2000 Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Promotion Network News - ONLINE
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Volume 11 Number 1
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GIRLS AND WOMEN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT
What's inside this issue...
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Packaging Physical Activity for Everyone | |
Calendar of Events | |||
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Promotion Plus Update | |
Women & Sport Resources | |||
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Women in Olympics | |||||
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Women in Action | |||||
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Promotion Plus Leadership Awards |
Packaging Physical Activity for Everyone
Getting girls and women active has been easy for the organizers of the In Training Program.
The Sport Medicine Council of BC (SportMedBC) took a 13-week training program and used it for the basis of a series of community-based running clinics. These clinics have been offered at local recreation centres, fitness clubs and YMCAs/YWCAs.
The program is designed for both walkers and runners, starts off slowly and gradually builds strength and stamina over thirteen weeks with the goal of improving overall health and fitness while remaining injury-free.
The clinics were originally conceived and developed to address the needs of Vancouver area runners preparing for what has become one of the world's most popular 10 km runs - The Vancouver Sun Run.
The popularity of the clinics is evidenced by the
growth of the number of programs that are available. Originally started
in the Lower Mainland, clinic programs are now available from Abbotsford
to Squamish, in Penticton, and in the Victoria area from Saanich to Sooke.
Calgary has taken the In Training program and has adapted it to coincide
with the Mother's Day run. The number of participants has increased steadily
from about 1000 the first year to approximately 4000 this year. SportMedBC
also offers web site access to the training program so that people can
follow on their own or in areas where there is not a clinic
offered.
These clinics are open to the general public, however the vast majority of those participating are females. In the past year, 75% of the participants involved in the clinics were female.
The clinic programs create an environment that is safe and non-threatening to the beginner, and is based on skill development. All participants receive 13 weeks of training, a training t-shirt, a Beginning Runner's Handbook, a training log and entry to the 10K event in their area. The clinics meet once per week and each session includes an educational talk (such as buying running shoes) a warm up, the training session, and then a cool down. Many of the participants meet outside of the scheduled sessions to undertake their weekly training together.
So why is this program so successful? Lynda Cannell, Executive Director of SportMedBC, says a big draw for most people who join In Training is the social aspect and making contact within their communities. Most groups organize a celebration after the Sun Run and many keep in contact long after the Sun Run is complete.
One of the communities kept track of the registrants for the In Training clinics and discovered that 75% of the participants had never been registered in a community centre program. This provides evidence that these programs are reaching out to the non-active members of the community, most of whom are women, who have not been able to join traditionally organized programs, generally because their lives are too busy to commit to programs 2 or 3 times per week.
Research shows that girls and women are more likely to enjoy the social aspects of physical activity. By combining a skill building training program with the opportunity for social contact, and making the program accessible, SportMedBC has been able to reach out to many girls and women who otherwise would not be participating. If more sport programs were packaged in this way, more girls and women would be participating in physical activity and sport.
Updates and Current Events
Looking for Board Members
If you are interested in contributing to the work
of Promotion Plus, the Board of Directors may be for you. Send your resume,
along with a letter stating why you want to be a Board member and how
you can contribute to the organization, to the office, c/o Diane Murphy,
Chair.
Network News Database
Just a reminder that we are in the process of updating
our Network News database. Promotion Plus would like to ask for your patience
over the next few months as we transfer our data. Please notify us of
any mistakes and we will do our best to keep up. Thank you.
Presentations and Speakers 2000
Promotion Plus has a new "Presentations and
Speakers 2000" list with new and exciting speakers joining our enthusiastic
group of women. Included is a list of speakers from the Victoria Promotion
Plus Committee. To book a speaker for your conference, workshop, or class
presentation, simply call the office and ask for a copy of "Presentations
and Speakers 2000".
Web Site Access to Network News
Would you prefer to read the Network News on our
web site? If so, let us know and we will take you off the mailing list.
We will instead send you reminders by email when issues are published
on the web site.
Women on Snowboards
The Promotion Plus Learn to Snowboard Clinic, held
on January 30, 1999, was a fun and exciting evening on the slopes. About
10 women came out to try something new and to learn the basics of snowboarding.
Thank you to Promotion Plus member Caroline Depatie of Mount Seymour for
volunteering her time to make our evening an enjoyable one.
