TEN CANADIAN SPORT LEADERS TO WORK IN FIVE CONTINENTS
Winter 2014 “SportWORKS Program” continues the CGC’s groundbreaking work in making a difference and becoming different
RELEASE: February 3, 2014, Ottawa – Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is proud to introduce the Canadian senior sport leaders selected for short term, project based SportWORKS placements in ten countries around the world.
The CGC’s SportWORKS initiatives utilizes the skill sets of Canadian sport leaders in sharing best operation practices such as coaching, officiating, athlete development, sport sciences, volunteer management, finance and sport administration. The program has two benefits: helping sport organizations abroad while also enhancing the Canadian sport system through the provision of international experience opportunities to Canadians.
Through funding from Sport Canada, CGC is proud to deliver these short-term, project based SportWORKS placements impacting thousands of individuals, and their communities through sport and providing a leadership opportunity for senior Canadian sport leaders.
Dr. Andrew Pipe, President of CGC, stated: “CGC is the only Canadian sport organization doing this type of work abroad, and we are proud of our continuing leadership in the area of development of and through sport throughout the world. Not only are we helping out these amazing partner organizations through the provision of experienced sport leaders, but the Canadian sport community benefits as a whole through the growth and development of our Officers through these projects. I congratulate these leaders on their selection to the program and thank them for committing to the SportWORKS program.”
The CGC’s International Development through Sport Committee selected applicants to the program. Carla Thachuk, CGC’s Director of International Programs, oversees the CGC’s work in the development of and through sport area and said: “”This program was developed to meet the expressed needs of CGC’s international partners for high level expertise matched with Canadian Sport Leaders willingness to give back. Since its launch in 2002, over 200 Canadian Sport leaders have made lasting positive impact on sport in over 30 countries worldwide, enhancing 300 sport programs and impacting almost 2 million youth. Through overseas placements the leaders design and deliver sustainable sport programs, build local capacity and in the process change their own perspective on life”.The 2014 SportWORKS Canadian Sport Leaders are:
Linda Whitehead – From Fanshawe College in London, Linda will work on competitive coaching for young girls affected by human trafficking and teen marriage with YUWA, a not for profit, youth-led organization in Nepal working to promote youth participation through empowerment and advocacy.
Mark Dottori – From Waterski and Wakeboard Canada & a Doctoral candidate, University of Ottawa, Mark will work with Jugando por la Libertad,a social capoeira program that uses music, sport, and play to build leadership skills, hope, and healing for vulnerable and traumatised children living in conflict zones and displaced communities in Brazil & Colombia.
Wayne Parro – From Coaches of Canada, Wayne will work with Philidelphia Youth Sport Collaborative (PYSC) and Sport for Juvenile Justice, a pilot program that seeks to divert at-risk juveniles from further contact with the justice system. Wayne will be helping to establish a growth plan for this expanding organization in Philadelphia.
Julia Forbes – From the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Julia will work with Moving the Goalposts, a sport for development organization in Kenya which uses fresh and creative interventions to improve girls' leadership skills and educational opportunities.
Jason Hraynyk – From Ringette Canada, Jason will work with Skateistan, an organization in Kabul, Afghanistan which uses skateboarding as a tool for empowering youth, to create new opportunities and the potential for change.
Colin Higgs – Colin will work with National Paralympic Committees throughout Pan America, assisting to further their structure and athlete development processes.
Nora Sheffe – From the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport (CAAWS), Nora will work with the Turks and Caicos Commonwealth Association to help expand the roles of women in sport in that region.
Diane Huffman – From the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport (CAAWS), Diane will work with Confederation of Southern African National Olympic Committees (COSANOC)in Southern Africa to help expand the roles of women in sport in that region.
Catherine Hull & Luke Rowan – From Your Best Life Wellness, Catherine & Luke will work at the African Youth Games in Botswana, in order to promote proper movement, general athlete wellness and improved performance for all young African athletes competing in the Games.
CGC is the only Canadian sport organization delivering both high performance sport and sport for development programs in Canada and abroad. CGC leverages the transformative powers of sport to inspire Canadians to make a difference in communities across Canada, the Commonwealth and beyond.
Read how Canadian SportWORKS officers are making a difference, and becoming different through sport in other countries at: http://sportcafe.ca/commonwealth/sportworks-officer/
ABOUT COMMONWEALTH GAMES CANADA
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth sport movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of CGC is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool. Visit www.commonwealthgames.cafor information.
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For additional information and interview requests:
Carla Thachuk
Director of International Programs
Commonwealth Games Canada
613-244-6868 x 225
carla@commonwealthgames.ca
