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Promotion
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| Volume 8 Number 3 | Fall 1997 |
GIRLS AND WOMEN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT
Table of contents
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Women's Health and Physical Activity | |
Highlighting Opportunities for Girls and Women | |
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On the Move |
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Promotion Plus Update | |
Writing a Letter - just one way you can make a difference | |
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Vancouver YWCA - 100 Years of Making History | |
Upcoming Events | |
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Women & Sport Resources |
Promotion Plus is the BC organization for girls and women in physical activity and sport.
Our vision is to ensure that all girls and women in physical activity and sport in the province of British Columbia have access to a complete range of opportunities and choices; have equity as participants, competitors, and leaders; and become fully participatory and actualize their potential.
Please contact our office if you would like your name added to our Network Mailing List to receive the Promotion Plus newsletter the "Network News."
NETWORK NEWS
Women's Health and Physical Activity
| Studies indicate that only 15% of the entire
female population in Canada engages in physical activity frequently
enough to improve fitness levels, the majority of whom are white and
middle or upper class.
The link between women's health and physical activity receives little attention but is an important relationship. Physical activity has been proven over and over again to increase the health and well being of individuals but it is often ignored instead of being used as preventative medicine. "The most important thing we can do for women's health is to increase time devoted to exercise for girls..." Adolescent girls face many unique health risks. Girls are more likely than boys to be unfit, obese, to drop out of physical education, to suffer from eating disorders and low self-esteem, to smoke (by age 15) and to remain sedentary later in life. Physical activity is a proven way to increase self-esteem, and although many girls state that they would like to increase their level of physical activity, they are unable to find physical activity programs that suit their needs or their schedules. Many people think that in today's society sport, recreation, and physical activities are available to all people. However, the extent to which opportunities present themselves, the types of opportunities available, the specialized training of leaders, the promotion, and accessibility of programs are important considerations for many girls and women that are often not addressed. If some of these issues were addressed, Some of the benefits of physical activity include increased overall fitness and health; development of greater cardiovascular capacity, greater strength and flexibility; weight control; stress management; a preventative strategy for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis; increased self-esteem and body image; and increased energy. Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death and disability among Canadian women. Heart disease and stroke is largely preventable through a healthy lifestyle which includes regular physical activity, nutrition, maintenance of healthy weight, and no smoking. A study of 73,000 women found that those who were most active had a 40% lower risk of heart attacks than the least active. Even moderate activity produced significant drops in risk. |
The prevalence and relative risk of cancer,
especially of the breast and female reproductive tract, are lower
in women who are physically active compared with sedentary individuals.
One to three hours a week over a woman's reproductive lifetime (teens
to about 40) can bring about a 20-30% reduction in the risk of breast
cancer, and four or more hours of exercise a week can reduce the risk
almost 60%.
Of approximately one million Canadians over the age of 50 who suffer from osteoporosis, 80% are women. Although it is primarily a disease of the elderly, attainment of a strong, dense skeleton during the growing years may be the best way to prevent osteoporosis. During adolescence, when girls' bones are growing, is one of the best times to engage in weight bearing activities; as growing bones respond to weight bearing activities by the addition of new bone. Research has demonstrated a strong relationship between low socioeconomic status and poor health. In Canada, 83% of single parent families are headed by women and 62% of these families live below the poverty line. For these women, access to traditional physical recreation opportunities is near impossible and only when an effort is made to reach this population can these women participate in physical activity. Women with physical disabilities also have difficulty accessing traditional recreation opportunities; and unless the leaders have some specialized training, they may find it difficult to include disabled women in their current programs. There are many health risks for women, but most of them have a common factor for prevention - exercise and physical activity. Although we can't prevent all diseases, physical activity not only makes us feel better about ourselves, but it goes a long way towards prevention. And the earlier on in life that we start being active, the better the chance for long term effects. So let's all do what we can to keep girls and women active - for their health's sake. written by Tammy Lawrence Information taken from the Women and Health brochure, Promotion Plus. |
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Successful in Schools
The On the Move program is making its way into the schools, with positive results. Although the majority of On the Move programs take place at community recreation centres, schools are becoming another popular site to implement this initiative which is designed to encourage non-active girls and women to participate in fun-filled, supportive, recreational physical activities. Here are a few examples of schools in the Lower Mainland using the On the Move concept.
Alpha Secondary School
At Alpha Secondary School in Burnaby, Holly Rogers noticed that there were very few girls, if any, participating in the school recreational activities. So Holly organized "Women's Only" Open Gym on Fridays, which provided unstructured time for physical activity, an open equipment room, and a policy of "no spectators" (no boys). What happened?.. By the end of the school year 85-100 girls were coming out to the Open Gym, participating in activities such as badminton and basketball.
