Sharing The Same Vision

Trying to get every local sports organization on the same page when it comes to how they develop young athletes and the opportunities they provide them.

It’s an immense challenge the Delta Sport Council is willing to tackle. It all gets started next week. In partnership with the newly formed B.C. Sport Agency, the Delta Sports Council will be hosting two information sessions at Delta Municipal Hall about the future of sport in the community.

The purpose of these meetings is open dialogue to all sport stakeholders about the impact the Canadian Sport for Life model will have on sports in Delta.

In 2005, the federal government adopted the Canadian Sport for Life model as the standard by which it will allocate funding to sports organizations across the country.

One key component of the model is Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD), a pathway that encourages active children to become active adults and reduce the number of children who suffer from the sport burnout often seen in competitive sports.

“One of the focuses of the sessions will be to discuss how we can implement the Sport for Life model in Delta in order to have lasting impact on athletic excellence, long term citizen health, and a holistic strategy for the entire sport sector in Delta,” said Delta Sports Council President Barry Howard. “This is about bringing sport stakeholders together to improve sport for everyone in our community.” The first session is scheduled for next Wednesday from 6: 30 to 8: 30 p.m. The follow-up will take place Oct. 10.

The location of both meetings has been changed and will be held at the Community Centre at 4734 51st Street.

The keynote speaker will be Drew Mitchell, Manager of Sport Technical and Performance Services at the B.C. Sport Agency-an organization selected by the province to monitor sport funding

Mitchell will outline important changes taking place on the provincial and national sport scene that will affect all sport groups.Mark Parker of the Langley Soccer Association will also speak on the success of the Canadian Sport for Life model in his community.

The Canadian Sport Model for Life’s LTAD features seven stages and puts emphasis on development and equal opportunity at the younger age levels, rather than win at all costs. “A lot of organizations are guilty of picking kids at a young age for rep teams,” said longtime Delta Gymnastics executive and Delta Sports Council member Carlene Lewall. “So those kids that don’t make rep don’t get to practice as much and the same opportunity to develop.

The more kids who get that experience, the bigger your talent base is going to be. “Change is never easy but it’s already proven to be very successful in Richmond and it’s time to build a sport strategy in Delta.”

Anyone interested in the future of sport in Delta is encouraged to attend these free public sessions.

For more information email [email protected] or visit www.deltasportcouncil.org.

For more information on the Canadian Sport for Life model visit www.canadiansportforlife.ca

Thanks to Mark Booth for the info at The Delta Optimist