Minister Copps and Secretary of State Devillers Attend the National Conference on Women and Sport and Physical Activity
HAMILTON, November 28, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers today launched the National Conference on Women, Sport and Physical Activity. The conference is organized by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) and takes place in Hamilton from November 28 to December 1, 2002."The health benefits associated with physical activity are well documented, and it is alarming to know that girls, on the whole, are less active than boys," said Minister Copps. "Sixty-two per cent of Canadian girls are not considered active enough for optimal health benefits. This is something that can be improved by promoting physical activity for everyone, regardless of their age and ability. It needs to start now, so that sport becomes a part of peoples' daily lives."
The National Conference on Women and Sport and Physical Activity will mobilize Canadians in the sport, physical activity, fitness, health, education, business and women's sectors to "Take Action Through Partnerships" and create initiatives and opportunities for girls and women to become more active in sport and physical activity throughout their lives, both as participants and as leaders. The Government of Canada provided $150,000 for the conference.
The Government of Canada also provided $288,000 toward the development of ACTive: The Canadian Strategy for Girls and Women through Physical Activity and Sport. ACTive is a Canada-wide strategy based on partnerships with stakeholders. Organizations will develop action plans committing them to ACTive and to increasing participation of girls and women in sport and physical activity. ACTive will be launched and further developed at the conference.
"As a nation, we will only attain our full potential for excelling in sport when everyone is given the opportunity to participate, whether it's in coaching, athletics or administration," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The Canadian Sport Policy commits governments to develop and implement a Canadian strategy for girls and women through physical activity and sport, whether it be in the schoolyard or the boardroom, as a coach or a high-performance athlete."
The pillars of the Canadian Sport Policy are excellence, participation, capacity and interaction. They pertain to Canadians from all segments of society, at all levels of sport participation. The Policy recognizes that further improvements are needed where equity and access to resources and opportunities for girls and women in sport are concerned.
The Government of Canada is in the process of evaluating how National Sport Organizations (NSOs) meet Government objectives for women in sport. Progress is measured in relation to national standards, and recommendations are made where required. There is currently an Accountability Framework in place for National Sport Organizations that identifies 11 areas of ongoing improvement. The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), is working towards improving gender equity in sport, and promoting physical activity for everyone.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Jennifer Wesanko
Office of the Secretary of State
(Amateur Sport)
(819) 994-0375
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