BENEFITS OF A COMMUNITY SPORT COUNCIL

1. BENEFITS OF A COMMUNITY SPORT COUNCIL communitysportnetwork

2. SPORT CAN HELP … • Strengthen the local economy • Improve the health of all citizens • Keep young people out of trouble

3. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES • It is estimated that physical inactivity among Canadians costs $2.1 billion in 1999 • Sport can help reduce the costs of anti-social and socially dysfunctional behaviour such as substance abuse, violence, criminal activity and vandalism • Sport tourism is a growing industry. In 1999, more than 25 million visitors attended or participated in sports in Ontario, spending over $4 billion

4. HEALTH ISSUES • Approximately two-thirds of Ontarians are not physically active enough to experience health benefits • Between 1981 and 1996, the rates of obesity more than doubled among 7- to 13-year old children • There are now more obese children in Canada than adults • Physical inactivity is a major contributor to obesity among all population groups

5. SOCIAL BENEFITS • Young people who are involved in sport are less likely to commit crimes • Girls who participate in sport are 92 percent less likely to use drugs and 80 percent less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy • Economically disadvantaged children are less likely to participate in negative social activities if they are involved in quality sport programs

6. WE NEED A COLLECTIVE VOICE FOR SPORTIN OUR COMMUNITY

7. WE NEED ACOMMUNITY SPORT COUNCIL

8. FUNCTIONS OF A COMMUNITY SPORT COUNCIL • Coordination (e.g., facility use, program schedules, membership registration) • Volunteer recognition (e.g., award banquets, halls of fame) • Training (e.g., volunteer screening, coaching development, fundraising, parent seminars) • Sport Tourism (e.g., hosting sport events) • Promotion (e.g., Sport for All)

9. THE TIMING IS RIGHT FOR A COMMUNITY SPORT COUNCIL