Children and Youth Opportunities
Recreation Success Stories in Manitoba
Manitoba has an active recreation community with positive programs and initiatives continually being offered in communities throughout the province. Below are some current recreation initiatives that are putting the quality IN life . . .
If you have a success story that you want to share with us please let us know rrs@gov.mb.ca
Successful Programs
Sport Program in Inner City Neighbourhoods (SPIN) is a free long term preventative strategy utilizing recreation as an alternative to the street. SPIN is an initiative of the City of Winnipeg’s LifeSafe Policy1. It addresses and works to eliminate the barriers that inner city children face in participating in organized sport programming. It focuses on learning basic athletic skills, sportsmanship, teamwork and leadership skills as well as fair play.
The program is designed for children 6 – 14 years of age. Currently 25 organizations are registered as host sites for SPIN programming and average 144 kids per week. In the summer of 2008, SPIN soccer helped 691 kids play soccer twice a week for 8 weeks.
The program works to remove the barriers that kids and family face in participating in recreation programs.
| Financial | SPIN is a free program with no registration costs. The cost of criminal record checks and child abuse registry checks are waved for volunteers and site leaders. |
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| Transportation | Programs are designed to be hosted in the local neighbourhood and transportation is provided for challenge and tournament events. |
| Equipment | SPIN purchases all equipment and provides its to the host groups. All sports equipment is gifted to the host site at the completion of the program. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance is covered by the City of Winnipeg and participant insurance has been extended to the SPIN participants by the sport partners |
| Training | Community leaders are eligible to free national certification coaching programs (NCCP) and training |
| Facilities | SPIN Staff will assist host sites with accessing gym and field space; all associated costs are covered. Through partnerships with school divisions, SPIN programs are not charged for gym space. |
For more information on SPIN contact Garry Swanson at the City of Winnipeg, Community Services Department@gswanson@winnipeg.ca
1Winnipeg LifeSafe Policy is a crime prevention strategy addressing the root causes of crime through integrated and strategic actions aimed a promoting the well being of the community through social, economic, health, educational and recreation measures with particular emphasis on children and youth
Recognizing Recreation Achievements in Manitoba
2011 Recreation Connections Manitoba Awards
2011 President Award for Outstanding Achievement
The President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement recognizes a professional or group of professionals who have made a substantial contribution through a community, regional or provincial recreation project, initiative, program or event. It should be noted that the recipient of this award is determined through an internal selection process by the Recreation Connections Manitoba Board of Directors.
The 2011 recipient, the Recreation Conference of Community Volunteers, often referred to as RCCV, was an annual event that was supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and provided meaningful educational and networking opportunities for rural recreation leaders and community volunteers across Manitoba
For 30 years, RCCV brought together municipal councillors, mayors and reeves, Chiefs of First Nation communities, recreation directors and others to explore and discuss topics and issues relevant to recreation in their communities. Since 1980, over 5000 delegates attended this annual event. Volunteers were integral in the planning of the conference as well as managing it over the usual three days of keynote presentations, workshops, tradeshow and social events. Their commitment, expertise and loyalty contributed to its success. 2009 was the last year RCCV was held. The planning committee at that time had 68+ years of service between them . . . with three members having served between 11 – 19 years. That kind of dedication is hard to come by and is a testament to the passion and commitment the volunteers had in advancing recreation and recreation leadership in our Province.
In recognition for their 30 years of service in providing opportunities for recreation leadership and volunteer development that inspired thousands to support and promote healthy living, community well-being and enhanced quality of life for Manitobans, the Recreation Connections Manitoba Board of Directors is pleased to present the 2011 President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement to the Recreation Conference for Community Volunteers.
The Award of Merit
A new award category for 2011 and recognizes a community group, organization or municipality for excellence and innovation in the provision of recreation programs and services at the community level.
This year’s recipient of the Award of Merit is the Municipality of Killarney – Turtle Mountain. The community’s willingness to embrace change, progressive leadership and shared vision clearly contributed to a number of significant and positive changes to the recreation service delivery system in the municipality.
Over the past ten years, the Municipality of Killarney – Turtle Mountain has seen a number of momentous changes including but not limited to:
- In 2000, the Town of Killarney conducted a community needs assessment to measure attitudes and opinions on what citizens felt would help strengthen the community. The survey identified a number of priorities including the need for a new multi-use facility that would serve the community for years to come. Hence, their journey had begun.
- The bold step of amalgamating the Town of Killarney with the RM of Turtle Mountain in 2007.
- And the pinnacle of the collective efforts of government, volunteers, organizations, recreation and community leaders was the construction of a new 11 million dollar multi-use recreation centre. The Shamrock Centre opened in 2008 and features 80,000 square feet that includes an 800 seat arena, 4 sheet curling rink, 600 seat multi-purpose community centre, fitness centre and more. It is also the first multiuse facility in Manitoba to be constructed using 100% ground source heat and other additional energy conservation measures
The new amenities has resulted in increased participation in recreation and sporting activities and the hosting of regional, provincial and national events such as the Scott Tournament of Hearts, Manitoba Society of Seniors 55 plus Summer Games, concerts and the Ripin and Roarin Indoor Bull Riding Rodeo. The facility has also had major economy spin-offs for local businesses.
