Canadians urged to get active and celebrate the power of sport

CBC Sports, ParticipACTION and True Sport launch the inaugural Sports Day in Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 13 /CNW/ - CBC Sports, ParticipACTION and True Sport are calling on all Canadians to celebrate sport, get active and participate in the first-ever Sports Day in Canada.  This national day of celebration on September 18, including a six-hour television and online CBC broadcast starting at noon ET, will cap off a week of local sporting events showcasing the power of sport at all levels in communities across Canada. 

"I applaud ParticipACTION, CBC and True Sport for creating an event that encourages participation in sport at all levels, right across the country," says the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). "Participating in sport—whether for fun and fitness, or at a high-performance competitive level—builds strong individuals and strong communities. The Government of Canada proudly supports the creation and implementation of Sports Day in Canada."

To rally support for Sports Day in Canada, national Jersey Day will be held on September 17.  Across the country, Canadians can show their love and support for sport by wearing a jersey, team or club uniform to school, work or play.  People of all ages are being encouraged to join the movement and proudly wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Canadians may think of themselves as a nation of sports fans, but unfortunately, sport participation is on the decline in this country.  Over the past two decades, sport participation rates in Canadian youth aged 15 to 18 dropped from 77 per cent to 59 per cent; in adults, from 45 per cent to 28 per cent.¹  Only three per cent of those with physical disabilities are active in sport and only 12 per cent of children and youth are active enough to meet physical activity guidelines.²

"Our vision is to reach out to all Canadians to solidify and celebrate the role of sport in our country, through a dynamic and energetic movement that inspires Canadians to move more," says Kelly Murumets, President and CEO, ParticipACTION. "Sports Day in Canada provides a platform to build awareness and passion for sport—and encourage Canadians to incorporate it into their everyday lives."

In the week leading up to and including September 18, organizations across the country are throwing open their doors to celebrate sport at the local level and help build momentum for Sports Day in Canada.  Sport organizations, teams and clubs are hosting a blitz of Sports Day in Canada events, from competitions and tournaments to meet-and-greets, try-it days and fun runs.  Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and athletes will be making local appearances at some event sites across the country.

"Sports Day in Canada is an opportunity to showcase and embrace the positive things that community sport can teach us, like working together, respecting each other's efforts and handling both victory and defeat graciously," said Victor Lachance, Executive Director, True Sport Foundation.  "Plus, research shows that, after family, sport is one of the most powerful influences on young people's development— how we play together shapes how we live together."

Research also shows that sport has the power to reduce crime, foster character and citizenship, introduce newcomers to their communities, stimulate the local economy, teach kids important life lessons and strengthen community connectedness.³

"CBC is proud to be working with ParticipACTION and True Sport to showcase how Canadians connect through the power of sport," says Scott Moore, Executive Director of CBC Sports.  "We're excited about presenting a broadcast full of fantastic action and inspirational stories that will encourage all Canadians to celebrate our rich athletic culture and find it in themselves to get in a game."

Get involved!

• Visit CBCSports.ca/sportsday to browse 1,000 sport-related events taking place across the country between September 11 to 18 and choose one or more to attend. Be on the lookout for elite athletes, politicians, Paralympians and Olympians who will make special appearances at some Sports Day in Canada events across the country.
• Wear a jersey, team or club uniform to work, school or play on September 17 to celebrate the first-ever national Jersey Day.

Canadians on-air and online

CBC will broadcast the national day of sport celebration on television starting at noon ET on September 18, with online coverage available at CBCSports.ca/sportsday. Gemini Award-winning host of CBC Sports Weekend Scott Russell will host the day live from Kingston, Ontario, as the 100th anniversary of women's basketball in Canadian Interuniversity Sport is celebrated when Queen's University takes on McGill University. The six-hour broadcast will include live coverage of the 2010 Canadian Men's Rugby Championship from Swiler's Rugby Club in St. John's, Newfoundland, as The Rock take on The Prairie Wolf Pack.

At half-time of the game, CBC will broadcast a special Canadian Commonwealth Games Committee live press conference to announce the Flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremony for Delhi 2010: The XIX Commonwealth Games (Oct.3 on CBC and CBCSports.ca).  Members of Team Canada will be on site to share their stories as they prepare to head to India to compete. 

Radio-Canada Télévision will feature CIS football live from Halifax, as the defending AUS champions St. Mary's Huskies host the five-time Vanier Cup champions Laval Rouge et Or at 2 p.m. ET, and will also present online coverage of Sports Day in Canada at radio-canada.ca/journeedessports.

Features and community sporting events profiled in the September 18 CBC broadcasts will include:

• Russell on the Rebirth of Running: Scott Russell takes a look at the phenomenon of modern marathon running, and the face of today's marathoner. 
• Montreal, QC - The Olympic Basin hosts the big boats as CBC takes a look at the growing sport of Dragon Boat Racing from the Dragon Boat Quebec Cup;
• Oakville, ON - CBC showcases competitive and recreational gymnastics from the Oakville Gymnastics Club with Olympic gold medalist Kyle Shewfelt;
• Calgary, AB - In celebration of 100 years of Swim Alberta, some of Canada's top swimmers will take part in a day of swimming clinics and sessions designed to increase awareness and recognize the great tradition of Albertans in the pool;
• Richmond, BC - The Richmond Oval, fresh off the excitement of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is set to host the Wheelchair Rugby World Championship.  Members of Team Canada will be on-hand as part of a Para-sport exhibition demonstrating various sports for all athletes wishing to compete;
• Raise the Bar: A feature on a program designed to improve the quality of intramural and house league programs in elementary and secondary schools across Ontario.

About ParticipACTION
ParticipACTION is the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada. Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION was re-launched in 2007 to help prevent the looming inactivity and obesity crisis that faces Canada. As a national not-for-profit organization solely dedicated to inspiring and supporting healthy and active living for Canadians, it works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity, recreation organizations, government and corporate sponsors, to inspire and support Canadians to move more. ParticipACTION is generously supported by Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. For more information, visit www.participACTION.com.

About True Sport
True Sport is Canada's national movement for sport and community. Its goal is to help sport live up to its full potential as a public asset for Canada and Canadian society, making a significant contribution to the development of youth, the wellbeing of individuals, and quality of life in our communities. You can join True Sport at www.truesport.ca.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

For a list of other local events taking place across the country, please visit www.cbcsports.ca/sportsday.  To download a fact sheet, please visit www.participACTION.com. 

______________________________________

¹ Ifedi, F. (2008). Sport participation in Canada, 2005. Culture, Tourism and the Centre for Education Statistics. Vol. Catalogue no. 81-595-MIE - No. 060: Statistics Canada.

² Healthy habits start earlier than you think: The Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth 2010, Toronto, ON

³ What sport can do:  the True Sport Report, accessed from http://www.truesportpur.ca/en/page-24

For further information:

on Sports Day in Canada or to speak to a spokesperson, please contact: