InMotion : Resources

Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities Website

The Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities (ACHSC) is pleased to announce the official launch of a new website to further
the ACHSC mission to promote and foster healthy school communities through a comprehensive school health approach that enhances the health of Alberta children and youth. For more information and to get involved, visit the new web site at: www.achsc.org

ACTive

ACTive is the Canada-wide Strategy for the development of Girls and Women through Physical Activity and Sport, led by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) in partnership with Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada) and Health Canada. Let's increase the participation of girls and women in physical activity and sport. We challenge every Canadian girl and woman to get ACTive. To join the ACTive network, go to (www.caaws.ca) or read more about ACTive.

Active Healthy Kids Canada

All Canadian children and youth need access to quality physical activity programs in order to value, participate in, and make a lifelong commitment to active healthy living. For more information, visit the Active Healthy Kids Canada web site at (www.activehealthykids.ca).

Alberta Centennial Salute for Sport and Recreation

There is still some time to nominate an individual for their outstanding contributions to the overall development of sport and recreation in Alberta during the past century. Nomination deadlines are January 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005.
For more information, please visit www.cd.gov.ab.ca.

Always Active

Always Active! Moms, Babies, and Families is an activity guide for prenatal and postnatal mothers, their babies, and families. It was developed to help families be active throughout life. The guide also includes special information about pregnancy. Enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle by trying the sample activities. For more information visit the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Health Unit's web site at (www.healthunit.on.ca).

Bell Canada Sport Funding Program
Increased opportunities for youth to play soccer or hockey in your community! The Bell Community Sport Fund will help communities promote inclusion and increase access to hockey and soccer programs for children and youth, aged four to seventeen. Over the next year, up to 140 communities will benefit from $5,000 grants and up to 12 additional communities will receive $25,000 grants. For more information, visit the True Sport web site at: www.truesportpur.ca

Buy a Ball Not a Doll for the Girl on Your List

There are many creative ideas to get girls active, to encourage ongoing activities or to develop family outings that will get everyone out of the house during the winter months. If you're looking for a gift that will get your daughter or niece off the couch and into the action, visit the CAAWS web site at www.caaws.ca for some practical suggestions.

CAAWS' Mothers in Motion
Ask the Registered Dietician and Physical Activity Specialist is a new feature that has just been added to the popular CAAWS' Mothers in Motion site. Women who have questions about their family's eating and physical activity habits can now ask a Registered Dietician, Sport Nutrition and Physical Activity Specialist, how to eat smart and get their families moving! Mothers can learn how to incorporate physical activities into daily life, what type of activities encourage families to be active together, as well as how to feed the growing, athletic teenager who may be eating them out of house and home! Visit the site at: www.caaws.ca.

CCAA Coach Mentor Program for Female Graduating Students - Athletes
The Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) has launched its new Female Coach Mentor Program. The Female Coach Mentor Program for graduated student-athlete coaches will target potential coaches in the ranks of graduating student-athletes and developing new coaching positions to attract these women. The CCAA is promoting that one member of each women's sport program's coaching staff be female. Incentives will be offered to institutions that offer CCAA graduating student-athletes coach positions on their coaching staff within the CCAA sports of soccer, volleyball, basketball and badminton. For more details on this program visit www.canadiansport.ca.

Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living

Research indicated that Canadians were unaware that physical inactivity is a serious risk factor for premature death, chronic disease and disability, a magnitude of risk comparable to that of smoking. The Guide provides a rainbow of physical activities that can help you have more energy, move more easily, and get stronger. For more information, visit the Health Canada web site (www.hc-sc.gc.ca).

Coach Reflections: A Self-Reflection Resource for all Coaches of Children

Most coaches want to see children enjoying their sports experiences and developing, not only as athletes, but also as healthy kids. As well as providing valuable time saving tools and techniques, Coach Reflections focuses on how, through sport, coaches can contribute to healthy child development in such areas as teamwork, perseverance, dedication and respect.

This interactive workbook will help you improve your coaching skills by providing you with self-reflection tools as well as tips on: motivating your kids, communication, dealing with parents, and coaching your own children. For more information and to download the workbook, visit the High Five web site (www.highfive.org).