This ten year project was a true test of endurance and perservance. But is also serves as an example of a community with a vision, strong leadership and commitment to provide a recreation delivery system that will enhance the quality of life of its’ citizens now and future generations.Certificate of Recognition
This award recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions, commitment and leadership to recreation in their communities
Alex Hiebert, President of the Grunthal Park and Pool Board
He stepped into this role just over a year ago and in the time was instrumental in levering community resources which included his own family to help refurbish the community’s outdoor pool which was in desperate need of repair. Leading by example, Alex, his family and other community members sacrificed weekends and evenings to work at repairing the pool lines. Their efforts were rewarded as they were able to open the pool this past summer and youth in the community were able to participate in swim programs. In the words of the Chief Administrative Officer, Alex is a model volunteer who goes the extra mile for the good of the community.
Macdonald Youth Services’ Positive Alternatives for Youth Program
Positive Alternatives for Youth also known as PAY offers a unique approach to providing support to youth at risk between 12 – 20 years of age. PAY utilizes meaningful community service, mentoring relationships and recreation to help youth reach their potential and develop positive life and leadership skills. Youth participating in the PAY program work within a team alongside volunteers and staff. The program, plans and organizes a drop in recreation program once a week at a Fort Rouge School, runs a bingo for seniors at Riverview Health Centre and carpet bowling for residents at Fred Douglas Lodge. PAY has repeatedly helped troubled youth get involved in the community and back on the right track.
2011 Interlake Municipal Recreation Association Awards
Recreation Champion - Perry and Loretta Neufeld
Recognizes the achievements and outstanding contribution made by an individual to their community or area as a whole, or to a specific recreation activity, club, team, or group.
Perry and Loretta were recognized for their outstanding work in Stonewall. Perry and Loretta Neufeld, parents of 3 boys are a powerful team, promoting recreation and community involvement to the youth in Stonewall and surrounding area as well as working with larger organizations to promote recreation through out the province. As directors of the Youth for Christ Youth Drop in Centre in Stonewall they have had a huge impact on the community, encouraging youth to be the best they can be, getting them involved in recreation and in the community at large. The youth centre motto “their future….our passion” is the best way to sum up how Perry and Loretta live their lives - being passionate about the future of our youth.
Young Person in Recreation - Breanna Rae
Recognizes the achievements and outstanding contributions made by a person less than 21 years of age (as of the time of nomination) to recreation within their community or area as a whole, or to a specific recreation activity, club, team, or group.
Breanna was nominated for outstanding work as a volunteer in her community and beyond. Breanna exemplifies the true spirit of community involvement. She not only volunteers her time in sport, volunteering in Squirts hockey and Rally Cap baseball but she is an active volunteer at the Daycare and can often be found at community fundraising events. She also manages to find time for her own recreation in hockey, minor ball, and both High School volleyball and baseball.
Volunteer Involvement - Peggy Holt
Recognizes the exceptional contribution made by a volunteer to their community or area as a whole, or to a specific recreation activity, club, team, or group.
Peggy is an outstanding volunteer and has been an active member of the Gordon Howard Senior Centre for over 15 years. Her joy of life and her friendly personality help to enhance the spirit of the Centre, and truly help make it an enjoyable place to visit. She believes strongly in the Gordon Howard Centre and what it stands for, and continues t be one of the Centre’s strongest advocates. She is an active spokesperson for the Centre, and is always encouraging others to join.
Unsung Recreation Hero - Donna Pool
Acknowledges the club, group, or support person who has made a positive difference in the lives of others by support and encouragement, often with self-sacrifice and without personal gain. The unsung hero is the glue that holds the project together and is always waiting in the wings to help and rarely in the spotlight.
Donna seems to be the first one to jump into any event that will benefit recreation in Eriksdale and also the first to give someone else credit when it is time for accolades. She works on many projects in the community and if it was a success you can be certain that Donna was involved. She was instrumental in completing the upgrades to the Curling club and was the lynch pin in the opening of the new Active Living Center. Donna is always the person to go to if you need information on projects in the community and often the response to many questions is” go ask Donna, she’ll know”.
Outstanding Organization - Eriksdale Community Centre + Selkirk Canoe and Kayak Club (2 winners)
Recognizes the outstanding contribution and achievements made by a recreation organization, club, team, or group, in benefiting their community and/or area as a whole.
The Eriksdale Community Club, in providing a site for skating, curling, and hockey contributes to an opportunity to acquire lifelong skills and physical fitness, as well as a place for socialization and building team work skills. The board uses an effective system for delivering recreational options to an economically depressed region in an area without private recreational opportunities. With the use of volunteer efforts they keep recreational costs to a minimum. The events hosted at the club are the glue that holds together the community.
The Selkirk Canoe and Kayak Club is recognized for the work it has done with the PaddleAll program. In June 2010 PaddleAll was introduced at Selkirk Canoe and Kayak Club. This program was designed to offer people of many challenges an opportunity to experience all the benefits of paddling. Tireless work from board members, membership, volunteers and supporting community businesses ensured that the facility, located in beautiful historic Selkirk Park, was made completely accessible and usable. The program is attended by people of many different physical and mental challenges throughout the summer season.
Community Improvement / Innovation - Eriksdale Wellness Centre
Recognizes successful initiatives or projects that encourage people to actively participate in recreation. The award further recognizes how the initiative has benefited a specific club, group, or creation activity, or more broadly the recreation community as a whole. The initiative can be a single event or a longer-term program/project.
The Eriksdale Active Living Center is a fantastic addition to the community. It has provided a modern facility in which to become active. The opening of the EALC has created a physical activity hub, it provides programming to all age levels and abilities through programming such as Zumba, Fit Camps, Yoga and Active living for Active Older Adults all with locally trained leaders.
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