FOR THE LOVE OF IT - INTRODUCTION

Every day throughout the City of Edmonton thousands of individuals take part in a wide variety of sport-related activities. Some are athletes, some are coaches, some are officials, while others are acting as administrators or spectators. They use a wide range of facilities, from sports fields to swimming pools to arenas to parkland. They play individually and in groups. They range in age from children to seniors. Together they enjoy the many benefits which sport can provide.

The benefits of good sport are well documented and can include:
Physical: better circulation, reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, weight control, stronger bones, and improved strength, flexibility and co-ordination.
Mental: stress release, sense of accomplishment, improved self-esteem, and mastering new skills.
Social: understanding of teamwork and the principles of fair play, sharing responsibility, developing leadership skills and learning to accept defeat.
Societal: creation of support networks, partnerships and volunteer legacies, reduced crime and vandalism, development of community identity and pride, and safer communities.
Economic: reduced health care costs, employment opportunities, retail opportunities, and sporting event attendance revenue.

As described in "Sport: The Way Ahead", a 1992 document outlining Canadian Sport Policy, "...for many Canadian families, sport is an integral part of daily life. It is rooted in the desire to raise children well...[It is part of] creating solid neighbourhoods and a vibrant community... Playing sports in the community enhances the quality of life and binds people together."

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Edmonton Sport Strategy is to provide a plan for a well co-ordinated, participant centred, sport delivery system in Edmonton, so that as many people as possible can enjoy these benefits, to enhance community life.

SCOPE:
The Edmonton Sport Strategy is being developed for the zone of Edmonton, as defined by the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Edmonton, Zone 6, is one of 8 zones in the province, and the zone boundaries are the city limits. This strategy addresses sport in the city.

DEFINITION OF SPORT:
For the purpose of this strategy the following definition of sport, adapted from the Alberta Sport Development Policy of 1983, will be used:

1. Sport requires that participants execute physical and mental skills that require practice or preparation to improve or perfect;
2. Sport involves competition with other participants, oneself, or nature. Levels of competition range from those for the beginning participant to those for the international competitor;
3. Sport occurs in a structured environment and is governed by standard rules.

BELIEFS:
The Edmonton Sport Strategy is based on a series of fundamental beliefs with regard to the value of sport. The strategy supports the values shared by Canadians as outlined in "Sport: The Way Ahead", that sport should be: Accessible, Participant-centred, Equitable, Fair, with Shared Leadership, and Values-Based.

Expanding on these values, the Edmonton Sport Strategy is based on the following 8 beliefs:

1. Access to high quality sport opportunities is a right of all Edmontonians regardless of age, race, gender, economic status or ability.
2. The participant is at the centre of the sport delivery system.
3. Equal opportunity to participate in all levels of the sporting experience is essential.
4. The principles of fair play must pervade the entire sport delivery system.
5. The responsibility for sport in Edmonton is shared by many partners including government, sport organizations and educational institutions. An effective delivery system demands co-operation and shared leadership.
6. Sport participation allows individuals to learn and put into practice the values of good community members such as respect, tolerance, and following rules.
7. Good sport is about the joy of participation, of learning, of testing oneself and succeeding. Whatever the level of participation, the love of sport is present.
8. Engaging in sport can develop people. The challenges experienced through sport, done well, can assist individuals to set and meet goals and to maximize their potential.

Using these beliefs as guidelines, the following vision of sport in Edmonton will be the target that the sport strategy will aim to accomplish.

VISION:

• Edmonton will be known and respected for its lead role in the provision of sport. The spirit and commitment of the citizens of Edmonton will be obvious through the dedication and support given to all aspects of sport. The benefits of good sport will be recognized and seen as an important aspect of the city's quality of life.
• Sport will bring the community of Edmonton together, through pride and shared experiences, whether it be as participant, supporter or spectator.
• Edmonton's sport participants will be people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, enjoying sport in their own communities. Opportunities will exist for all to participate at the level of their choice, in easily accessible, high quality facilities. Service delivery will be centred on the needs of the participant.
• Participants will speak of their sport experiences in terms of fun, joy, and achievement. Participation, as well as the pursuit of excellence, will be valued.
• Highly skilled, certified support personnel will be in place including coaches, administrators, sport medicine practitioners, officials, and volunteers. They will be valued and recognized for their contributions.
• Community-centred sport will provide broad opportunities for participation. Community groups will work collaboratively to maximize the use of facilities and resources. Physical educators and recreation specialists will join forces with sport leaders. Together, they will worthwhile various levels of government to provide a range of high quality sport experiences. They will have a plan and an organization.
• There will be a broad stable base of diverse funding initiatives in place to ensure that the needs of the sporting community are being met. Partnerships will be in place to share resources effectively including the local corporate community.
• Sport media will present a balanced view of sporting events and activities. They will focus on achievement, participation and success at all levels, inspiring appropriate ethical conduct.
• Through responsible and inspired leadership, Edmonton will be a model for other municipalities to follow in providing excellent sporting opportunities for its citizens. The sport system will be participant-centred, equitable, accessible, fair, and well-publicized. Edmontonians of all ages will participate regularly for the love of sport.

MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Edmonton Sport Strategy is:
"To provide a plan for a well co-ordinated, participant centred, sport delivery system in Edmonton."

In order to achieve this mission, the plan will focus on the following 5 theme areas:

• Improve communication and co-ordination
• Increase the number of sport participants in Edmonton
• Develop a stable, ongoing base of funding for sport
• Ensure the efficient development, management, and utilization of facilities
• Promote sport in Edmonton

Each of these theme areas has specific objectives and goals that will lead to the vision becoming a reality.

The method which will be used to facilitate the implementation of the Strategy will be the establishment of a Sport Council for Edmonton.

The establishment of the Sport Council will be the main priority of the Sport Strategy. Once established, the Council will be responsible for implementing the Sport Strategy, in accordance with the belief statements, vision and mission while focusing on the five theme areas.