December 2009 - Sport Nova Scotia

4oving Sport Forward Requires ChangeMark SmithDi r e c t o ro f Sp o rtDevelopmentRecently I attended a sportorganization AGM where thesubject of changing the existingcompetition structures to align withthe Long Term Athlete DevelopmentModel was the major item on theagenda.As the presenter began to discussrecommendations put forwardby a volunteer committee taskedwith reviewing existing programsand bringing forward suggestionsfor improvement, the argumentsto maintain the status quo began.Within minutes the conversationdeteriorated to arguments againstchange as opposed to how a newapproach might benefit the sport. Itwas like watching a rerun of a badmovie.Observing this event remindedme of several conversations I havehad with colleagues around why itis important that organizations atall levels of sport be constantly insearch of new and creative ways toimprove the sport experience fortheir members regardless of age andstage of development. Increasedmembership eventually translatesinto increased resources, financial andhuman, which builds greater capacitywithin an organization.If we want to increase accessand participation across sport, wemust improve current methods ofdelivering programs and create newopportunities to ensure more peopleget involved with sport and have agreat experience while doing so.We can look within our provinceto find sport organizations thatare having success. Soccer has hadconsiderable growth here over thepast 20 years and a key to that successwas having the foresight to realize thatchange often equals progress. Whetheron the ball field or in the boardroom,passionate discussions are a necessaryingredient in moving things forward.In recent years, sports such as lacrosse,football, and volleyball have seen are-birth in interest from young athletesand their membership numbers areincreasing through new and creativeprogramming.There is no secret recipe to movingsport forward. It takes vision,commitment, a willingness to be openminded,critical reflection of wherethe organization is and a blueprintfor where it needs to go. The nextstep is to surround the organizationwith talented people whose collectiveinterest is to serve the best interest ofthe sport. More and more we see bigbusiness taking a page from sport asthey look to build cohesive staff unitsthrough a collective team approach,putting the right people in the rightjobs and allowing those people to dowhat they do best.In this province, the time has neverbeen better to get on with the businessof growing your sport. With theresources available to ProvincialSport Organizations through theSupport4Sport program and ancillarysupports available through SportNova Scotia and its staff, there is nobetter time to build a plan for 2010.Happy Holidays!Sponsor SpotlightOfficial SponsorWhen it comes to supportingminor sport, Cleve’s Sourcefor Sports has been there for NovaScotians since 1947.So it’s no surprise that the locallyowned and operated sporting goodschain has been a sponsoring partnerwith Sport Nova Scotia virtually fromthe beginning.“We’ve probably been involvedwith Sport Nova Scotia as long as ithas existed,” says Cleve’s presidentKevin Bezanson. “We’ve always hadsupport for them, because that’s ourmandate. We try to look after any sportsassociation or sports team in need of anykind of sponsorship or support.”Along with footwear company NewBalance, Cleve’s Source for Sports servesas the Title Sponsor for Sport NovaScotia’s Athlete of the Month program.Provincial Sport Organizationsnominate candidates in the male andfemale individual and team athletecategories, along with a team of themonth. Winners receive a $50 giftcertificate to Cleve’s, along with aframed certificate.“In a small way, I hope it helps supportathletes with training and competition,”Bezanson says. “And New Balance is agreat partner to have. Like us, they’re awell-established company that believesin doing a lot of grassroots promotionsand sponsorships.”Cleve’s is also a supporter ofKidSport , a Sport Nova Scotia programthat helps children and youth in needparticipate in organized sport. Cleve’sstores supply Sport Nova Scotia with arebate on equipment purchases and alsohelp out with other Sport Nova Scotiafundraising programs like Sportscapeand Sport Sunsweep.Cleve’s is also a sponsor of Run NovaScotia and donates prizes to virtuallyany sports team or association that asksfor help with fundraising. Bezansonsays it’s an easy decision for a localsporting goods company to be heavilyinvolved in supporting local sport.“It’s what we do. It’s a reinvestmentinto our customer base, basically,” hesays. “All of our customers knowwe’re a local company that’s beenaround for a long time. I think anyonethat’s been to a fundraiser knows thatwe exist because we’re involved withnearly every single one. Go to a minorball auction and you’ll probably finda Cleve’s prize on the table.”Cleve’s has 13 locations across NovaScotia from Yarmouth to Sydney River,plus a team sales office located in theBurnside store. The company also runsa seasonal location at Martock and hasthree outlets in New Brunswick.It’s rare for local chains to surviveand thrive in the era of nationalretailers and big-box stores, butBezanson says Cleve’s has establisheda loyal following.“We’re really proud that we’re stillgoing strong, especially with all thecompetition that we’ve had.”Find Cleve’s on the web at www.sourceforsports.com.

