The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association produced a "Benefits Catalogue" in 1997 that summarizes the research of the advantages and benefits of why "recreation, sports, fitness, arts, culture and parks are essential to personal, social, economic and environmental well being". This research, although in the process of being re-catalogued, is still relevant today.

The clear benefits of leading an active lifestyle include the following personal health benefits;

• The slowing of physical decline by over 50%
• More rapid recovery following a serious illness
• Prospects for increasing social networks
• Older adults who are physically active are more self-confident, more independent and enjoy life more than older adults who are sedentary (Government of Canada, 1983)
• Those who were physically active earlier in life tend to be physically active later in life
• Significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer (colon, breast and lung)
• In childhood and adolescence, physical activity leads to increased bone mass and bone strength (Paffebarger,1991)
• Contributes to mental health – including reducing stress, depression and increasing emotional and psychological well being

The benefits of being physically active far outweigh the choice to be sedentary. Efforts to improve active lifestyles in will take a commitment to develop thoughtful inclusion strategies – preferably based upon the population health approach (spending resources and energies on prevention, evidenced based interventions, collaboration, community engagement and measuring outcomes) - that are implemented over the long-term.

The Lifesaving Society - Ontario Branch has recently completed research on the benefits of aquatic sport. The full document is available at the ASC website (www.aquaticsport.com)

An excerpt of the documentation is provided.

• Aquatic sports are some of the most popular activities in Canada. Canadians participate in nearly 100 different sports, but participation surveys always place aquatics near the top of the list. With 25% of the world's freshwater, Ontario should be a leader in aquatic sport participation.
• Half of public registration in municipal recreation is in aquatic programs.
• Aquatic sports are a socially acceptable activity for most new Canadians. Ontario cities are chosen by a high percentage of new Canadians (54% of Toronto residents were not born in Canada). Ontario drowning data suggests that first and second generation Canadians need aquatic training.
• Definition of Sport. Sport is an activity that involves two or more participants engaging for the purpose of competition. Sport involves formal rules and procedures, requires tactics and strategies, specialized neuromuscular skills and a high degree of difficulty and effort. The competitive nature of sport implies the development of trained coaching personnel. It does not include motorized sports. (See Sport Participation in Canada, 2005)
• Canadian Sport Policy. Both federal and provincial/territorial governments in Canada supported the first ever Canadian Sport Policy in 2002 with 4 goals to enhance participation and excellence. The vision of the Canadian Sport Policy is to have, by 2012, a leading- edge sport environment that enables all Canadians to experience and enjoy involvement in sport to the extent of their abilities and interests and, for increasing numbers, to perform consistently and successfully at the highest competitive levels.
• Fun and relaxation are ranked as the most important benefit of sport participation. Contrary to popular opinion, the majority of sport participants do not place winning and competition as the primary purpose of sport. Sport facilities provide fun and relaxation, physical health and fitness, new friends and acquaintances. (See Sport Participation in Canada, 2005)