Our 2017 Northwestern Alberta Vital Signs report identified two key issues facing the communities in our region.
- One of the barriers to recreation participation is that our citizens are unaware of some of the opportunities.
- Only half our community feel “somewhat” connected to our community.
Research shows that sports and recreation activities play a significant role in strengthening communities and fostering a sense of belonging. Canadians also place a significant value on the role of sports in the lives of youth.
It is clear, however, that barriers to participating in sports still exist for many youths including cost, accessibility, lack of information about the programs available, the perception that organized sports are not safe or welcoming, and the lack of confidence in their ability.
Experience Fun Experience Fitness was created with the intention to connect youth with the state of the art facilities that we have available in our region, to promote healthy activity, and to encourage belonging. The program allows kids, ages 11-14 to visit the Eastlink Centre to experience a variety of organized activities that they normally would not have had the chance to participate in.
Many of our local youth discovered new activities, socialized with peers, and gained confidence through Experience Fun Experience Fitness. In 2018 the Eastlink Centre hosted the program over 5 days through Easter Break. The feedback from the participants and parents has been phenomenal with many families requesting to come back again next year.
Your Community Foundation has intimate knowledge of local priorities which we use to build stronger communities. Our annual Nourish the North Wine & Auction event allows us to develop much-needed programs that serve the community. Guests at this year’s event will again have the chance to pledge donations of $50 to our Philanthropy Wall, proceeds of which go to facilitating Experience Fun Experience Fitness on a larger scale.
Community Impact Grants are now open for application – Apply Here