5Sponsored byApprenticeship PrepsFemale Coaches forCanada GamesBy age nine, Michelle Menzies wasspending her summers away fromher Dartmouth home so she couldpursue her figure-skating dream.Two years later, she left Nova Scotiaaltogether.The move paid off in the long run –Menzies won two Canadian pairs titleswith partner Jean-Michel Bombardier in1995 and 1996 – but she wouldn’t wishthe same route on any youngster.That’s why she returned to NovaScotia to coach after she retired, andwhy she’s excited about the opportunityto train others through the Women inCoaching Apprenticeship program.“There’s a lot of talent in Nova Scotia,so it’s exciting to try and providepeople with opportunities,” saysMenzies. “I want to give kids chancesto learn here without having to moveaway so young.”The Apprenticeship program, whichis supported by multiple Federal andProvincial Sport Organizations, pairsexperienced mentors like Menzieswith up-and-coming coaches whoaspire to train athletes for nationalcompetitions and beyond. Apprenticeswill work with the coaching staffof their respective sport at the 2011Canada Winter Games in Halifax.Provinces can select two coachesfor apprenticeship at each Games,and Nova Scotia chose figure skatingcoach Jill Reeves and biathlon coachPeggy Falkenham-Boutilier for the2011 Games.Reeves, who has coached atDartmouth Skating Club for eightyears, says she’s excited to have thechance to work with Menzies, as wellas the opportunity to learn the ropes ata Canada Games.“My hopes are just to get reallyexperienced at a Games level and toexperience a multi-sport competition,”Reeves says. “It’s nice to go and not be thelead, to experience it first and being ableto ask questions of the team leaders.”In biathlon, Lunenburg coach PeggyFalkenham-Boutilier is thrilled to havethe chance to work with mentor SteveHale, who has as much experience as acoach can have. Hale served two termsas president of Biathlon Canada and iscurrently the VP-High Performance.He’s also the team manager for the 2010Vancouver Olympics.“I’m so pleased to be mentoredby someone of that calibre and withthat level of experience,” Falkenham-Boutilier says. “It’s just going to be sovaluable.”She started coaching seven years agoafter her son Blake Boutilier picked upbiathlon through Cadets. “It wasn’teven on my radar until that point,”she says – but she’s since fallen in lovewith the sport and wants to grow asa coach.“I definitely want to progress,” shesays. “I want to be able to be calledupon, not just by Nova Scotia but NewBrunswick or PEI if they need a femalecoach.”Hale, who’s been involved withbiathlon for 25 years, says his sport– like many – can always use morequalified female coaches.“There aren’t nearly as many female(NCCP) Level 3 coaches out there asthere are male coaches,” Hale says. “Wesend a lot of youth and junior teamsaround the world to get internationalexperience, so it’s good to have bothmale and female coaching teams onthe road especially. It’s an honour to bedoing this job and helping out whereverI can in training more coaches.”RECHARGE WITH CHOCOLATE MILK.Chocolate milk is loaded with protein and carbohydrates,so drinking it after exercise helps you recharge in a flash.Proud Title Sponsor08-DFC-055 CH SPORTS QUARTERLY.indd 1 5/8/08 10:1

7Sponsored bythe sporting world can have itsshare of bullies and bad influences,especially if a team or program’sgoal is win-at-all-costs.But those that work well (seeidebar) can have a big impact in ahild or teenager’s life. StephanieacInnis-Langley is the director ofrime prevention with the provincialustice Department, and she haseen positive results from programsike midnight basketball in Halifax,here teens played hoops witholice officers, or a breakdancingrogram where youth learned toxpress themselves through theiroves.“Kids told us about gainingkills and physical fitness, but alsohat they settled scores throughance, rather than with their fists,”acInnis-Langley says. “Sporteally enhances communicationkills, and it keeps them engagedith a group of people so they’reot just alone and vulnerable. Weeally see the team atmosphere aselpful.”Sport programs geared toward atiskyouth face the same challengess any programs – particularlyeeting costs and attractingolunteers. But there are grantsvailable for programs that makerime prevention part of theirocus. The provincial governmentas introduced an initiative calledighthouses that offers up to $12,000or groups who mix sport andecreation or arts and culture withn educational element gearedoward prevention.“It’s a wonderful program and it’seen very successful in Manitoba,”ays MacInnis-Langley. “It’s reallynnovative and we’re excited abouthow it’s going to work in thecommunity.”That philosophy is already inpractice at Membertou, whererelationships built through playhave opened the door for police todo other things, like take kids to amovie or a floor hockey tournament– or have a conversation aboutbullying.And Cst. Tamara Christmas saysshe’s noticed a definite drop in youthcrime over the past two years.“There’s a lot of respect there, andless crime,” says Cst. Christmas, anofficer and community member whonow runs the Boys and Girls Club.“You don’t see too many youth filescome through.”For Ross, who has coachedprovincial champions and nationalmedallists, it’s just as satisfying totrain a boxer like ‘Stephen’ (realname withheld by request), whohad been suspended from schoolseveral times and run afoul of thelaw before he joined the SydneyBoxing Club.Since he entered the ring, Stephenhasn’t missed a night of training – orlanded in any more trouble. He’sbeen far too busy.“When kids get involved in asport like boxing, we train fournights a week, plus they do runningand other outside things to keepin shape,” Ross says. “There’s notmuch time left for them to get introuble. They’re pretty tired at theend of the day. They don’t want togo hang out on the corner.”For more on the Lighthouses Programand other provincial crime-preventioninitiatives, visit http://gov.ns.ca/just/Prevention/initiatives.asp.Reaching Youth Through SportSimply throwing open the gymdoors won’t necessarily keepyouth out of trouble, cautions sportconsultant David Carmichael, whohas worked with organizationslike ParticipACTION and theOntario Physical and HealthEducation Association.Carmichael says sport programsthat successfully reach out to kidsdo six things well: they makeparticipants feel safe, welcome,connected, competent, empoweredand special.Safe – “Kids need to feel safeboth physically and emotionally,”Carmichael says. “It comes downto a quality positive experience.”Welcome – Youth regarded as ‘atrisk’often come from low-incomeor single-parent families, whereequipment costs, registration feesand even transportation can be abarrier to participation. “You haveto look at the bigger picture andthink about things like how arethese kids going to arrive, or gethome,” says Stephanie MacInnis-Langley, Nova Scotia’s director ofcrime prevention.At a free wakeboarding programCarmichael and his daughterhelp run in their home town ofBrockville, Ontario, organizersdonate all the gear and even go asfar as bringing registration formsto participants’ houses for theirparents to sign. “It’s definitelyoutreach,” Carmichael says.Connected – “They’ve got tofeel like they’re part of the team,and connected to the coach,”Carmichael says. “For some kidsit’s as simple as putting on a jerseywith their community’s name onit.”Competent – The scale isdifferent for every child; somemight be excited about scoringtheir first goal, while others mightbe learning to pick off the topcorner of the net. But youngathletes need to feel like they’relearning skills and getting betterat what they’re doing.Empowered – Youth need tohave some control over theirdecisions, especially on the field,Carmichael says. “I’d like to seecoaches do more of their workin practices and less in games.When you’re on the playing field,it’s your time. That’s part of theteam-building process.”Special – “When they feel likethey’ve been successful, it’s good ifcoaches can come in and reinforceit. Kids should be rewarded forgiving 100 per cent,” Carmichaelsays.Many of the elements boildown to great coaching. Sportorganizations often place theirbest and most highly trainedofficials at the elite level, but it’sjust as important to have greatpersonnel at the entry level todraw youth in and hook them onsport for life, Carmichael says.“First impressions are critical.We can’t afford to turn kids off atthe entry level.”

8Nova Scotia Soccer Players NCAA-BoundFive Nova Scotians acceptNCAA full scholarshipsThe exposure of competing inprovincial and national soccerprograms is reaping rewards forsome of Nova Scotia’s top femalesoccer players.Five members of the provincialCanada Games team—CourtneyConrad, Nkem Ezurike, MelissaGaudet, Jenna Goobie and BrianneM o o re — h a v e a c c e p t e d f u l lscholarships to NCAA schoolsnext year.It’s become a recent trend forU.S. coaches to pay more attentionto Canadian players, and for localstars to test their fortunes belowthe border, says National TrainingCentre-Atlantic director DanielWorthington.“In the last three years, we’ve seenan affinity for the better playerswe’ve produced to go away (toU.S. schools),” says Worthington,who coached Nova Scotia’s CanadaGames team to a fifth-place finishthis summer. “On the women’sside, the pathway (to the nextlevel) is often through the NCAAprograms.”For many of the U.S.-boundplayers, competing on the CanadaGames team and participatingin Soccer Nova Scotia’s NationalTraining Centre (NTC) programhelped open the door to widerexposure.Jenna Goobie, who’s going toKentucky, and Melissa Gaudet,who’s headed to Texas, both mettheir soon-to-be college coacheswhile competing in a showcasewith the Canada Games team inMississauga, Ontario last spring.“I wouldn’thave known(the NCAA)was even anoption,” saysGoobie, whowill graduatefrom SackvilleHigh School inJenna Goobie June. “The NTCreally gave me a lot of informationand let me know all my options.With the showcase tournament inMississauga, they tried to get usexposure as well. It all helped.”Goobie had her sights set onattending the University of NorthCarolina-Charlotte, but when thecoach, Jon Lipsitz, took a job atKentucky, Goobie decided to attendthe famed Southeastern Conferenceschool as well.“I thought, ‘How could I not?’”Goobie says. “It just made sense forme to go there.”Playing withthe CanadaGames squadalso openedMelissa Gaudetdoors forMelissa Gaudet,who drew theattention of theUniversity ofTexas coachesin Mississauga. Gaudet visited theAustin campus in November and isexcited about joining the Longhornsnext season.“(Playing in the NCAA) is adream I’ve always had in the back ofmy head,” says Gaudet. “I’ve seenall the big players that I aspire to belike play in the NCAA and go thesemi-professional route. I’ve hadthis dream since I was 12.”The NCAA route isn’t for everyone,Worthington cautions—and playerscan have a great experience atCanadian schools too. But for thosewho go south and do well, it opensup even more doors.“Some go down and set thestandard and give Nova Scotianathletes a good name,” Worthingtonsays.Case in point isthe relationshipSoccer NovaBrianna MooreScotia hasdevelopedwith VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity.Brianne Moorewill be the thirdNova Scotian to play soccer at VCUafter Stephanie Power and MollyAllen, who’s currently a sophomorewith the Rams.“We’ve established relationshipswith those coaches, and really it’s allabout relationships,” Worthingtonsays.Moore says Allen—her formerteammate at Halifax West—helpedsell her on VCU. “Molly told me allabout the school,” she says. “It’svery diverse, a lot like Halifax West.And they say Virginia is similarto Halifax as well, which will benice.”SackvilleHigh studentNkem Ezurikewill also bejoining a fellowNova Scotianat Michigan,where EunnieNkem EzurikeKim is afreshman.Ezurike—who played for Canadalast year in New Zealand at the firstFIFA Under-17 World Cup—saidit helped her decision to knowshe’d be seeing a friendly face oncampus.“Knowing someone always helpswhen you’re going somewhere faraway,” she says.Ezurike says playing for Canadaand training with the NTC helpedprepare her to make the leap to theNCAA.“With the NTC, you’re doingmore intense workouts and multiplepractices every week, like you’d bedoing in university,” she says. “It’sgetting you ready to take that nextstep.”The NCAAroute was aneasy choicefor CourtneyConrad too;she’s alreadyseen its benefitsin her ownCourtney Conradfamily. Hersister Jessica isin her second year at OaklandUniversity in Michigan.“I’ve seen her get a lot better as aplayer, so that’s one of the biggestreasons I’m going down,” Courtneysays. “It will be good soccer for meand I think I’ll be able to developthere.Courtney isn’t attending the sameschool as her sister – she’s headedto Jacksonville University in Florida– but she’s looking forward to theexperience. And the climate.“It will be warm there,” she said.“I’m really excited.”All photos courtesy Soccer Nova Scotia

