Clover Bar Junior High students in the Sport for Life program take part in an activity at Lake Annette on a field trip in Jasper.
Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students can athletically leap and academically soar in the program Sport for Life—offered from grades 7-9. “It’s lots of fun! You make a lot of friends, and you get really close, like a family, because you go on lots of trips together,” says Megan Chan, a Grade 9 student at Clover Bar Junior High in the program. “Sport for Life has helped me become more confident and less nervous about trying new experiences. All the field trips and different activities are unique and things I wouldn’t normally get to experience in my free time.”
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.
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, health, and career and technology foundations. Students in the program study nutrition, personal development, sports injuries, psychology, sports-related careers and more.
“Both of our kids left their elementary school friend groups to branch out and try the Sport for Life program at Clover Bar Junior High,” says Trina Loucraft, a parent of two students in the program. “As a mom, I was a bit nervous about this change; however, it’s been nothing but positive. Our kids love the Sport for Life teachers, try things they never would have otherwise and have made friendships with other like-minded kids. All students need is a willingness to try new things. I would recommend Sport for Life to every family—it’s been an immense blessing to ours!”
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 kids are committed to multiple team sports outside of school, which doesn’t allow us the time and opportunity to explore other things as much as we would like,” adds Loucraft. “Sport for Life is the perfect answer to that. Both kids have experienced growth in their confidence—athletically, socially and academically. It is always, without question, the highlight of their week. The planning and communication the teachers put into the program are outstanding. We’ve participated in numerous extracurricular activities over the years, but nothing has offered the value that Sport for Life does. It’s a program that benefits everyone!”
Interested students and families are invited to attend an upcoming Sport for Life information session:
Sport for Life Information Session:
Date: Jan. 29, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Clover Bar Junior High, gymnasium
50 Main Blvd., Sherwood Park, AB
The Sport for Life program is currently offered at Clover Bar Junior High. New and returning students may apply to the Sport for Life program during the registration process beginning in February. For key registration dates, see the EIPS Guide to Registration 2024-25.
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,750 students in 42 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