each matched the dean's gift, and a big contribution of $485 from the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic. Before long, the United Way was $1133 to the good.

 

Truly a win-win: great promotion for the positive role sports play in healthy, active living and a welcome donation for a worthy charity.


 

If you would like to submit articles, events/programs or news to our e-newsletter, or for more information on ParticipACTION, please feel free to contact us by email at info@participACTION.com or visit our website at www.participACTION.com.