Port Moody Junior High
As a Moody Jr. High School teacher and volleyball coach, Pauline Fleming has created opportunities for girls to participate in challenging and fun activities and increased the confidence of many young women. Since 1995 Pauline has organized a week long girls' volleyball summer camp as well as drop-in beach volleyball sessions.
Glen Eagle Secondary School
This September, Glen Eagle Secondary School is opening in Coquitlam and plans have already been made to offer a "Girls Only" Fitness Club. The club will allow the girls themselves to choose and plan the activities and will also feature opportunities for the girls to meet and share their ideas surrounding issues that affect girls and women.
... Coming to the
Sunshine Coast
In April of this year, Promotion Plus was invited to the Sunshine Coast to hold an On the Move workshop for volunteers and staff of their Recreation Department. The workshop participants got to work right away to bring On the Move to their community.
In their program preparation the group used the FAIR (Females Active in Recreation) project example and conducted a survey with high school girls, collecting over 400 responses. The group also looked for community sponsors and involvement to help sustain the program and can happily report that the Sunshine Coast Credit Union is sponsoring 3 locations of On the Move programs this fall.
To follow-up on the previous workshop in the spring, Promotion Plus will hold another one day leadership workshop in September for the staff and volunteers who will be working with the new fall On the Move programs. For more information on the Sunshine Coast On the Move program contact Joanie Clary at (604)885-2261.
To order an On the Move handbook for $10+$3 shipping or for more information call Promotion Plus at 737-3075.
Do you have an On the Move program in your community? Write, phone, fax or email us so that we can share the information with our network members.
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OTM t-shirts are still
available (sizes M & L). The design simply incorporates the OTM logo on the front of a grey cotton shirt with "Keeping it Going" on the back. Call Promotion Plus at (604) 737-3075 to order. Bulk orders available. |
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Girls and women are not interested in pursuing competitive sport!
& Fact
Girls and women may not be joining the competitive teams because they have not had the opportunity to reach a competitive level in their chosen sport.
It is important to offer entry level clinics and programs for girls and
women so that they can master the basic skills of a sport and then have
the opportunity to continue increasing their skills. We often assume women
have the same skill level as men, but have chosen not to pursue sport
at a competitive level when often they haven't been offered an opportunity
to participate.
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Speakers Bureau
Set to Go this Fall
The Promotion Plus Speakers Bureau "Issues, Exploration & Public Outreach"
program will be offered again this fall, for women who are interested in increasing their skills and confidence in public speaking, in a safe and sup-portive environment. Cheryl Smith is our facilitator, and as always, will bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the program. The program will look at individual speaking styles as well as tools for making speech notes, handling questions and comments, controlling crowds and creating confidence.
The course will take place on four consecutive Thursday evenings from October 23 to November 13 in room 106 of the BC Sport & Recreation Administrative Centre. For times, cost, and more details see pg.7. Call 737-3075 for more info and registration.
So You Want To Be Your Own Boss?!
Promotion Plus will be hosting a series of Entrepreneurial Workshops again this fall, for women interested in starting their own business.
The program will take place over four Wednesday nights from October 22 - November 12 and will focus on issues such as:
*selecting the right business for you
*the basics of business ownership
*guidelines for marketing and sales
*elements of writing a business plan
Call 737-3075 for more info and registration. *Please note this course is registration and grant dependant.*
WISRAN Update
WISRAN (Women in Sport and Recreation Administration Network) meets on the last Wednesday of every month (except Dec.), from September to May at 7:30 - 9:00am. The line up of speakers for the fall include Tracey McKinlay "Naturopathic Medicine", Jane Bird "Not in My Backyard", and Corrina Edgar "Fitting Fitness in to Your Life". See pg.7 for a complete list of speakers, dates, locations, and times.
Please note that due to the rising cost of the WISRAN breakfast meetings, Promotion Plus is raising the cost of breakfast meetings to $9 prepaid and $12 at the door. Call Promotion Plus at 737-3075 for more information and registration.
Speakers Available
Promotion Plus has a variety of speakers available to speak at your school, university, conference, community group, or workshop. We are currently finalizing the list of speakers and topics available, but presentations will focus on girls and women in physical activity and sport and the benefits of participation.
For further information please call the Promotion Plus office at 737-3075.
The Bobbie Steen Legacy Fund
Promotion Plus is continuing to accept donations to the Bobbie Steen Legacy Fund. Charitable tax receipts will be available and cheques should be made out to the Bobbie Steen Legacy Fund c/o the Investors Group and sent to Promotion Plus at #305- 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9. This year's recipient of the Legacy Fund, Katia Oteman, will be starting her project in September. Look for a complete update in our next issue.
