Canadian Sport Centre Calgary -Golf

Sport For Life's mission is to develop innovative ways to utilize sport at the recreational, developmental, and high-performance levels to positively influence Albertans and impact the community on issues of health and wellness.

Sport offers an inspiring environment that influences and motivates youth and families to achieve personal health. Today, research shows the importance of physical activity in youth is stronger than ever, contributing to more than just physical well-being, it contributes to their development both psychologically and socially.

“Sport and recreation must play a critical role in encouraging more young Canadians, and indeed all of us, to adopt healthier, more active lives,” said John Mills, president of CODA. “Through Sport For Life we’re proud to support the work of the Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy.

CODA President John Mills at the official launch for the Sport For Life Program.

Sport For Life is an integrated health and wellness initiative that brings together CODA, (Calgary Olympic Development Association), and its sport partners, the Canadian Sport Centre Calgary and the Alberta Alpine Ski Association. Sport For Life is designed to deliver specific messaging through sport to targeted youth while extending the impact to their friends, family and the community.

Through Sport For Life, messages will be delivered to Albertans by CODA, and it’s Sport For Life partners through an integrated, multi-dimensional program. The 2003-2004 program components include:

Facility Outreach – an inventive branding campaign at Canada Olympic Park that delivers interactive messaging at key points of engagement with Park users and visitors.
Team Sport For Life– a highly influential team of Olympic and Paralympic athletes that will deliver messaging at strategic engagements.
Grassroots Initiatives – selected youth sport events throughout Alberta will deliver messaging that will reach and influence young people to be leaders through sport.

"Our own athletes have an important role to play in encouraging kids to be active and tobacco free," said Gary Mar, Minister of Health and Wellness and responsible for AADAC. "This partnership is another way to reach young people and convince them to follow healthy lives."

Team Sport For Life:

	Clara Hughes is a triple Olympic bronze medalist. She won bronze in the 5000-metre long-track speed skating at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, double-bronze in the cycling road race and individual road time trial at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games. She is the first Canadian, and second woman ever, to win medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Read Clara's Biography. "Sport had a profound, life-altering effect on me, and I would like to share my journey with young people."
	Kelly Bechard is a member of the 2002 Olympic gold medal winning women's hockey team. She also helped her team win both the 2000 and 2001 World Championships, as well as the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Four Nations Cup. Kelly is a current member of the 2004 women's national team competing at the World Women's Hockey Championships in Halifax in March. "By sharing the experiences I have had, and choices I have made, I hope the kids will realize what a difference being healthy can be in their lives."
	Christine Nordhagen. Known and respected as the most successful women’s wrestler in the world, and pioneer in the sport, Christine has a history rich in podium finishes. The 2004 Olympian is a six-time gold medallist at the World Championships and 10-time national title holder. "As a teacher, it breaks my heart to see high school kids smoking. Once they’re addicted, it is harder to make an impact. The chance to make a difference is even greater when you can reach children before they start smoking."
	Beckie Scott is a 2002 Olympic gold medallist, and now in her ninth year on the National Cross Country Ski Team. During that nine-year period, through a rare combination of talent, hard work and determination, Beckie has re-written the Canadian record books and firmly established herself as one of the world’s best cross-country ski racers. "I feel it is important, as an athlete, to speak about my personal journey and emphasize the positive influence that sport can have on encouraging healthy lifestyles."
For more information on the Sport For Life Program please contact: Nicole Simon Coordinator Sport For Life 88 Canada Olympic Road SW Calgary, Alberta T3B 5R5 (403) 247-5624 email: sportforlife@coda.ca www.sportforlife.ca