Promotion Network News - ONLINE
|
Volume 10 Number 3
|
GIRLS AND WOMEN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT
What's inside this issue...
Women Athletes: Representing All Women?
Do women athletes have the responsibility to represent the entire female population? Should they watch every word they say, every action they take, every sponsor they accept, to ensure that they are all female friendly and supportive? Or can they just be athletes and not worry about issues of feminism and women's rights?
I think sometimes we try to put too much responsibility on athletes in general. We think, right or wrong, that because athletes are representing our country, or our favourite sport, that they must have a squeaky clean reputation, a perfect speaking voice, and a conservative outlook. Athletes are often negatively labelled if they sway from this "good, clean image".
We have to remember that society as a whole, no matter how hard we try, is not all "good and clean". And sport, being a microcosm of society, has a variety of personalities and moral judgements within it.
Let's take a recent example that was plastered all over magazine covers and sport shows everywhere; the infamous bra shot of Brandi Chastain.
"Why did she take her shirt off?" seemed
to be the much debated question on everyone's mind. First of all, why
was it even a question? Haven't we all seen women exercising in bra tops?
It seems to be a normal, socially acceptable piece of attire that women
wear when exercising. So why did it become an international question when
she did it? Is it because she happened to have 90,000 World Cup Soccer
fans in attendance and 2.9
million households watching that it became a bigger issue? Maybe it was
the fact that women's soccer has never been so popular before that people
had never witnessed such celebration and weren't quite sure how to react.
Another question that arises is the issue of female athletes posing naked or scantily clad. Chastain was questioned over her decision to pose for a men's magazine with a single discreetly placed soccer ball. Amy Acuff, an American high jumper who is trying to bring recognition to her sport by wearing fashionable items such as a faux fur tube top with matching fur trimmed shorts, has just printed a calendar with her and other female athletes in various states of undress or with body paint. Some would say great, let's celebrate the female body, get away from the "unfeminine" image that female athletes have been strapped with and show that they can be strong and feminine at the same time. Others would argue why do women have to measure up to socially acceptable norms of femininity? Why can't we just celebrate female athletes for what they are - athletes? Why are we so obsessed with linking our women athletes with traditional views of female beauty?
You don't have to go back very far in history to see that "beautiful" athletes have been more accepted and celebrated than athletes that didn't have the same public image. Martina Navratalova was always shadowed by her "cuter" counterpart Chris Everett, despite her many tennis titles.
One argument I read a while ago keeps ringing in the back of my head. The highest paid women in the world are models and strippers and until women can achieve status for something other than their bodies, we will never achieve equality. To me, that sums up the debate.
So should women athletes take on the responsibility of representing other women, speaking out for women's rights and being good role models for young girls? Sure, it would be great. Is it realistic? I don't think so. We have to treat female athletes the way we treat other athletes, some we like, some we don't and sometimes we have to remember they are just athletes, and products of our society.
by Tammy Lawrence
Events & Promotions
Promotion Plus Meets in Victoria
Promotion Plus staff and board met with networking partners in Victoria to strengthen the connection with our networking committee on the Island. This meeting marks the first formal process of coordinating with key members of the Promotion Plus network to continue to promote girls and women in activity throughout all of British Columbia.
Promotion Plus Leacership Awards Silent Auction
The Promotion Plus Leadership Awards reception and
ceremony will be held on March 9, 2000 at the Roundhouse Community Centre
in Vancouver from 5:30-8:30 pm.
We will also be hosting our third annual silent auction to support the
activities of our organization, so mark March 9th on your calendar and
we'll see you at the Roundhouse! We are looking for volunteers to help
with planning the reception as well as to assist in coordinating items
for the silent auction. Call the office for more information.
Promotion Plus meets in Victoria
Speakers List
The Promotion Plus Speakers List for 1999 / 2000 is available with new and exciting speakers joining the already diverse and enthusiastic group of women. To book a speaker for your conference, workshop, or class presentation, call the office to receive a copy of the list and more information.
Bob Bearpark Coaching Bursary Funds
We are looking for applicants to be considered for bursaries available for coaching education and certifications. The Bearpark Foundation partners with the Coaches Association of BC to deliver the funds in conjunction with Promotion Plus, BC Sport & Fitness Council for the Disabled and the Aboriginal Sport/Recreation Association of BC. Recipients may receive up to $250. Please contact our office for an application.