Volunteering
Promotion Plus is developing a system to better use interested volunteers in a variety of capacities. Call the office at 737-3075 for more information or if you would like us to send you a volunteer information form.
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Welcome to the new and returning Promotion Plus
Board of Directors!
Thank you to our retiring Board members Kate Friars and Brenda Van Tighem for their hard work and dedication. Bryna Kopleow and Janna Taylor recently received The Bobbie Steen Award of Excellence for their dedication to sport and recreation in the province of BC. This award is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism, and Culture, Recreation and Sport Branch; Sport BC; BCRPA; and the BC Games Society. |
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| Highlighting Opportunities for Girls and Women inPhysical Activity and Sport | |
More Reasons to Play -
Girls & Women & In-Line Hockey
by Tamara McKernan
P laying In-Line Hockey is a natural choice for girls and women. It is a non-contact game of speed and finesse. Opportunities exist to play and compete in leagues that are for women only or are co-ed. Roller hockey is a sport for anyone interested in physical activity.
In-Line roller hockey can be enjoyed by individuals who have never played hockey on any surface to elite level ice hockey players. If you do not have a hockey background and are intimidated by the thought of beginning roller hockey without that experience, it is interesting to note that most in-line hockey players do not have a hockey background. For girls it is an opportunity to improve hand-eye coordination, skating, as well as fine and gross motor skills. As with any other healthy team sport, it allows young women to learn and develop their team play, cooperation, and problem solving skills. For women, it combines the best of getting fit, being social and challenging oneself in a team environment.
Women and men are getting into roller hockey because of the fun and challenge it presents. In-Line hockey can be played to meet each player's unique needs. As an off season training alternative or a social get together, it is dependent upon the experience and interests of each specific population.
Tamara McKernan is in charge of Events & Communications for Canadian
Hockey In-Line at 1-888-846-4244. For information on in-line hockey in
BC contact the BCIHL at 737-2391 or the BCAHA at 250-652-2978.
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The Journal of Women's Ice & Roller Hockey in North America
WOMEN'S HOCKEY is a new magazine jam-packed with news, features, hockey tips and hot issues about women's ice and roller hockey in North America. With news bureaus in Canada and the US and a network of reporters they cover stories across the continent.
WOMEN'S HOCKEY is published bi-monthly by Hockey Player Magazine. Annual subscriptions price is $13.95 + gst. The subscription hotline is 1-800-807-2231.
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~ 100 Years of Making History!
In August of 1897, the YWCA of Vancouver was opened...opening a door of endless possibilities for girls and women. "Better health and better times for girls and women in Vancouver" was the slogan for the YWCA's Health and Education department. Despite controversy in the early 1900's, the YWCA decided to promote physical activity for women and introduced "physical training" classes; athletic sport leagues; and outdoor recreational programs such as camping, hiking, and swimming. With the opening of a gym in 1924, membership increased and their programming included activities such as gymnastics and badminton.
Today the YWCA continues to offer a wide variety of sport and physical activity opportunities for women and so much more; employment centres, single mothers support groups, child daycare facilities, women's information centre ....
Congratulations on 100 years and best wishes to the YWCA in their continuing efforts to make a difference.
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Do you ever feel like you have all the right intentions but are not making a difference?
Writing a Letter
- is just one way you can make a difference
Your comments and objections make a difference. Your voice is necessary to make known to sport and recreation providers, advertisers, and media representatives the importance of providing fair and equitable choices and opportunities and of displaying positive representations of girls and women in visual communications.
When should you write a letter?
*When you see discriminatory practice in the provision of programs, services, and facilities.
*When you see inequitable treatment of groups and individuals (eg. in scheduling or equipment.)
*Whenever you find a lack of representation of girls and women in visual materials or negative, stereotypical images of females in brochures, newsletters, advertise- ments, television, magazines, etc.
*Whenever you find that a retailer isn't carrying a product, size or type of sports gear you need.
Call Promotion Plus at 737-3075 to receive a copy of a letter writing guide that will give you tools and tips to make your letter more effective in promoting change as you voice your concerns.
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W.I.S.R.A.N
Breakfast Meeting Schedule
Join us for the start of the new season. WISRAN (Women in Sport and Recreation Administration Network) breakfast meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month. The line up for this fall is:
September 24 - "Naturopathic Medicine", Tracey McKinlay at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre.
October 29 - "Not in My Backyard", Jane Bird at the BC Sport & Recreation Admin. Centre at 1367 W. Broadway, room 106.
November 26 - "Fitting Fitness into Your Life", Corrina Edgar at the Vancouver YWCA.
All meetings run from 7:30am until 9:00am. Call 737-3075 for cost and registration information.
Speakers Bureau- facilitated by Cheryl Smith
This program is designed for women who want to improve their public speaking skills (more info on pg. 4).
