Number 8
October 26, 2005

1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INACTIVE ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Prime Minister Paul Martin's government has decided to ignore the Honourable Paul DeVillers' recommendations around proposed investments and structures to tackle the physical inactivity crisis in Canada.

As Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. DeVillers was asked to coordinate government activities around promoting physical activity, recreation and sport. In July 2005, he recommended the creation of a new Ministry for Physical Activity and Sport and suggested substantial investment to increase physical activity in Canada.

The Prime Minister's Office "does not intend to proceed in this direction after providing. clear indications to the contrary." As a result, Mr. DeVillers submitted his resignation as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Physical activity advocates now turn their attention to this week's anticipated announcement about the Healthy Living Strategy and await news of a substantial investment in tackling physical inactivity, as promised in the two throne speeches delivered by the Federal Government in 2004.

Physical inactivity has reached epidemic proportions in Canada and is costing the Canadian health care system at least $2.1 billion annually in direct health care costs.

2. Fastball equipment - For your information, face masks for batting helmets will be mandatory starting in the 2006 season, for the sport of Fastball.

3. Coaching Manitoba - will be hosting a Super Seminar on Saturday, November 5, 2005 at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg.

For more information and to register, view our website at www.coachingmanitoba.ca or call 612-2187.

4. "AAAA" Volleyball Final Four - is finally finalized at the University of Manitoba as follows:

Girls semis on Wednesday, November 23,
Boys semi's on Thursday, November 24
The championship games on Monday, November 28 at 6:00pm & 8:00 pm.

5. Reminder to all schools that all tournaments must be registered on line. Check the tournaments section of the website to look for invites.

6. A reminder to Hockey Coaches that the deadline to certify for the 2005-06 season is December 1st, 2005.

Coaches and bench personnel not having proper certification by December 1 will not be permitted behind the bench and will be in danger of forfeiting games. Check out hockey Manitoba website for clinic registrations.

7. Jordan Cieciwa, Owner and Head Strength Coach of Professional Edge Fitness and Training would like to work with phys ed staffs and coaches to assist in athlete strength development. He would like to invite coaches into his weight room as it would allow them to see exactly what is out there and available to them. He is the current service provider for the National Sport Center of Manitoba. Read the article about him in Wednesday's Free Press on page C8.

For More information, contact Jordan Cieciwa, Professional Edge Fitness and Conditioning (B) 284-EDGE(3343) www.professionaledge.ca