Temporary Excecutive Director
Promotion Plus will be hiring a temporary Executive
Director during a maternity leave from September 4, 2000 to March 31,
2001. Call the office for the official posting, to be available in May.
Thank You to Our Supporters
The staff and Board of Directors of Promotion Plus would like to thank the following people for their generous donations to support girls and women in physical activity and sport:
Michelle Kaut, Patti Hunter, Heather Scheibal, Judy Lowrie, Marilyn Pomfret, Coldwater Schools, Diane Palmason, Cheryl Smith, Angie Maxwell, Mary Dyck, Tanja Mackin, Christine Larsen, Theresa Heroux.
100 Years of Women in the Olympics
Women's participation in sport and physical activity has come a long way. Back in the 1900's women could only participate in golf, tennis and croquet. Now, we are expecting 3,900 women to compete in the Sydney 2000 Games.
Here is a little history and some facts and stats about the participation of women in sports and in the Olympics:
- At the 1924 Winter Games, Cecil Eustace Smith was the first female competitor to join the figure skating scene. Since then, 952 Canadian women participated in both the Olympic Games and the Olympic Winter Games. Approximately 138 of these 952 women have won medals.
- Canada's first women's team included six participants in athletics and one in swimming; 5 of them received gold medals at the 1928 Summer Olympics.
- Christilot Hanson Boylen (dressage) from Toronto was named to seven Olympic Games, the highest number for a Canadian female athlete.
- Sue Holloway (canoe and cross-county skiing) became the first Canadian female athlete ever to participate in both the Summer and Winter Games in the same year in 1976.
- Two athletes share the glory for the most medals won by Canadian women in the Olympics: Marnie McBean and Kathleen Heddle (rowing) won two gold medals each in 1992; a gold and bronze medal was awarded to each of them again in 1996, for a total of four each.
- In 1996, Canada, along with China, had more women than men on their Olympic teams: 154 women, 153 men.
- Several firsts for female athletes will be celebrated at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Women will be participating in the same number of team sports as men; they will participate for the first time in triathlon, taekwondo, water polo, modern pentathlon and weightlifting, along with 24 new sport events and for the first time the IOC will not be conducting mandatory gender verification tests.
"This is a tremendous occasion for women in sport, " said Carol Anne Letheren, chief executive officer of the Canadian Olympic Association (COA). "Female athletes have triumphed over numerous obstacles and against great odds throughout this century to achieve their place as equal participants in Olympic sports. The dedication of our female pioneers and the continuing efforts of today's athletes must indeed be commended."
The COA is a not-for-profit corporation and is the largest private sector funder for amateur sport in Canada. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic and Pan American Games and it manages programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.
If you would like more information about the COA contact Helene Lapointe, COA Media Relations, at (613) 244-2020.
Women in Action
CONGRATULATIONS!
The following women have received Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards:
- Blythe Hartley - Junior Athlete of the Year
- SFU Women's Softball Team - Team of the Year
- Lori Bowden - Senior Athlete of the Year
Congratulations to the following women who were nominated for an Athlete of the Year Award!
Norma Foster, Janice McClintock, Allison McNeil, Roslyn Lundeen, Jane Hofweber, Kathy Iggulden, Karissa Wedd, Kelly Stefanyshyn, Ivy Granstrom, Debbie Brill, Moorea Longstaff, UBC Thunderbird Women's Field Hockey Team
Promotion Plus Leadership Awards
The Promotion Plus Leadership Award recipients were announced at a reception at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver on Thursday, March 2, 2000, in celebration of International Women's Day. The evening was a great success with over 120 people attending the event. Judy Rogers, Vancouver City Manager, was featured as a keynote speaker on "Women Leading the Way" and Marg McGregor, Executive Director for CAAWS (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women & Sport & Physical Activity), shared some of her reflections from the past and directions for the future of women and sport. The evening also included the Awards Presentation, a Community Trade Show, and the Silent Auction. Over $5300 was raised to help support Promotion Plus programs and services. Partial proceeds from the evening were contributed to the Bobbie Steen Legacy Fund.
The Promotion Plus Leadership Awards recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and groups in BC who have challenged the traditional limits attributed to girls and women in physical activity and sport, and in so doing have encouraged them to participate more fully as participants, competitors, and leaders. Following are the recipients of the 2000 Promotion Plus Leadership Awards.
