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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-002-09Leading the Way ~~~~~ REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE /~ Date: January 19, 2009 Resolution #:C,-~1 ~~~u' !off l Report #: CSD- 002-09 File #: By-law Subject: True Sport RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-002-09 be received; 2. THAT Council endorse the True Sport Principles (Attachment #1) for Communities; and 3. THAT Council declare Clarington a True Sport Community. Submitted by: ;'~ Reviewed by~ r-t''`'-"~~ ~~- Jo p P. Caruana Franklin Wu ~b rector of Community Services Chief Administrative Officer JPC/sm CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506 REPORT NO.: CSD-002.09 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 On November 6, 2008, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport released a report entitled "What Sport Can Do: the True Sport Report". (www.truesoort.ca/truesaortreoort) The report outlines the positive benefits of community sport and provides evidence of how good sport can be used to positively influence societal goals including child and youth development, crime prevention, education, social inclusion and economic and environmental sustainability. 1.2 Subsequently, the Municipality received correspondence from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities inviting the Mayor and Council to lead the way in "helping sport live up to its potential as a powerful force for good in community" by declaring Clarington a True Sport Community. 1.3 Presently there are 1,400 True Sport communities, organizations, clubs, leagues and teams actively working to help sport live up to its full potential as a public asset for Canada, making a significant contribution to the development of youth, the wellbeing of individuals and the quality of life in our communities. 2.0 COMMENTS 2.1 True Sport is a national movement of communities and groups working to ensure that sport provides a positive, meaningful and enriching experience for all participants. Sport has the potential to benefit our community through five key areas; Health, Child and Youth Development, Social Development, Economic Development and Environmental sustainability. 2.2 Health More people involved in sport means more active Canadians. Increasing the activity levels of Canadians by 10 per cent would save over $150 million in direct health costs and contribute to the battle with child obesity. Presently 10 per cent of children aged 7-13 are at risk of disability, disease and premature death due to obesity. 2.3 Child and Youth Development Evidence has shown that youth involved in sport are more likely to have a healthy diet and weigh less and are less likely to smoke, use drugs, engage in sexual activity or experience anxiety and depression. Sport also provides young people with enhanced exposure to positive adult role models and mentors and assists in developing critical life skills. REPORT NO.: CSD-002-09 PAGE 3 2.4 Social Development Sport contributes to stronger communities by bringing people together, facilitating the inclusion of newcomers and marginalized groups such as the disabled, encourages respect for other people and property and helps prevent youth crime. People of all ages become engaged in their community and have an enhanced sense of purpose and civic pride. 2.5 Economic Development Sport provides jobs, boosts tourism and enhances skills and productivity in the workforce. Conference Board of Canada statistics show that Canadian households spent $15.8 billion on sport in 2004 and the sport sector employed 262,324 Canadians. 2.6 Environmental Sustainabilitv Many investments in community sport are also investments in green space. Participants often tend to become advocates for the protection, proper maintenance and expansion of green space. In addition, new greener standards for sport and recreation facilities are helping to make communities more sustainable. 2.7 True Sport advocates eight Principles for Communities which identify an action plan for helping Sport live up to its potential as a powerful force for good in community. (Attachment #1) 2.8 The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association is an active member of the True Sport Movement and is encouraging their membership to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of True Sport by displaying a True Sport / O.R.F.A. decal on the entry doors of their facilities and displaying the True Sport Principles poster within their facility. Currently the True Sport decals and the sport principles poster are in place at all Community Services recreation facilities. 3.0 Conclusion 3.1 Sport is a powerful. means of promoting positive health and positive communities. It can have a positive impact on our youth, our economy, our environment and our quality of life. To realize these benefits we have to work together to promote good sport which celebrates the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion and fun and ensure there is the sport infrastructure to support it. Attachments: Attachment # 1: True Sport Principles for Communities Attachment #1 to CSD-002-09 TRUE SPORT Principles for Communities Recognize Sport as a Valuable Community Asset Help sport live up to its full potential. Enable it to contribute to the well-being of the entire community. Champion Ethical Conduct Commit to fair play. Make respect for the rules, officials, coaches and players apriority - on the field and on the sidelines. Promote Inclusion Remove barriers. Encourage participation. Make it possible for everyone to get involved and stay involved. Strengthen Connections Create opportunities for people to get together through sport. Make newcomers feel welcome. Promote friendship, trust, cooperation and respect. Support Excellence Teams and athletes carry the hearts and hopes of the community wherever they compete. Help them to be the best they can be. Foster Healthy, Active Lifestyles Inspire people to get active and stay active. Offer a variety of sport opportunities -both structured and unstructured -that aze inviting, enjoyable and rewarding for all. .Create Safe and Welcoming Environments Develop, protect and nurture places and spaces that are hospitable and conducive to the safe enjoyment of sports. Celebrate Contribution Recognize and honour the people -coaches, organizers, officials and volunteers -whose contribution makes sport possible and positive in the community.