Community Centres and recreation and sport venues are highly recognized for their contribution to the quality of life in a community. There is a growing connection regarding the positive impacts that sport and recreation can have on addressing the social issues that communities face. There is an inherent role for each sport organization utilizing public facilities to be aligned with the social priorities and play their respective role in addressing these issues in a unique and creative way. Sport must continue to be seen as value added, by looking to be more inclusive so that all residents can participate and gain from the experience. Municipal recreation and parks departments as part of their planning process are identifying prevalent social issues and developing strategies with likely community partners to address them over time. Aquatic sport can play an important role in reaching out to underserviced and marginalized populations and being seen as a true community partner because it is the right thing to do and will most likely result in growing aquatic sport in more meaningful ways.
| SOCIAL ISSUE |
DESCRIPTION |
OPPORTUNITIES FOR AQUATIC SPORT |
| INACTIVITY AND OBESITY |
It is clearly apparent that Canadians are not active enough to sustain adequate health levels over their lifetime. There is an increasing body of evidence that suggests that for the first time in history, the current younger generation will not have the longevity or quality of life enjoyed by their parents. |
- Sit on community-wide committees to promote participation in aquatic sport and physical activity
- Promote participation through open houses, and introductory courses to experience aquatic sports
|
| INCLUSION OF DIVERSE AND MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS |
Many communities are experiencing changes to their demographics, are developing strategies to be more inclusive and broadening their definition of diversity to include visible cultures, persons with disabilities, persons of low income, females, new immigrants, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals and First Nations Canadians. |
- Developing relationships with diverse groups to better understand their needs, with a view to adapting approaches to be more inclusive and to promote participation aquatic sport
- Develop a program to promote aquatic sport to families of low income to ensure that there are no barriers to participation
- Assist groups in developing and building capacity for example the ability and capacity to compete in the Special Olympics or the Gay Olympics
|
| AGING POPULATIONS |
Canadians are living longer and a growing percentage of residents are considered older adults. Women continue to have a longer life expectancy than men. 33% of the older population are widowed. By 2030, 20% of the population will be over 65 years as compared to the current 13.5%.
Source: Statistics Canada |
- Assist in the development and building capacity of Masters Aquatic Sport Clubs
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| DROWNING PREVENTION |
Drowning Statistics in Ontario 132 fatal drowning in 2004 Inability to swim affected victims in all age groups (25%), especially children under 5 (92%), children 5-12 (43%) and seniors 65+ (31%).
Source – Drowning Report - Lifesaving Society |
- Assist with education and awareness efforts through existing communications vehicles and fund development efforts
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