Individual Achievement - Norma Foster
Norma Foster has done what no other woman in the world has been able to achieve. She has been appointed to the Referee Council of the World Karate Federation (WKF) marking a milestone in the sport. Foster is the first woman in the world to achieve status as an official in the WKF. Foster has achieved many firsts in her career. She was the first woman to earn a black belt.
Organization / Club - BC Wheelchair Basketball Society
The women's wheelchair basketball program in BC first began in the early 90's and saw the introduction of able-bodied participants to ensure there were enough individuals to create one women's team. The BC wheelchair Basketball Society has since continued to encourage the growth and development of women's wheelchair basketball with a Women's Development Day, BC Breakers Annual Women's Tournament, creation of the BC Surf Team a second provincial team - and in supporting two women's teams at the Women's Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League finals. These initiatives have ensured the growth of BC Women's Wheelchair Basketball.
TEAM - SFU Women's Softball
The SFU Women's softball team placed first in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). SFU is the only Canadian team among over 240 softball programs in the NAIA. SFU is usually ranked in the top 25, earning top ten finishes in 1995 (9th), 1998 (2nd) and 1999 (1st). They had an outstanding 1999 year with a 40-7 record. Three women on the team were named to the 1999 All American team.
Life Time Contribution - Joe Sullivan
For more than two decades, wrestling coach Joe Sullivan has actively encouraged and promoted women's participation in a predominately "male sport." Considered by many to be a driving force in the early development of women's wrestling in BC, Sullivan has continually worked to ensure the sport's growth. He argued strenuously that high school girl's matches should be treated on par with boys and that female officials should preside over female wrestlers' weigh-ins. Equally important are the lessons Sullivan has taught young male wrestlers as a coach and role model. For not only has he helped young women challenge traditional barriers but he has also shown others the unfairness of those barriers.
Individual Contribution - Robert Jackson and Gayle Guest
Robert Jackson and Gayle Guest have, over the past 20 years, been actively involved in providing athletic opportunities for students in a variety of areas within Richmond. Working together as facilitator and volunteer they have provided leadership and support to girls' programs in the community for many years. During Robert's involvement as facilitator and Gayle's involvement as President of the Richmond Secondary Schools' Athletic Association, there has been dramatic growth in the number of activities being offered at Richmond Secondary School and the number of participants and teams involved. The greatest growth has been in the number of female participants. Over the last eight years there has been a 100% increase in the number of participants and a 150% increase in the number of female participants.
On the Move Award - Erin Murphy
The On the Move Award recognizes an individual who has increased the participation of girls and women at a grassroots level.
Erin Murphy is an enthusiastic and encouraging woman who finds joy in sharing her love of mountain biking with other women. She has made a positive impact on the lives of the hundreds of women she has befriended and taught. She founded the Women's Only mountain biking clubs in Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, Port Moody and the Vancouver YWCA. Women completing her courses come away with lifelong skills and self-confidence.
Young Women (Under 19) - Minh Ngo, Karen Tung, Mikela Grady
What was that saying? If you build it, they will come. Three young athletes from Gladstone Secondary School built a powerful basketball program at a school that only three years ago did not have a girls' basketball team. They had not fielded a Senior Girl's team for over 15 years. While in grade ten Minh K Ngo, Karen Tung and Mikela Grady were committed to form a team. This year, as seniors, Gladstone challenged for the City Championships as the number one seed in Vancouver, a first in Gladstone's 50-year history.
Congratulations to all of the Promotion Plus Leadership Award Recipients!
Promotion Plus believes each individual and group nominated for a Leadership Award is worthy of recognition for increasing opportunities for girls and women in physical activity and sport. Congratulations to all of the Leadership Awards nominees!
Individual
Lori Barlow, Lindsay Brooke, Carrie Melvin, Vaia Zaganas, Robin Pinto, Jeannine Garside, Dena Coward, Judy Notte, Joanne Ritchie, Wendy Hawthorne, Rachel Corkum
Young Woman (Under 19)
Roslyn Lundeen, Stephanie Jameson, Danielle Langford
Organization / Club
Queen Magaret's School, Sport Medicine Council of BC, Omega Gymnastics Academy
Team
UBC Thunderbird Women's Field Hockey Team
Lifetime Contribution
Ivy Granstrom
Promotion Plus would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous donations and for helping to support girls and women in physical activity and sport!