Daily Physical Activity Discussion Paper

Alberta Learning has developed a Daily Physical Activity Initiative Discussion Paper to provide background information on the Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Initiative and a synthesis of feedback from the consultations that occurred in March and April 2004. The discussion paper contains background information on the Initiative, supporting research, Alberta Learning's response to some of the implementation challenges identified and a forum for discussion on the implementation of the Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Initiative. (Click Here to See More)

Girls@Play

The Girls@Play program encourages girls and women to get off the bleachers and sidelines and onto the playing fields as participants and leaders, and provides them with programs and resources relevant to their interests and goals. Information is available on nutrition, training, fitness, current events, where to play in your community, role models, previous grant winners and more! For more information, go the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) web site, (www.caaws.ca).

Happy Mother's Day
Here's an imaginative way to promote active living to women.
The Ontario Central West Public Health Departments have combined efforts to develop a very attractive e-card for Mother's Day, with an original graphic and a great message that encourages Moms to take time for healthy, active living. To access the card, visit the Together 4 Health web site at: www.together4health.ca

Healthy Body Image, Healthy Girls

Nine out of every 10 Canadian girls and women say they are unhappy with their bodies in some way. Equally alarming is that girls as young as four-years-old talk about not liking their bodies. Body dissatisfaction can have serious effects on a person's mental and physical health.

For more information about promoting a healthy body image for our daughters and other girls we know, visit (www.canadian-health-network.ca).

Institute for Olympic Education

The Institute for Olympic Education is an international home for research, teaching programs, and curriculum development to advance the physical and moral development of children and youth. Through its programs and projects, the Institute promotes best practices for encouraging children to participate in physical activity and sport in a fair and ethical manner. For more information, go to (www.olympiceducation.org).

Just for Kicks Soccer Focuses on FUN!
Partnering with many sponsors, Just for Kicks Soccer has been able to provide a demanding program of healthy recreational fun. With all this fun, JFK has subliminally been developing characteristics like self-confidence, community spirit and physical fitness in its members. That's some side-effect for playing ball. Click here to learn more about Just for Kicks Soccer.

KidSport

Social and economic barriers prevent some young people from participating in organized sport. Provincial and territorial sport federations have created KidSport to help overcome these obstacles. KidSport identifies needs in the community, raises funds, and supports programs that allow young people to participate in sport. For more information, visit the KidSport web site at (www.kidsport.ca).

Kid's Fitness... What's a Parent To Do?

It's no secret that obesity has taken this country by storm and is a contributing factor to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Syndrome X, hypertension and others. What is most upsetting is that this epidemic is seriously affecting our kids. Obesity is caused by a combination of over nutrition, inactivity and genetic predisposition. To access the full article, go to www.acefitness.org.

Live Outside The Box

The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation's Live Outside the Box campaign encourages 10 to 14 year olds to choose an activity of their choice and to avoid a sedentary lifestyle dominated by time spent in front of a television or computer. For more information about the campaign, go to (www.liveoutsidethebox.ca).

Mothers in Motion: New Information for Mothers from CAAWS

Mothers in Motion aims to get new Moms back into a physical activity routine or to get them active for the first time after giving birth. More than 80 web pages are devoted to encouraging women (and their children) to lead a healthy lifestyle. Visit (www.caaws.ca) for more information.

Nike commits to support VIEWS

CAAWS and Nike Canada have renewed their partnership agreement for two years, with Nike supporting the VIEWS program until May 31, 2006. CAAWS is excited about the future of the VIEWS program, and Nike's increased support for it by supplying footwear, apparel and funds. Nike's partnership also helps CAAWS to promote the program, increase its membership and expand the regional Point of View events. For more information or to become a member visit www.caaws.ca.

Nutrition PI

Nutrition PI is a program to provide teachers with tools to teach K-3 students about healthy eating and active living. With interactive questions and classroom activities, this module is designed to familiarize you with the most current nutrition and active living information along with teaching ideas to make these topics fun. For more information, visit (www.albertamilk.com).