10r o u g h t to y o u b yStories often surface in the media about parents arguing with coaches and officials regarding theirchild’s involvement in a game. We asked Nova Scotians:“How far is too far for parents to get involved with their children’s sports teams?”Gary TowerAmherst“I think it’s naturalfor parents towant their kidsto do well, but itshould never getto the point wherethe kids are embarrassed and they aren’thaving fun. It’s terrible to embarrassthem to that point, because the kids arethe ones that suffer. Sports should befun for kids.”Daniel Dagenais-GawEasternPassage“It’s really a delicatething becauseyou have a lot ofparent-coaches too.But for the mostpart, the parents’ job is to be there andsupport their kid, and let the coach takecare of them while they’re on the field oron the court.”Kim KiersteadAmherst“If parents want toyell at the coachesor officials, theyshould be in thatposition themselves.If you putyour kids in sports, you’re putting themin the hands of the coaches who are thereto teach the ways of the game.”Lowell OakesCrapaud,PEI“Coaches are theret o c o a c h , a n dparents should letthem do their job.I think coachesshould have zero tolerance for that kindof interference.”Jarrett MurphyQueensportTerry RhindressAmherst“ P a r e n t s a r ealways going toget involved, andit partly dependson how old yourkids are. But whathappens on the court or on the iceshould be between the coaches and theplayers.”“Parents should letthe coach do his orher job. If and whenthere is a problem,they should go tothe manager afterthe game. They shouldn’t yell at thecoach or officials during the game.”Lisa HawkesAmherstJulie ReidDartmouth“Parents need toremember that theother team is alsofull of children, andthat the coachesaren’t getting paidto be there.”“Parents should letthe coaches make thedecisions. For kids,it’s part of learningto be on a team –following authorityand learning sportsmanship.”

11Sponsored by046820 7/6/04 4:02 PM Page 1Scott TowerFall River“I coach basketball,and I’ve definitelyseen parents getriled up. Parentswant to see theirkids do well, butI think they need to respect coaches’decisions. Most times coaches have theplayers’ best interests in mind. It’s okayto say your piece, but it shouldn’t gofarther than that.”To CompeteIs To Win.Renee BoudreauHammondsPlains“If you feel a coachis doing somethingdetrimental to yourchild, physically oremotionally, I thinkit’s valid to step in. It think it goes too farwhen you’re just second-guessing thecoach or letting your personal feelingsget involved.Some say the only way to win is to compete. We say peoplewho put their time and heart into competing are winners.At Enterprise, we encourage competition in any endeavorand consider all those who compete to be winners.OFFICIAL RENTAL CAR COMPANYFOR SPORT NOVA SCOTIA.Just dial \[ for the location nearest you.Size 3.75” x 5.75” 4-Color non-bleed Output at 100%

12octors Encourage An Active Holiday SeasonA message from Doctors NovaScotiaThe temperature is dropping andthe snow has already made anappearance across Nova Scotia. Withwinter peeking its head around thecorner, Doctors Nova Scotia wantsto keep Nova Scotians inspired tostay active and healthy over thecoming holiday season.With winter comes a variety ofcircumstances that prevent NovaScotians from being active suchas bad weather, colds and flu, orholiday celebrations. Doctors NovaScotia has some simple tips to keepyou healthy and motivated thiswinter.Enj o y th e we at h e rWhether the streets are filledwith snow, the rain is harshand cold or the sidewalks arelined with slush, the winterelements often prevent NovaScotians from being physicallyactive.Although the weather maymake it challenging to getoutside and be active, it canalso be motivating. Winteractivities such as buildings n o w m e n , s t ro l l i n g t h eneighborhood to observe theglistening Christmas lights ortobogganing with the familyonly happen once a year. So getout there this holiday seasonand enjoy the beautiful winterwonderland that exists outsidethe front door.many Nova Scotians feel under theweather. Colds and flu affect peopleof all ages, unfortunately, even thoseconsidered otherwise healthy.Many athletes end up watchingfrom the sidelines – so to speak –due to common colds and flu eachyear. Whether it’s running, hiking,playing on a sport team or bicyclingto work every day, getting backinto activity after being sick canbe a difficult transition. Combinewalking with simple exercises suchas sit-ups, push-ups, lunges, squatsand stepping which can be donein the comfort of your own home.The best remedy for regaining lostenergy is to get plenty of sleep andeat healthy. Taking it slow is the bestway to prevent injury and endingup back in bed.Tr y no t to ov e r -ea tLet’s not forget the turkey,potatoes, holiday get-togethers,wine and desserts. The holidaysalways tend to expand stomachsand encourage over-eating. It’stough to say no to homemade piesand second helpings of turkeyand gravy, but it’s important toremember that a healthy balance ofportion control and exercise makesa difference.Avoid too many rich desserts andchoose fruit instead. Rather thandrinking eggnog and wine, sip onfruit juice and water. Walking isthe cheapest and easiest form ofcardiovascular exercise. Combiningexercise and healthy food choiceswill help fight off those extra holidaypounds.Doctors Nova Scotia encouragesphysical activity year-round. Withhalf the Nova Scotia populationbeing overweight, doctors in theprovince are making it a priority toget Nova Scotians more active. Thebest way to get active is by walkingand incorporating a little moreactivity into your daily routine,either by parking farther awayfrom entrances, walking children toschool or enjoying the hiking trailsnear your home.Doctors Nova Scotia wishes allNova Scotians a healthy, safe, andactive holiday this year. With 1,440minutes in a day, take 30 of them todo something active.For more information about gettingactive visit www.doctorsns.com.Get ba c k to ac t i v i t y af t e rb e i n g si c kWith winter also comes coldand flu season, a time when