Event Sponsors
Printing donated by:
Allegra Print & Imaging
845 West Broadway, Vancouver
Food & Beverage Sponsors
Subway Foods, Costco Wholesale Canada, IGA, Monte Cristo/Sweet Things, Pita Plus, Polaris Water Company, Quizno's Classic Subs, The Cuppa Joe Coffee Bar, The Lazy Gourmet, Urban Fare
Silent Auction Sponsors
Abode Designs, Arts Club Theatre Company, BC Alpine Ski Association, BC Blind Sports and Recreation Assoc., BC Centre of Excellence for Women's Health, BC Gymnastics Association, BC Recreation & Parks Association, BC Rugby Union, BC Wheelchair Sports Association, Ben Art, Bentall Centre Athletics Club, Big Sisters of BC/Lower Mainland, Buschlen Mowatt Gallery, Canadian Assoc. for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, Centre Ice Female Hockey School, Ceridian Canada, Coast Mountain Sports, Dennett Enterprises, Destiny Media Technologies, Dive BC, Douglas College Centre for Sport, Recreation & Wellness, Eating for Energy, Hansen House, Herizons Magazine, Hotel Vancouver Health Club, Irene Schell, Karate BC, KL Sports, Langara Fishing Lodge, Molson Canada, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Mount Seymour, NGU Sports and Media Consultation, NIKE Canada, PacificSport National Sport Centres (Greater Vancouver and Victoria, PacificSport Regional Tennis Centre), Polestar Book Publishers, Purdy's Chocolates, Rick Hansen Institute, Salal Books, Sierra Systems Group Inc., Softball BC, Tennis BC, The Fitness Group, The Purple Onion Cabaret, The Women's Sport Foundation (USA), UBC Dept. of Athletics and Recreation, Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Board of Parks and Rec., Vancouver Grizzlies Basketball Club, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Women in Print
Recognizing Ivy Granstrom and Patti Hunter
At the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards, Promotion Plus congratulated Ivy Granstrom for a lifetime of sport achievement. Ivy is an 88 year old blind runner who currently holds seven world records.
Her accomplishments continue to attract considerable media attention, helping to gain exposure for her message: competition and participation are a right for everyone, regardless of ability, age or gender. Ivy's efforts bring awareness to master's athletes, helping to establish and sustain programs and opportunities for seniors and persons with disabilities. Ivy is truly a role model for girls and women everywhere and an inspiration to us all.
Patti Hunter was recognized by Promotion Plus at the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards for her dedication and commitment in supporting girls and women in physical activity and sport. Patti was a founder of Promotion Plus and has volunteered in various capacities over the years. She has assisted in the organizational development of Promotion Plus and recently is spearheading a Victoria working group to discuss issues and to implement ideas to encourage the participation of girls and women in physical activity and sport in the Victoria area.
Highlighting Opportunities for Girls and Women in Physical Activity, Sport & Recreation
Women's Only Mountain Biking
Women's Only Mountain Biking is a community of women who love to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy the thrill of Mountain Biking. Women's Only offers different levels of courses to choose from:
beginner, intermediate one, two and three.
Courses begin in May, run for 6-8 weeks and are offered in 9 communities.
For more information call Erin Murphy at (604) 944-4555, or erinmurphy@womensonly.com, or visit the web site at www.womensonly.com.
Girls On the Move
If you are a girl in grades 5 - 10 then this is the program for you! Bring your friends and come have some fun trying a mix of physical and social activities. You can wear what you want, bring your own music, and no previous experience is required!
Where?
Hastings Community Centre Gym, 3096 East Hastings Street
When?
Tuesdays 3:30-5:30pm-Grades 5-7; Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm-Grades 8-10
For more information contact Jessica Lanthier at (604) 737-3075 or Rod Sarrat-Cave at (604) 718-6231.
2000 BC Coaching Seminar June 3, 2000
DOUGLAS COLLEGE 700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
The BC Coaching Seminar is an annual coach education event that provides BC's coaches with some of the most up-to-date information on a variety of sport related topics that directly impact coaches and how they can assist their athletes in achieving their goals.
The results of leading edge research on some of the most important topics in sport will be presented by some of the most respected individuals in their field. These presenters, who are recognized across Canada for their expertise, will provide coaches with new ways to look at how they coach, communicate, and interact with their athletes.
Coaches of athletes from the grassroots to provincial level will benefit from attending this exciting event. Every year there has been unanimous agreement that this conference provides coaches with some of the most useful and easily implemented tools in coaching their athletes.