ON THE MOVE
On 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. OTM is an innovative programming concept that advocates for female-only, participant-driven, community-specific programs, and questions traditional models of service delivery. OTM is also a national network of professionals involved in female-only programming, and individuals and organizations concerned with the health and well-being of girls and young women. The network is a resource for information about the importance of increasing girls' and young women's participation, and shares program successes and challenges. For more information, visit the CAAWS web site at: [www.caaws.ca]

ParticipACTION: The Mouse That Roared
A Marketing and Health Communications Success Story

This article provides an overview of the ParticipACTION story by focusing on the historical context and marketing highlights. The other articles in the supplement take a more in-depth look at some of the key people, community mobilization and educational activities, evaluation, communicating in two languages and lessons learned. For more information, visit the Canadian Public Health Association web site (www.cpha.ca).

Pause to PLAY

Pause to PLAY appeals to 10-14 year olds using a mix of advertising to showcase popular sports (hockey, volleyball, snowboarding, biking), encouraging youth to "pause" their video games and computers, give the TV the afternoon off and instead go outside to play and get active. For more information, visit the Pause to Play web site at: www.pausetoplay.ca.

Physical Activity and Heart Disease and Stroke

Being physically active in the years before menopause considerably reduces a woman's risk of heart disease and stroke - and, say the experts, the earlier you start, the better. For more information, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation web site at (www.heartandstroke.ca).

Playday Program

PlayDay is an exciting new grant opportunity available to Canadian municipalities and community organizations. The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) and International Play Association (IPA) of Canada are working side-by-side with Sunlight to make each PlayDay an exciting, memorable event. For more information, visit (www.cpra.ca).

PlaySport

PlaySport is a website for recreation providers, physical activity promoters and educators designed to help kids, ages 6 to 12, develop an understanding and competency of the skills and strategies associated with playing sports. PlaySport features a variety of fun and adaptable activities designed to teach kids games by playing games. The PlaySport activities are available for you to download and print-out for free on www.playsport.net.

Powerful Bones. Powerful Girls

The National Bone Health Campaign--Powerful Bones, Powerful Girls--is a multi-year national campaign to promote optimal bone health in girls 9 to 12 years old and to thus reduce their risk of osteoporosis later in life. The goal of this campaign is to educate and encourage young girls to establish lifelong healthy habits (especially increased calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity) to build and maintain strong bones. Visit the Powerful Bones, Powerful Girl web site at (www.cdc.gov).

Pregnancy and Physical Activity

Current data suggest that a moderate level of regular exercise during a low-risk pregnancy has minimal risk for the fetus and beneficial metabolic and cardiorespiratory effects for the exercising pregnant woman. This position statement also includes specific recommendations about exercise in pregnancy. For more information, visit (www.casm-acms.org).

Raise money for Dove's Self-Esteem Fund

Send a web link to family and friends, and you can help raise money for the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). Dove has launched its Self-Esteem Fund to support a range of projects designed to develop and maintain healthy self-esteem for girls and women. The Fund was launched with an advertisement calling for a redefinition of beauty and a strengthening of girls' self-esteem. Send the web link to colleagues and friends -- and Dove will contribute 25 cents for every person on your list - to a maximum of $25,000. View the site at www.dove.ca.

Readysetgo.org: The Sports Web Site for Families

Readysetgo.org is a fun, interactive web site where both you and your kids will find a whole array of sports information, including tips, articles on topical issues, ways to get things started in your own community, and how to encourage a healthy sports attitude in your child. For more information, visit (www.readysetgo.org).

Silken's Active Kids Movement

Studies show that obesity and inactivity among our children is on the rise. Childhood obesity is linked to cancer, heart disease and type two-diabetes among other serious health consequences. Silken's Active Kids Movement aims to inspire, enable and connect everyday champions in our communities, to use their passion, their creativity and their connections to help ensure our families, our schools and our neighbourhoods are places where kids are physically active. Through their Community Action Network (CAN), the Active Kids Movement connects with individuals who want to make a difference in their communities and provides support, links to other communities and provides access to resources in order to help communities and individuals achieve their Active Kids goals. Click here for more on Silken's Active Kids Movement.

Sport Canada Policy on Women in Sport

Sport Canada is a branch of the International and Intergovernmental Affairs Sector within the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. Sport Canada supports the achievement of high performance excellence and the development of the Canadian sport system to strengthen the unique contribution that sport makes to Canadian identity, culture and society. For more information about Women in Sport, visit the Sport Canada web site (www.pch.gc.ca).