13Sponsored byVolunteering Reaps Rewards at the2010 Tim Hortons BrierThe 2010 Tim Hortons Brier iscoming to Halifax Metro Centren March, and that’s more than justood news for curling fans – it’s aonus for curling clubs across therovince.The Brier is Canada’s nationalen’s curling championship,rawing provincial winners – andans – from across the country. Thevent sold about 160,000 ticketsast time it was held in Halifax in003.The host committee’s portion ofrofits from the tournament March-14 will be reinvested in the sport,ith each of the 35 clubs in Novacotia receiving a percentage.“One of the things we wanted too is make this not just a Halifaxrier but a Nova Scotia Brier,” saysvent co-chairman Hugh Avery.And volunteers have a chance toeap even more benefits for theirome ice. One-quarter of the profitsill be proportionally distributedack to volunteers’ clubs of record.n other words, the more volunteersclub has at the 2010 Brier, the morehe club will receive in return.“This is an opportunity forolunteers to get involved and beble to tangibly give back directlyo their cause,” says Rob Harris, therier Committee’s vice-presidentf promotions. He noted that therier will require some 800-900olunteers.“Volunteer recruitment to dates very healthy, though we’re stillooking for a few hundred more toelp out,” he says.The host committee did a similarprofit-sharingarrangementwhen Halifax lasthosted the Brierin 2003, as wellas during theOlympic trialsin 2005. Harrisestimates thatlarger clubs, suchas MayflowerCurling Club,received as muchas $20,000 throughthe efforts of theirvolunteers.Mayflower clubmanager DaveJones said those dollars helped pavethe club’s driveway and purchasenew stones for the juniors. The clubwas also able to set aside funds forits long-term goal of replacing theconcrete slab under the ice.Between direct contributions toeach club and the 25 per cent basedon volunteer numbers, 80 per centof the host committee’s profits fromthe 2010 Brier will be re-invested atthe grassroots level in local rinks.For past big events, that amount hasbeen in the range of $300,000.“For a rural club looking to makeimprovements, the amount theyreceive is substantial,” says Avery.“It can certainly have an impact.”The other 20 per cent of profits willalso be invested in the developmentof officials, clubs, coaches andathletes.Avery says it only makes senseto return the profits directly to thecurling community, since they’reNova Scotia curling fans are gearing up for the2010 Tim Hortons Brier at Metro Centre in March.(contributed)the ones thatmake eventslike the Brier asuccess.“The successof this eventis reallycontingent onthe involvementof our curlingcommittee andthe communityat large,” he says.“Past success isthe reason whywe’re able tohost it again,Dependability. Dedication. Experience.No matter the discipline, the demands are the same.At Ricoh, we’ve spent the last 70 years honing ourskills, chiseling out the very definition of what itmeans to be the best inWORLD CLASS OFFICE SOLUTIONSMultifunction • Colour • High VolumePrinters • Wide Format • Fax Machinesso it’s critical that we have thatsupport.”As great as that windfall has been,hosting a Brier benefits local clubsmore than just financially, Jonessays.“There’s some financial spinoff,but there are lots of other spinoffsthat aren’t as tangible,” he says.“It creates awareness of sport inthe area, which usually translatesinto more members. There are lotsof intangibles that can’t really bemeasured in dollars.”For more on the Brier, visit www.seasonofchampions.ca.©2009 Ricoh Canada Inc.clientdocket nameproject nameflat size 00” w X 00” hdateRicoh Sports Quarterly Ad 09.indd 1 03/12/09 3:3trim 4.5825” w X 4.35” hc repcolour 4Cfile namericohsport quarterly ad 2009englishc

14Sport Nova Scotia wishes to thank their family ofpartners, sponsors and major supporters for theircommitment to amateur sport in 2009.Funding PartnersPresenting PartnerPremier SponsorsMedia SponsorsMajor SponsorsTMMajor SupportersPre s e n t e d b y D o c t o r s N ov a S co t i aOfficial SponsorsHalifax & Dartmouth

