Clover Bar Junior High students in the Sport for Life program bike outdoors on a field trip in Jasper.
Sherwood Park, AB. — As a provider of choice in education, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) consistently delivers a broad range of programming options for students of varied backgrounds and interests. From specialized languages and faith-based programs to advanced academic opportunities and competitive sports, students within the Division have the chance to push past their limits and find meaningful ways to contribute to and grow their communities.
One program that enhances students athletically and academically is Sport for Life—offered from grades 7-9. The Sport for Life program introduces students to a variety of sport and recreation activities in school, to cultivate their physical prowess, develop their leadership qualities and build a foundation for all students to pursue their own lifelong sport and wellness goals. Several activities offered include anything from martial arts, scuba diving and indoor climbing to first aid training, gymnastics and yoga.
“I love the program! I get to try so many sports,” says Cash Gist, a Grade 8 student at Clover Bar Junior High. “Sport for Life is awesome for me personally because I can’t sit still. The field trips away from school are my favourite part—I get to learn new skills, hang out with my friends and see new places.”
The program also looks to develop habits and attitudes for an active and healthy lifestyle. The Sport for Life curriculum includes topics in physical education, career and technology foundations, and health. Students in the program study nutrition, personal development, sports injuries, psychology, sports-related careers and more.
“We challenge our students physically, but we also foster them mentally to be intelligent and considerate players,” says Braden Kuny, a Sport for Life teacher at Clover Bar Junior High. “They form close bonds with their classmates as they tackle obstacles together in all kinds of environments—snow-covered mountains, aerial parks and velodromes only scratch the surface.”
The Sport for Life program is based on the Canadian Sport for Life model, a movement to improve the quality of sport and physical activity in Canada through improved athlete training and better integration between all stakeholders in the sport system. “Our ultimate goal is to develop students' physical literacy,” says Sara Haring, another Sport for Life teacher at Clover Bar Junior High. “Physical literacy encompasses the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle, from fundamental movement skills to the confidence and motivation to seek out activities. Students with comprehensive physical literacy become healthier, active adults.”
The Sport for Life program is currently offered at Clover Bar Junior High. New and returning students may apply to Sport for Life during the registration process beginning February 1.
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,460 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.
RELATED INFORMATION:
EIPS Sport for Life Program
Canadian Sport for Life
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For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902