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
If you would like to be a Canadian Volunteer at the 2000 Summer Games inquire now for applications. Contact Charlotte MacNaughton phone: (403) 294-4292 fax: (403) 294-4301 or email cmacnaughton@coa.ca
Resource Review
Raising Our Athletic Daughters: How Sports Can Build Self-Esteem and Save Girls' Lives - By Jean Zimmerman and Gil Reavil
Find out how sport impacts the lives of all different
types of girls. Based upon studies, statistics and interviews with students,
coaches, parents, educators and professional athletes the authors have
presented startling facts such as that by the senior year of high school,
only one-fourth of all girls exercise vigorously on a regular basis compared
with half of all boys.
Personal accounts are shared and examples of athletic programs and activities
helping girls realize their potential are revealed. Speaking of the evils
that low self-esteem can cause, such as feelings of loss of control and
development of behaviors including sexual promiscuity, smoking or drug
and alcohol abuse or eating disorders, the authors discuss how physically
active girls are less likely to succumb to these habits. This book offers
valuable advice for coaches, educators and parents to integrate in raising
girls who are physically active.
(Source of review: Melpomene, A Journal for Women's Health Research, Summer
1999, Vol. 18, No. 2).
This book will be available in paperback in October, 1999. Check out your
local book store for ordering information.
Irresistible Force: Disability Sport In Canada - By Ian Gregson
Journalist and former Paraolympian Ian Gregson has documented the stellar achievements, controversies and camaraderie of athletes with a disability in Canada . Irresisitible Force presents a history of the movement alongside the fascinating personal stories of gifted athletes including Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. Price $21.95 Canadian, black and white photos throughout.
Spotlight on Sport
The Women's interclub racquetball league in the Lower Mainland is celebrating its 20th anniversary! Racquetball is considered one of the easiest racquet sports to learn and is a great way to increase your cardiovascular endurance and improve strength in the major muscle groups. The B.C. Racquetball Association is a volunteer run organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the sport. There are many affordable clinics held throughout the province if you are interested in learning, or fine tuning your intermediate or advanced skill levels! In addition to offering clinics for women there are opportunities for junior skill development!
For more information on racquetball in B.C. contact
Cheryl McKeeman at:
(604) 323-5429
email: cmckeemn@langara.bc.ca
or B.C. Racquetball Association at
phone/fax: (604) 524-4973
Magazine for Girls
Reluctant Hero - By Girls aged 13 to 18
Published quarterly, each issue is written, edited
and designed by 50 different girls from schools across Canada. Since Reluctant
Hero is advertising free, there are no images of models with unrealistic
body shapes sending messages about how girls "should" look.
Instead there are articles and editorial content including issues about
growing up, peer pressure, relationships, friendships, sports, computers,
family life, fashion, music and much more.
Subscriptions are available in Canada and the United States for a fee
of $19.26. This includes 4 issues. Add $2 for rush delivery. Contact Promotion
Plus for your subscription.
Plus Wellness Tips
The Journal of the American Medical Association has released new results of a study supporting current recommendations that physical activity helps improve the health status of individuals. Participatig in 30 minutes of activity 3 to 5 times a week such as brisk walking, swimming, hiking or cycling is effective for long term benefits. Improved blood pressure, increased aerobic fitness and weight management are all positive effects of increasing activity. These results also showed that the activity does not need to be part of a structured fitness program! (Source: USA Today, Jan. 27, 1999)
Walking news...
Women who are experiencing menopause or have surpassed this stage can still benefit from increasing physical activity by walking at least 3 times a week. Some benefits included improved aerobic fitness and improved body composition relating to potential increase in heart health. (Source: Active Living, March 1998)
Hearts in Motion
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and the Yukon is promoting its Walk til your Heart's Content with the new Hearts in Motion Pathways. Pathways are located in Greater Vancouver extending from Dundarave, W. Vancouver to Cleveland Dam, N. Vancouver. Bear Creek Park and Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, both in Surrey, also offer walking routes. You can follow signs which will help you set fitness goals, measure your distance and chart your progress! Remember four important points to get your heart in motion:
- Make it fun
- Set goals
- Reward yourself
- Go at your own moderate pace
(For more information contact the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of BC & Yukon at 736-4404 or 1-888-HSF-INFO)
It's never too late to get active!
A study published by the American Journal of Cardiology in 1997 found that older women who have experienced a heart attack can still benefit from exercise. By becoming active these women experienced improved weight management, increased quality of life and lower anxiety!
How to get started and stay active:
- If you enjoy camaraderie, choose a structured regime where you experience group dynamics such as a dance or fitness class.
- Find a class where the instructor(s) is sensitive to the groups' fitness level and ability.
- Choose an activity you like such as dance, hiking or walking; orga nized groups are an excellent way to meet others with similar fitness levels and goals!
- Focus on positive results including reduced fatigue, stress management, increased energy levels and enjoying all of the activities you can do!