15Sponsored byEaster Seals Nova Scotia Helps Youth Take PARTOn a Sunday afternoon at St.Andrew’s Centre in Halifax, eightteenagers and young adults are racingup and down the gym floor in sportwheelchairs, enthralled in a back-andforthgame of soccer.Some of these youth use a wheelchairas part of their everyday lives, whileothers are friends or volunteers joiningin for fun. But they’re all equallycaught up in the game—and most ofthem are laughing.A good time for all is one of the maingoals of Take PART (Physically ActiveRecreation Today), one of the ActiveLiving programs run by Easter SealsNova Scotia.“It’s essentially an opportunityfor kids with disabilities to try outactivities they might not otherwiseenjoy, and they’re encouraged tobring friends along,” says ChristinaSwett, the coordinator of ActiveLiving programs for Easter Seals NovaScotia.Take PART is open to youth betweenthe ages of 8-21, and offers them achance to test out a range of sportssuch as soccer, basketball, rugby,sledge hockey and boccia, a sport usedin the Paralympics.Recreation is just as important foryouth with a disability as it is for anyoneelse—but it’s often an overlooked partof their lives, says Swett.“For most families who have a childParticipants gear up for a game of wheelchair basketball at an Easter Seals activity campin Sydney.with a physical disability, recreationis not at the top of the priority list,especially when you have to pay forit,” Swett says. “Our program is free.It’s mostly an introduction for kids totry out a bunch of sports and see whatthey like.”Easter Seals even provides thesport wheelchairs, with the help ofthe provincial Department of HealthPromotion and Protection.Some participants discover a sportthey love and become connected toother programs as well—like 17-yearoldNicole MacDonald, who wasintroduced to sledge hockey throughTake PART and now competes in ahockey program in Dartmouth.“I like playing sports, especiallyhockey,” says MacDonald, who hasbeen attending Take PART since itstarted in 2005.Jennica Gagne, also 17, says TakePART is as much a social time as anopportunity to try out new sports.“It gives me a chance to hang outand have fun and be together withfriends,” she says.The program runs out of St. Andrew’son Sunday afternoons in Halifax andalso takes place at the Forest HeightsCommunity School in Chester onSunday evenings.Participants get a good workout:by the end of the soccer game at St.Andrew’s, many were stretching outtired arms after so many laps wheelingup and down the court.Easter Seals offers other active livingprograms as well, including summersport camps and Kids Quest, whereparticipants have a chance to test outadventure sports like white-waterrafting and rock climbing.No matter how severe a person’sphysical disability, Easter Seals findsa way for young aspiring athletes toparticipate.Fast facts about Easter Seals Nova Scotia‣ Easter Seals Nova Scotia enables Nova Scotians with physical disabilitiesto enhance their quality of life by realizing their individual potential.‣ Easter Seals Nova Scotia reduces barriers to access and opportunities thatexist for people living with disabilities.‣ Formerly also known as the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia; moved tothe singular identity of Easter Seals Nova Scotia in 2009.‣ Easter Seals operates Camp Tidnish, a summer camp in the Amherst areafor children and youth with disabilities.For more information, see www.easterseals.ns.ca.

16Veterans Mickey Fox, Al Scott Bring SportSavvy to New Rolesetween them, Al Scott and MickeyFox have more than sixty yearsxperience playing, coaching andeaching their favourite sports inova Scotia.And they’re as passionate asver about sport as they dive intoew roles with Provincial Sportrganizations – Scott as executiveirector of Volleyball Nova ScotiaVNS) and Fox as technical directoror Basketball Nova Scotia (BNS).Scott comes to VNS after 29 yearst Dalhousie University, 20 as men’solleyball coach and the past nine asthletic director.He helped turn the Tigers intoa conferencepowerhouse,winning 19Atlantic titles inhis 20 seasons.H e a l s o l e dDalhousie to asilver and threebronze medalsAl Scotta t n a t i o n a lchampionships and was namedCanadian university coach of theyear in 1989.After taking early retirementfrom Dalhousie, Scott jumped at thechance to join Volleyball Nova Scotiawhen the director’s position becameopen this summer.“At this stage of my life, I wanted todo something where there was somereal enjoyment in it,” says Scott, whotook over from Liam Blanchard, nowthe executive director of BasketballNova Scotia. “When this positionbecame available, it seemed like agreat fit.”Scott has stayed active on thevolleyball circuit, starting a minorprogram in Bedford and coachingthe C.P. Allen High School girls’ teamthe past two seasons.His involvement with the sport hasshown him that one of volleyball’sgreatest assets around the provinceis its people.“We’ve got some great peopleinvolved in coaching volleyball. Ithink that gives us a really goodbase,” he says. “In every sport, onecoach influences a lot of players. Butwe’ve got to really help existing andnew coaches get to a higher level.”He thinks one of the biggestchallenges facing the sport is a lackof resources at the top. Scott is VNS’sonly full-time employee – placingNova Scotia behind the rest of thecountry, he says.“Besides Nova Scotia, only PEI hasone or fewer full-time staff,” Scottsays. “Having someone do coach andplayer development continuouslyaround the province is paramountto making some improvements inthe game.”Scott is looking at ways to add atechnical director and someone togrow a program at the 8-12 level,so kids can try out volleyball earlierbefore they’ve begun to specialize inother sports.O n t h ebasketball side,new technicaldirector Foxs e e s a l a c ko f f a c i l i t i e s– especiallyin the Metroarea – as oneMickey Foxof the biggestobstacles to growth.The Saint Mary’s legend and recentinductee into the Nova Scotia SportHall of Fame points to the successthat Soccer Nova Scotia has had indeveloping sport-specific facilitiesaround the province.“I take my hat off to Soccer NovaScotia, what they’ve done, and Ithink basketball needs to do thesame,” says Fox. “If the gyms areopen, the kids will come.”Fox has spent his fair share oftime in gyms since his days settingrecords and winning national titlesat Saint Mary’s in the 1970s. He’scoached at virtually every levelfrom minor to professional, and he’sraised some pretty decent basketballplayers too – his son Casey was theAUS rookie of the year last seasonwith the Acadia Axemen.He says there’s plenty of potentialfor success in Nova Scotia, withthe silver medal-winning boys’Canada Games team a fine example.“They were within a whisper ofwinning a gold medal, and that’scertainly a positive thing,” he says.“We’ve produced some tremendousbasketball players, but on the wholeI think we’ve hit a plateau and weneed to get to that next step.”