Bring out your assistant coaches to keep them up to speed on some of the exciting trends in coaching.
For more information contact the Coaches Association of BC at (604) 298-3137, or visit the web site at www.coaches.bc.ca.
GAIA Adventures: Adventures for Women and Personal Fitness Training
GAIA Adventures is for women who want to feel renewed and invigorated. Join GAIA for a hike up High Falls Creek trail on May 13 or try rock climbing the Squamish Smoke Bluffs on April 22 and June 24.
No experience required
For more information call (604) 875-0066 or visit their web site at gaiaadventures.com.
YWCA Co-ed Health & Wellness Centre
Discover yourself at the YWCA. Phone to find out about the variety of programs offered to help you get and stay active.
Contact the Vancouver YWCA at (604) 895-5777 or the Victoria YWCA at (250) 386-7511.
Local Community Centres
Don't forget to check out your local community centres for girls and women only programs. If they don't offer any, ask why not!
Do you know of an event or program for girls and women? Call Promotion Plus and help us spread the news!
Calendar of Events
April 29 - May 1, 2000
Victoria Conference Centre. For more information contact Anne Speer at (250) 925-2237 or Pamela Gole at (604) 806-5322.
BCRPA Symposium 2000. Dynamic, knowledgeable, enthusiastic presenters will help you get your recreation vision for the 21st century off the ground!
May 4 - May 6, 2000
Harrison Hot Springs. For more information contact BCRPA at (604) 273-8055 or at bcrpa@bcrpa.bc.ca.
International Conference on Women, Heart Disease & Stroke: Science and Policy in Action. The aim of this conference is to increase awareness of the global problem of heart disease and stroke in women.
May 7-10, 2000
Victoria. For more information contact April Taylor at (613) 747-0262 or at gtaylor@netrover.com.
YWCA 2000 Women of Distinction Awards. Join the YWCA as they recognize women leaders, visionaries and role models who contribute to their communities.
May 11, 2000
Victoria Conference Centre
May 25, 2000
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Vancouver. For more information contact the Vancouver YWCA at (604) 895-5767 or the Victoria YWCA at (250) 386-7511.
Women & Sport Resources
1. CAAWS Resource Kits. Newly revised, these kits contain information on a variety of issues affecting girls and women in physical activity and sport. $3.00 each
- Self-Esteem, Sport & Physical Activity
- Body Image & Eating Disorders
- Gender Equity in Physical Education
- Harassment & Abuse in Sport
- Women & Leadership
- Women & the Media
- Diversity
- Women & Coaching
- Facts & Stats
2. On the Move: Increasing Participation of Girls and Women in Physical Activity and Sport. A handbook designed to encourage non-active girls and women to participate in fun-filled and supportive recreation and physical activity. $10.00
3. Leisure Access: Enhancing Recreation Opportunities for Those Living in Poverty. A resource used to learn about poverty and the direct implications it has on the recreation services offered in the community. $10.00
4. When Girls Feel Fat: Helping Girls Through Adolescence. Clear and proven strategies to deal with conflict and to recognize the "worries about weight" that can lead to more serious problems. $21.40
5. Just for Girls: A Facilitator's Manual. A
program to help girls safely navigate the rocky road through adolescence
and avoid pitfalls such as eating disorders and preoccupation with food
and weight. $35.00
d women. Available in sizes small, medium and large. $10.00
6. Celebrating Excellence: Canadian Women Athletes. An inspiring testament to the lives, commitment and accomplishments of more than two hundred of Canada's finest athletes. $32.00
7. Self-Esteem, Sport and Physical Activity. Practical suggestions to enhance self-esteem in children and adolescent women. $10.00; Free Abridged Version Available
8. Eating Disorders in Sport: Practical Tips and Strategies. A helpful pamphlet with practical tips for teachers, parents, coaches, sport organizations and fitness leaders. No Charge
9. Go Girl T-Shirts. These fun and motivating T-shirts are great gifts for active girls an
Editor in Chief: Tammy Lawrence
Editor/Writer: Jessica Lanthier Administrative Coordinator
Publisher: Promotion Plus
Please contact us with any Calendars, comments or for more information at:
#305 - 1367 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9 Phone: ((604) 737-3075 toll free: 1-877-55-PROMO Fax: (604) 738-7175 email: promotion.plus@telus.net visit our website at: www.promotionplus.org