(Source: Active Living, 1998)
Research Update
Early Childhood Experiences and Increased Activity in Older Adults
A research study done in Vancouver provided discussion regarding links between older adult wellness and previous experiences in their youth. Only 30% of older female adults engage in physical activity at levels sufficient enough to improve their health. More than one half of women over the age of 85 years are institutionalized due to the inability to perform daily living activities.
The University of British Columbia researchers P. Vertinsky, K. Robinson and D. Willims provided evidence that late life efficacy for challenging forms of exercise is related to recollections of girlhood movement capabilities over 6 decades earlier. Researchers found that movement confidence in childhood explained part of the source of late life efficacy for exercise. Income levels in older adults are not as significant on behaviour in later years as it is earlier on due to universal pensions.
Another factor influencing female older adult participation in exercise is based on her understanding of her ability as defined by chronological age, perceived health and previous skills. This is related to her competencies and vitality as a young girl. It is suggested that one's physical identity over a lifetime effects beliefs about physical self confidence in sport and exercise; or that early experiences with skill development in physical activity are important for judging one's physical capability in late life.
As a preliminary study this discussion offers new thought on the importance of getting active early on in life to help shape and develop positive self-image and enables confidence to develop with participation in activity that will last well into the later years.
(Source: Active Living, March 1998)
Diet alone - still not the most significant factor in maintainning a healthy weight
Obesity receives a lot of attention today as almost 21% of Canadian women between the ages of 20-64 years are overweight according to Active Living statistics. Obesity carries with it the risk of a number of health conditions including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and osteoarthritis. Being overweight in combination with leading a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to development of diabetes. Many women who feel they are overweight participate in weight reduction regimes by restricting calorie intake and do not use physical activity as a component of weight control.
A study at the University of British Columbia compared physiological effects of endurance and resisitance training on body composition, aerobic fitness and resting energy expenditure. The endurance group (walking 3 times a week for 3 months) and resistance training group (light weights with increasing demand) experienced positive effects on body composition and on aerobic fitness. These results suggest strong benefits for sedentary individuals to increase their physical activity in reducing the risk of heart disease, improving blood pressure and osteoarthritis.
(Source: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute,1998)
Copies are available for minimal charges to cover mailing. Please contact our office for more information on these or other research materials.
Writing Competition
Prairie Fire: Short Story
The Canadian Women's Health Network is sponsoring a short story writing competition hosted by Prairie Fire magazine. Initial submissions entitle authors to a one year subscription to Prairie Fire magazine (4 issues). This year's theme for the competition is a visionary or futuristic look at women's health and wellness - health being defined broadly and holistically. Entry fee is $25 per story. Stories can be up to 10, 000 words and must be received by January 15, 2000. Include a cover letter with your name, address, telephone number but stories must not reveal your identity. Entries need to be typed, double spaced on a 8 1/2" by 11" white paper, clipped not stapled and only mailed copies accepted. You may enter as often as you like, only the first submission will be eligible for the subscription. Stories must be original, unpublished, not submitted elsewhere for any other contest or competition for which it is eligible to win a prize.
Winning stories will be featured in the summer 2000 issue of Prairie Fire magazine. (Prizes:1st = $1,000; 2nd = $500; 3rd = $250. ) Each winner will also receive a subscription to Network, the magazine of the CWHN. Send entries to :
Prairie Fire
423- 100 Arthur Street
Winnipeg, MB. R3B 1H3
Articles of Interest
Fact of Folly?
When reviewing health product advertisements be wary of promises or statements including:
- Words such as "miraculous", "instant", "secret", or "amazing".
- Vague claims such as "cleanse and purify your body", "raise your energy level", "rid your body of toxins", or "boosts immune system".
- Testimonials and anecdotes which are the sole or primary support for the claims.
- Claims about curing arthritis, cancer or AIDS.
- Ad copy that tries to diagnose your health problems, i.e. an ad that persuades you that you are tired, "over stressed", have "low blood sugar", or vitamin deficiencies, and then offers you a cure.
- Claims that doctors don't want the public to know about the product because they would lose business if people were "cured". There are no conspiracies to keep you sick.
- Machines advertised as "spot-reducers" or any gadgets that promise to "tone" your body and let you reduce your weight without exercise - or while you sleep! Spot reducing is a myth.
- Products that claim to be patented to provide health benefits.
- Diet plans "guaranteed" to take a pound off a day. A diet that rigorous would be dangerous. Most dieters should not lose more than two pounds a week.
- Health-related products that are sold via multi-level or "networking" marketing, which turns customers into salespeople. That is if you buy the product, you can become a distributor and then sell it to your friends and relatives, who sell it to their friends, etc. with profits (at least in theory) passing up to the top of the pyramid.