17Sponsored byCalendar of EventsDecemberDecember 21T i t a n s Ch r i s t m a s Cl a s s i c (T&T)[Gy m n a s t i c s], Dartmouth, NS. Visitwww.gymns.ca for more information.January 2010January 4KidSpo r t Ap p l i c at i o n s Du e. ContactDave Wagg at 425-5454, ext. 350 ordwagg@sportnovascotia.ca.January 8Me t r o In v i tat i o n a l [Sw i m m i ng ], DalplexPool, Halifax, NS. For more information,visit www.swimnovascotia.com.January - FebruaryTry La c r o s s e Ev e n t s, various locations inNS. Free events in your area. Visit www.trylacrosse.ca for dates and locations.January 16NSSA Ra i l Ja m & Pr e -re g i s t r at i o nNi g h t [Sn o w b o a r d i n g], Martock Ski Hill,NS. Visit www.nssa.ca for details.January 23-24Ea s t e r n Ca n a d i a n (A t e s t e v e n t f o r 2011Ca n a d a Wi n t e r Ga m e s ) [Sp e e d Sk at i ng ],Dartmouth Speed Skating Club, St. Margaret’sCentre, Upper Tantallon, NS. Formore information, visit www.speedskatens.caor contact Marina Hamilton, MeetCoordinator 222-7824 or Terri Dixon,President, Speed Skate NS 826-2399.January 29-31PEI Me e t (Art i s t i c m a l e & f e m a l e)[Gy m n a s t i c s], Delta Prince Edward,Charlottetown, PEI. Visit www.gymns.ca for more information.January 29-312n d At l a n t i c Ca n a d i a n As s o c i at i o n f o rDi s a b l e d Skiing Ev e n t, Ski Wentworth,NS. Register by January 8, 2010. For moreinformation, contact Linda Scott at Linda_lou_ns@yahoo.com or call 463-3332.January 30 - February 28NSSA Co m p e t i t i o n Se r i e s [Sn o w b o a r d-i n g], various locations in NS. Visit www.nssa.ca for details.FebruaryFebruary 5-7Ju n i o r Pr o v i n c i a l Sw i m m i ng Ch a m p i o n-s h i p s. For more information, visit www.swimnovascotia.com.February 12-14Ta i s o Cu p (Art i s t i c female) [Gy m n a s t i c s],Lower Sackville, NS. Visit www.gymns.ca for more information.February 18-21Eas t e r n Ca n a d i a n Ch a m p i o n s h i p s[Sw i m m i ng ]. For more information, visitwww.swimnovascotia.com.MarchMarch 1KidSpo r t Ap p l i c at i o n s Du e. ContactDave Wagg at 425-5454, ext. 350 ordwagg@sportnovascotia.ca.MarchCl u b Re g i s t r at i o n s [La c r o s s e]. Call 425-5454, ext. 370 for the club nearest you.March 4-6Ca n a d a-Sn o w b o a r d To u r Sn o w b o a r d-c r o s s No r t h Am e r i c a n Cu p Ev e n t ,Martock Ski Hill, NS. Visit www.nssa.ca for details.March 6-7 (pending sanction approval)ALTAMATE, Ha l i f a x Al ta (Art i s t i cm a l e & f e m a l e) [Gy m n a s t i c s], Halifax,NS. Visit www.gymns.ca for moreinformation.March 7NS Sn o w b o a r d c r o s s Pr o v i n c i a l Ch a m p i-o n s h i p s, Martock Ski Hill, NS. Visit www.nssa.ca for details.March 12-13Slo p e s t y l e, Su p e r p i p e Pa r a l l e l Gi a n tSla l o m Pr o v i n c i a l Ch a m p i o n s h i p s[Sn o w b o a r d i n g], Martock Ski Hill, NS.Visit www.nssa.ca for details.March 12-14 (pending sanction approval)Aer i a l s Ma r c h Br e a k In v i t a t i o n a l(Art i s t i c female) [Gy m n a s t i c s], Amherst,NS.