Date: Thursdays, October 23 & 30, November 6 & 13
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Place: BC Sport & Rec. Administrative Centre at 1367 West Broadway (Room 106)
Cost: $75.00
Call Promotion Plus at 737-3075 for more information and registration.
Business Workshop- facilitated by Cheryl Smith
Promotion Plus will be holding an Entrepreneurial Workshop for women (see pg. 4 for more info).
Date: Wednesdays, October 22 & 29, November 5 & 12
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Place: BC Sport & Rec. Administrative Centre at 1367 West Broadway (Room 106)
Cost: $50.00
Call Promotion Plus at 737-3075 for more information and registration.
Harassment Training
Sport BC has dedicated a limited budget to providing harassment training to its members. Harassment trainers are available to speak on awareness for provincial sport organizations - their coaches, parents, board members, staff and other groups involved in amateur sport.
Harassment Advisor & Officer Training is scheduled throughout September, October & November. Future sessions are listed in the calendar of events. Call Brenda Kent for harassment training registration and information at 737-3026.
Women's Basketball
Remember High School basketball? Haven't played since? Or even if you have and are simply looking for a place to play with other women - the Sunset Community Centre is offering a new sports program for women of all skill levels. Get fit while developing or improving your basketball skills in a fun social environment!
Date: Sundays, Sept. 21st to Dec. 7th
Time: 2:30 - 4:30pm
Place: Sunset Community Centre in Vancouver (404 E.41st Ave.)
Fee: $33/10 sessions
A girls basketball program will be held on the same dates from 1- 2:30pm. Call 325-1202 for more details.
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| Calendar
of Events ...
Health, Work & Wellness Conference - Sept. 28 to Oct.1, 1997 at Hotel Vancouver. This includes the Meeting of the Alliance for Health & Fitness on Oct. 1 from 7-8:30 am. To register for the Alliance breakfast meeting, call Sue Hills at 926-7706. Run for the Cure - Sunday, October 5th, 1997. Call 263-5440 for details. Women Living Active in the '90s - October 17-19, 1997, Schooner Cove Resort on Vancouver Island. Call 248-3252 or 756-5200 for more information. Harassment Advisor Training -October 28th - room 106, 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, 5:00-9:00pm. November 5th - Douglas College, New Westminster. Call Brenda at Sport BC at 737-3026. Recreation Rendezvous '97 - Thursday, November 6, 1997 from 8:30am - 4:00pm in Langley. Call BCRPA at 273-8055 for more info |
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? Did you know...
- the percent of Gr. 7 girls in BC who take physical education class three times per week: 54%...
Of Gr. 12 girls: 16%.
(More Than An Open Door Guide)
- Girls who participated in after-school activities that included physical activity were more likely to have a more positive sense of self than girls who participated in nonphysical activities or did not particpate in any activities at all.
(Melpomene Institiute, 1996)
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Please donate to support the Network News:
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A gift of any size is appreciated.
*tax receipts are available for donations of $100 or more
Please call the office for more information.
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Send completed form to: #305 - 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9 Phone: (604) 737-3075
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The following resources may be ordered from Promotion Plus by calling (604) 737-3075. |
On The Move: A Handbook - designed to encourage non-active teenage girls and women to participate in fun-filled, supportive, recreational physical activities. Handbooks are $10 + mailing Promotion Plus Resource Kits Kits of information on a variety of issues affecting girls and women in physical activity and sport. Topics:
When Girls Feel Fat... Helping Girls Through Adolescence, Sandy Friedman, 1997. When Girls Feel Fat gives parents, teachers, and others clear and proven strategies to deal with conflict and to recognize the "worries about weight" that can lead to serious eating disorders. $21.40 (incl. gst) plus mailing. New Moon Network: For Adults Who Care About Girls is a companion publication to New Moon that helps teachers, coaches, counsellors, and other adults who are working to broaden horizons for girls. Subscriptions to New Moon & New Moon Network are available directly from Promotion Plus. To order send $42 per subscription (or $70 for both) with your request (6 issues per subscription). |
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Women & Sport Resources
Sports Illustrated
- Women's Sport Magazine
Sports Illustrated has published a Women's Sports edition of their magazine as a pilot with the possibility of publishing a monthly magazine in 1998. To order copies of the magazine please call 1-800-528-5000. The magazine is not currently being sold in Canada.
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A Quarterly Publication of Promotion Plus
Editor/Writer: Carrie Linegar Administrative Coordinator
Editor in Chief: Tammy Lawrence
Executive Director
Publisher: Promotion Plus
Please contact us with any questions, comments or for more information at:
#305 - 1367 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9
Phone: ((604) 737-3075
Fax: (604) 738-7175
email: promotion.plus@telus.net
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