- Claims that a supplement or product will cure a wide variety of illnesses. Cure alls seldom cure anything.
(Source: University of California at Berkeley: Wellness Letter, Feb. 1999)
Why do kids play?
Why do kids play?
"Children play sports because it makes them feel good. They like feeling needed and valued while playing. Kids who sit on the bench don't feel part of the team." Sport Psychologist Professor Terry Orlick agrees that keeping the fun in sport is a challenge, especially when success is gauged by a win/loss record. It can be done if parents and coaches work together to redefine success. Kids already know what they want from sport and it isn't winning. British researcher Dr. Whitehead surveyed 3,000 children aged 9 to 16 years on their definition of success in sport. Following are the top ten reasons children play sports:
- to have fun
- to improve my skills
- to stay in shape
- to do something I'm good at
- for the excitement of the competition
- to get exercise
- to play as part of a team
- for the challenge of the competition
- to learn new skills
- to win
(Source: Vancouver Sun, Monday June 28, 1999)
Girl Guides of Canada Community Outreach
The BC office of Girl Guides of Canada is partnering with organizations to increase leadership and skill development for girls and guiders across BC. Projects across British Columbia for members and nonmembers have involved partnerships with community groups, such as community centers and Big Sisters, which contributed to enhancing leadership and skill development for girls, guiders and increased use of Girl Guide campsites. All involvement has led to increased visibility of the Girl Guide program. This past summer, a variety of day camp programs were offered in partnership with Abbotsford Parks and Recreation, Coquitlam Parks and Leisure Services, SFU's science AL!ve and UBC's GEERingUP! If you have an idea for a partnership or would like to discuss ways to share resources, space, staff or programming please contact:
Debbi Leith
Community Outreach Coordinator.
Phone: 714-6636/FAX: 714-6645
email: debbil@girlguides.org
? Did you know...
- In an effort to lose weight, about two thirds of females have dieted by the age of 13 and 30% have used more drastic measures such as vomiting and laxatives.
- By the age of 6, both boys and girls believe that boys are better than girls at physical activity.
- Each year over one million North American women develop eating disorders and 200,000 women die from eating disorders.
- Girls who participate in activity have increased self esteem and experience a more positve body image.
Opportunities for Girls & women in Physical Activity, Sport & Recreaction
Outdoor Adventures for Women by GAIA Adventures
Looking for a plan to keep you exercising on a regular basis, manage your stress levels or manage a health condition or injury? Contact Gaia Adventures for individualized one-on-one training with an experienced female trainer to help you out.
Join us for upcoming events:
Rock Climbing Smoke Bluffs:
September 18 (Introduction) or
September 19 (Intermediate)
Hike Diamond Head: September 25
For more information call (604) 875-0066 or visit their website at: www.vancouver-bc.com/Gaia.
YWCA
A new program for women recovering from breast cancer surgeries is starting this fall. There is also a lifestyle program designed for larger women new to fitness. Please call the Y for more information about these or other programs at (604)895-5777.
Planning a career in the Police Force? Register in a training program designed to physically prepare women in an excellent facility. Contact the YWCA to register at (604)895-5762.
Vancouver School Board Continuing Education
A variety of sport and recreation courses for women
only are starting this fall. Some courses require no experience and all
are meant to be fun and active. Courses include floor hockey, mountain
biking, basketball, and volleyball. Call:
(604)713-4550 or visit the website at www.vsb-adult-ed.com for
more information.
CAAWS/NIKE Grant -a- Week Program
The CAAWS/NIKE Grant-A-Week Program is designed to enable more girls and women to participate in physical activity. Grants of $100-$200 each week for 2 years will be awarded to help make sport dreams come true for female athletes, coaches, officials and sport and recreation organizations. By offering their support CAAWS and NIKE are making efforts to recognize and celebrate women and sport heroes. Recipients' stories will be told on the CAAWS web site and newsletter. Grants will be disbursed to offset costs related to training, travel, equipment, uniforms, tournaments, events, child care, manuals and resource materials. The committee will consider factors such as ethnic diversity, regional distribution of grants, age range and special needs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. All recipients will be required to share their woman and sport story by writing a one-page essay about their activity or project and provide a photo for use on the CAAWS website and newsletter. Applications will be reviewed every two months. Cheques and a gift from NIKE will be sent to recipients upon receipt of the story and photo. Please find your application on the website:
www.caaws.ca or email: caaws@caaws.ca directly
or mail to the CAAWS national office at:
1600 James Naismith Drive
Gloucester, Ontario
K1B 5N4.
Do you have or know of an event for girls and women? Call Promotion Plus and help us to spread the news!
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