18port Nova Scotia Member Contact InformationPSOsAlpine Ski Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Lorraine Burch425-5454, ext. 349Archers Association of Nova ScotiaPresident – Lindsey Poehllpoehl@hotmail.comNova Scotia Arm Wrestling AssociationPresident – Rick Pinkney864-1306Athletics Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Peter Lord425-5454, ext. 339Atlantic Division, CanoeKayak CanadaProgram Coordinator – Matt Slaney403-2071Nova Scotia Badminton AssociationExecutive Director – Jennifer Petrie425-5454, ext. 353Baseball Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Brad Lawlor425-5454, ext. 355Basketball Nova ScotiaOperations Manager – Faye Richard425-5454, ext. 351Biathlon Nova ScotiaPresident – Murray Wyliebiathlon@ns.sympatico.caBicycle Nova ScotiaAdministrator – Tamara Stephen425-5454, ext. 316Boxing Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Gordon Brown425-5454, ext. 368Nova Scotia Amateur Body Building Assoc.President – Georgina Dunningtondunningtongm@hfx.eastlink.caClimb Nova ScotiaPresident – Mick Levinclimbnovascotia@gmail.comNova Scotia Cricket AssociationPresident – Tushar SehgalTushar.Sehgal@nspower.caCross Country Ski Nova ScotiaAdministrator – Tamara Stephen425-5454, ext. 316Nova Scotia Curling AssociationExecutive Director – Jeremiah Anderson425-5454, ext. 345DanceSport Atlantic AssociationPresident – John McDermott434-6828Nova Scotia Amateur Diving AssociationAdmin. Coordinator – Natasha Burgess425-5454, ext. 370Nova Scotia Equestrian FederationExecutive Director – Heather Myrer425-5454, ext. 333Fencing Association of Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Janessa Green425-5454, ext. 357Field Hockey Nova ScotiaPresident – Mario DeMello497-1150Football Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Karen Ouellette454-5105Nova Scotia Golf AssociationExecutive Director – David Campbell468-8844Gymnastics Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Angela Gallant425-5454, ext. 338Hockey Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Darren Cossar454-9400Nova Scotia Horseshoe Players Assoc.President – Margaret Berrymaggie_berry51@hotmail.comJudo Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Gordon Brown425-5454, ext. 368Nova Scotia Karate AssociationAdmin. Coordinator – Janessa Green425-5454, ext. 357Lacrosse Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Natasha Burgess425-5454, ext. 370Lawn Bowls Nova ScotiaPresident – Mark Robarmarkrobar@hotmail.comOrienteering Association of Nova ScotiaPresident – Michael Price896-5544Nova Scotia Powerlifting AssociationPresident – John Fraser567-0893Nova Scotia Racquetball AssociationDirector of Communications – Colleen Bussardbussard@ns.sympatico.caNova Scotia Rhythmic SportiveGymnastics AssociationPresident – Heather Gillisheathergillis@hotmail.comNova Scotia Rifle AssociationPresident – Andrew Webber456-SHOT (7468)Ringette Nova ScotiaActing Executive Director – Janet Martin425-5454, ext. 335Rope Skipping Association of Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Karen Ouellette425-5454, ext. 371Nova Scotia Rowing AssociationAdmin. Coordinator – Janessa Green425-5454, ext. 357Rugby Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Marty Williams425-5454, ext. 341Shooting Federation of Nova ScotiaPresident – Ray Fisher462-7048Skate Canada Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Jill Knowles425-5454, ext. 336Nova Scotia Snowboard AssociationAdmin. Coordinator – Natasha Burgess425-5454, ext. 370Soccer Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – George Athanasiou445-0265Softball Nova ScotiaPresident – Dave Houghton425-5454, ext. 313Speed Skate Nova ScotiaPresident – Terri Dixon826-2399Squash Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Gordon Brown425-5454, ext. 368Swim Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Bette El Hawary425-5454, ext. 314Synchro Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Pam Kidney425-5454, ext. 332Nova Scotia Table Tennis AssociationPresident – Erica Ans435-1205Nova Scotia Taekwondo AssociationPresident – Kathy Pykekathypyke@eastlink.caTennis Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Roger Keating425-5454, ext. 318Triathlon Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Sarah Woodtriathlon@sportnovascotia.caVolleyball Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Al Scott425-5454, ext. 322Water Polo Association of Nova ScotiaPresident – Guy Lavoielavoie.ghg@forces.gc.caNova Scotia Water Ski AssociationPresident – Gary Allenpresident@nswsa.comWrestling Nova ScotiaAdmin. Coordinator – Karen Ouellette425-5454, ext. 371Nova Scotia Yachting AssociationExecutive Director – Frank Denis425-5454, ext. 312Associate MembersBlind Sports Nova ScotiaPresident – Darlene Clementyvon.clement@forces.gc.caNova Scotia 55+ Games SocietyPresident – Vivian Wright638-8068Nova Scotia Deaf Sports AssociationPresident – Justin DeBaiejustin.debaie@ns.sympatico.caNova Scotia Disk Sports SocietyChair – Scott MacDonaldscottmac13@hotmail.comNova Scotia School Athletic FederationExecutive Director – Tom Fahie425-8662Nova Scotia Sport Hall of FameExecutive Director – Bill Robinson421-1266Nova Scotia Wheelchair SportsFederationPresident – Ben Marston453-7777Special Olympics Nova ScotiaPresident & CEO – Mike Greek429-2266Registered UsersCamping Association of Nova ScotiaPresident – Katherine Orlickinfo@campingNS.caCanadian Ski Patrol, Nova Scotia ZoneAdministrator – Tamara Stephen425-5454, ext. 316Canoe Kayak Nova ScotiaAdministrator – Tamara Stephen425-5454, ext. 316Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – NovaScotia DivisionExecutive Director – Connie Miller425-5454, ext. 329Nova Scotia Fitness AssociationPresident – Sandra Jamiesonnsfa@nsfa.info.caHostelling International – Nova ScotiaContact – Shane Pizzariello422-3863Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia BranchExecutive Director – Gordon Richardson425-5454, ext. 331Recreation Facility Association of Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Bill Cruickshank425-5454, ext. 330Recreation Nova ScotiaExecutive Director – Rhonda Lemire425-1128Snowmobilers Association of Nova ScotiaGeneral Manager – John Cameron425-5454, ext. 360Nova Scotia Trails FederationExecutive Director – Vanda Jackson425-5454, ext. 325

19Sponsored byPROUD SPONSOROF SPORT NOVA SCOTIA20055441

Help akid play.Funding PartnerPremier Corporate SponsorKidSport TM helps kids play sport. Youcan help by making a donation at KidSport.ca