Sport Participation Initiative Grants
The Sport Participation Initiative (SPI) is a joint program between the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation and Sport Canada to enhance and increase sport participation for under-represented groups such as girls, women, the Aboriginal population, the disabled, the economically disadvantaged, and those challenged by geographic limitations.

These grants are available to Provincial Associations. Application deadlines for the SPI are May 1 and October 1. For more information, visit: www.cd.gov.ab.ca/asrpwf.

Strength Training for Children and Adolescents

Primary-care physicians who see young patients are often asked about strength-training programs for children. Some parents are looking for ways to give their child a competitive edge in sports. Many parents of overweight children ask for advice about activities that can lead to weight loss. To access the article, visit the Physician and Sports Medicine Journal at (www.physsportsmed.com).

Teenage Girls: How Can They Be Physically Active and Still Be Cool?

Physical activity is important, especially for girls who are generally less active than boys the same age. There are issues such as body image, the onset of menstruation, and general feelings of insecurity about the changing body in these years. It's important for girls to balance the demands made on them and to look after themselves physically and emotionally. For more information about teenage girls and physical activity, visit (www.canadian-health-network.ca).

Walk for Life
So you have decided to start a walking program. That's great! Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise and can be done almost anywhere. Join the Be Fit for Life Centre Walking Club, it's FREE! For more information about starting a walking program, safety tips and to register, visit www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca

Walk to School Week

International Walk to School Week gives children, parents, teachers, and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event celebrating the many benefits of walking. Last year, nearly 3 million walkers from 28 countries walked to school together. Find more information at (www.iwalktoschool.org).

What Works for Women?
The Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) in the United Kingdom has recently developed a new website to showcase examples of innovative initiatives that have proven successful in getting women and girls active. Aimed at sports deliverers and teachers, The WSF hopes it will encourage them to use the experiences of other organisations to create exciting new opportunities that work and to improve their existing schemes. Visit: www.whatworksforwomen.org

Why Female Athletes Decide to Become Coaches -- or Not

A perennial dilemma in Canadian sport is the scarcity of women coaches. Theories abound, but solutions remain elusive. Young female high performance athletes are an obvious source of coaching talent. Interested in unraveling what attracts, or dissuades, this talent pool and curious about the impact of role models on their decision, Guylaine Demers interviewed 18 female athletes and their four female coaches. To access the article, visit the Women and Coaching web site (www.coach.ca).

Women at Centre Ice Call for Scholarship Applicants
for Players, Coaches and Officials
The Women at Centre Committee are encouraging young women interested in playing hockey and planning on attending a post-secondary institution in Calgary for the academic year of 2005/2006 to apply for the $5000 scholarship. The scholarship is for an Alberta woman, 17 years and older and playing in a league recognized by Hockey Alberta. The application process and forms can be found at www.womenatcentreice.com.

Women Warriors

Womenwarriors.ca is a Canadian project developed to raise the profile of Canadian female athletes and inspire women and girls to find passion in sport. The project, which launched in July 2004, is backed by the Bell New Media Fund and Diversus Inc., a Montreal television and film production company which produced the Women Warriors documentary series seen on CBC, CTV, SCN and Radio-Canada. For more information, visit the Women Warriors web site (www.womenwarriors.ca).

Yes, Ma'am, I Can Run a Marathon

JeansMarines are women who never considered running a marathon, but who are ready for a different kind of challenge and who are determined, gritty, strong, and committed. These women are also your colleagues, neighbours, friends, sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers--and now they're athletes, too! For more information about running marathons, visit (www.canadian-health-network.ca).

Links to Alberta Organizations

Active Edmonton (www.activedmonton.ca)

Alberta Centre for Active Living (www.centre4activeliving.ca)

Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (www.acac.ab.ca)

Alberta Cheerleading (www.albertacheerleading.ca)

Alberta Community Development (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)

ARPA (www.arpaonline.ca)

Alberta Physical Education (www.education.gov.ab.ca)

Alberta Schools Athletic Association (www.asaa.ca)

Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)

Alberta Sport Organizations (www.cd.gov.ab.ca/asrpwf)

Alberta Sport Zones (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)