Increasing opportunities for all Nova Scotians to participate in sport.
Bedford Blues Sledge Hockey
Photo by Gavin Hatheway
reSPORT continues to develop and refine its resources as we move toward broader community engagement.
The parasport coordinator worked on a new strategy to support members interested in improving existing programs and delivering new ones. Pathway programs were created in partnership with Basketball NS and the Easter Seals Learn to Wheel Program. The Halifax Parks and Recreation Jr. NBA Wheel program also started this year.
The regional sport consultants led and, or collaborated on 69 initiatives, and created 43 non-traditional partnerships including Recreation Facilities Association of Nova Scotia, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Halifax, YWCA, YREACH, and the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia.
Through our provincial sport organization administrative coordinator program and our community coordinator program, we had a direct impact on sport at various levels. The programs continued to be vital to building sport across the province from acquiring new sources of funding to working on implementing new programs. Some highlights from the program include:
Despite the challenges surrounding the pandemic, Archery Nova Scotia was able to successfully host indoor and outdoor sessions for members while abiding to the provincial restrictions. Their website was also upgraded and now includes an online registration platform that aligns with Archery Canada.
Boxing Nova Scotia made strides to enhance their high-performance initiatives, and were excited to see one of their long-time members, Wyatt Sanford represent Canada at the 2020 Olympics. The organization hopes their representation on the world stage will help build their high-performance programs.
Cross Country Ski (CCNS) finalized a two-year equipment PSO project that allowed the partnership between Halifax Nordic and Brunello Golf Course to increase the sport within the HRM. The pandemic helped grow cross country across the province while Nova Scotians looked for activities to get them out of the house during lockdowns. Halifax Nordic expanded within the valley, and CCNS to doubled their membership.
Judo Nova Scotia was able to keep training going throughout the pandemic by implementing a return to play plan, and with help from federal and provincial funding grants. They hosted two dojo assistant courses and one dojo instructor course in an effort to train and certify more coaches. JNS also worked on governance-related tasks including creating a strategic plan, updating bylaws and reviewing policies
Karate Nova Scotia hired a technical director and performance coach through the Support4Sport Technical Leadership Employment Program. The new positions instantly made an impact on the organization by providing much needed leadership and staff support during a challenging year. They updated their policies and procedures, approving six new policies, and updating 10 existing ones.
Row Nova Scotia had a challenging year, but was still able to make progress in many areas including developing a new strategic plan. Their technical director made great strides working with coaches, and developed both indoor and outdoor virtual regattas. They successfully applied for a number of PSO Projects, and ensured that the sport was in a great position heading into 2022.
Rugby Nova Scotia ran numerous programs throughout 2021 including programming for children, youth, and adults. They operated a flag league throughout the winter, a variety of rookie programs, and enjoyed had a full summer season. They hosted the 2021 Senior Women Atlantic Championships and welcomed the Rugby Canada national senior women’s team for a top-50 camp in Halifax.
With closures due to the pandemic, Squash NS paused all memberships for the duration of the year, and resumed a new annual cycle in August. Despite the opening and closing of the courts, the organization was able to offer a six-week program out of Cole Harbour, and Cole Harbour Place became their newest club.
Taekwondo and their high-performance committee established coaching standards and started development training across the province. The MTU committed to funding 15 coaches through a variety of coach certification courses, and they hope to continue running tournaments in the fall.
Wrestling Nova Scotia focused on upgrading their governance policies and practices while little to no wrestling was happening during the pandemic. They also updated bylaws and created a three-year directional document and excellence plan to help prioritize goals and outcomes while growing the competitive pool of athletes within the province.
Photo by Jennie Fougere photography
Community Sport Development continued to have an impact.
Multisport interest remained strong, with 11 programs throughout the province. Multisport provides young Nova Scotians the opportunity to build fundamental movement skills in a safe and supportive environment and the success of those programs wouldn’t be possible without our valued partnerships with community stakeholders and municipal recreation departments.
We worked with provincial sport organizations on a daily basis to support them with numerous programs and services, all in an effort to promote sport in the province.
Sport Quarterly remains an important print publication for sharing and celebrating stories around sport. This printed tabloid was shared with 55,000 Nova Scotian households as an insert in the Chronicle Herald and other small newspapers. Digital versions of all articles are also shared through Sport Nova Scotia social channels.
Our traditional sport recognition programs, Cleve’s Source for Sports Athlete of the Month, and the Support4SportAwards celebrated sporting success and gave us the opportunity to inspire Nova Scotians. Recipients were recognized via social media due to in-person restrictions brought forth by the pandemic.