Appendices to the National Sport Policy Recommendations
February 19, 2001 
Sport Matters Working Group
National Sport Policy Recommendations
BACKGROUND APPENDICES
Appendix 1 - Access
In our deliberations, one existing program with national program was discussed as a means of addressing socio-economic barriers to sport participation. The Sport Matters Group suggest establishing a national KidSport Program to provide financial support for children living in poverty. This program has been established in most provincial and territorial jurisdictions. Through a partnership with these organizations, the federal government could assist in the creation of additional supports for children who cannot afford to participate in organized sport activities. It is proposed that the funds raised for these initiatives be augmented through a federal matching scheme that would serve to further motivate corporations and volunteers already contributing to the program. In this way, federal dollars could be leveraged three or four-fold.
Appendix 2 - �Value Of Sport� Campaign
Canadians need to know more about the significant role sport can play in dealing with many of society�s social and health issues. The intrinsic benefits of participation need to be promoted. In addition, an awareness campaign will likely assist in further involving corporate sector support to the Canadian sport system. The federal government needs to take a lead in the development of a campaign to promote the value of sport to Canadians.
Appendix 3 - Sport Employment Strategy
Leadership is a very significant component to the development of sport at every level. Provincial/territorial jurisdictions and, especially community sport, are in need of more professional leadership support, particularly in technical respects.
Federal employment strategies have had little relevance to the sport sector. It is recommended that a commitment be made to the creation of a human resource strategy for sport, and one that is mindful of the particular needs of this sector. Creative solutions need to be identified and explored.
Appendix 4 - National Infrastructure Program
The federal government needs to publicly state that it is in the sport and recreation facility business. To effectively advance participation in sport and physical activity, there needs to be appropriate facilities to host such activity. Given that much of the sport infrastructure in this country was created in the building boom of the seventies, there is a growing need to focus on upgrading these facilities. At the same time, consideration must be given to changes in demographics that impact facility investment. Of particular concern to some Canadians is the lack of opportunity to take advantage of infrastructure resulting from hosting major international, multi-sport games and world championship events.
The most appropriate way to provide necessary supports to facility development is to create a separate infrastructure program focussed on sport.
Appendix 5 - Development of an Athlete Assistance Fund
The development of an elite athlete is a costly endeavour, and represents a significant burden to the families of such individuals. Most provincial, territorial jurisdictions have established a fund that has as its mandate, assistance to such athletes. While the federal government has made a contribution to the Quebec fund, greatly assisting in its growth, the expansion of this federal support to all remaining provincial/ territorial jurisdictions is recommended.
Appendix 6 - Federal Tax Credit to Enhance Sport Participation
Participation in physical activity, especially through sport, is becoming increasingly more expensive. At the same time, research verifies that as a nation, we are currently facing a crisis with the level of inactivity among children and youth. Sport remains one of the best tools to engage kids and encourage them to be physically active. Nevertheless, participation in sport is very costly, especially at the elite level. To many potential athletes, escalating expenses are proving to be more and more of a deterrent. For these reasons, the viability of a federal tax credit, similar to Quebec�s provincial support for athletes, should be explored.
Appendix 7 - Youth Games
Sport and recreation can be a powerful catalyst to develop the potential of Canada�s youth. A Provincial/Territorial games planned, lead and implemented by our leaders of tomorrow (university sport administration students) can bring communities together in a festival of sport. Games can create a learning experience for our youth that will provide them with the skills and confidence necessary to drive this country in the new millennium.
Appendix 8 - What we know �The Benefits of Sport are Real.
8.1 Health
� Sport and recreation participation . . .
- reduces the likelihood of smoking
- reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and poor diet
� Reactive health care is the single greatest expense to government. This cost can be decreased by supporting preventative healthcare such as sport, recreation and physical activity.
8.2 Education
� Athletes and physically active children are better students.
� Regular physical education, intramurals and school athletic programs produce academically superior children.
8.3 Justice/Social
Youth-at-risk are likely to:
� smoke;
� commit vandalism, petty crime or become violent;
� become prematurely pregnant;
� quit school;
� use drugs;
� have a shorter life span;
� be unable to afford sport;
� commit suicide.
At-risk youth who participate in sport have increased self-esteem, confidence and emotional stability. Involvement in sport programs significantly reduces the opportunities and behaviour tendencies that lead to crime and the associated expense to society. Investing in sport and recreation saves government money.
8.4 Economic Development and Tourism
Major sporting events such as World Championships and the Canada Games, along with the hundreds of annual championships and local meets held across Canada contribute millions of dollars in economic activity. Sport and recreation mobilizes people, creates jobs and stimulates taxable spending related to food, travel, accommodations, facility development and merchandising.
8.5 Community Services and Municipal Affairs
People and their healthy socialization make for strong and vibrant communities in which businesses wish to locate. Opportunities for economic, health and social well-being are essential to a community�s development. Sport and recreation are proven mediums for bringing people together for healthy, productive purposes.
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