Volunteering

I wonder what the world would be like if every single person took time out of their busy schedule to volunteer. Often it might just take an hour every now and then, so why not? I guess just lack of motivation, time, or knowledge. The fun thing about volunteering is all of the options. Every individual can easily find a program that they find motivating. Volunteering is often a fun and social experience. So take time to give back to the community and it's almost guaranteed that you will enjoy it.

Cowboy Gear Boosts Community Spirit

I have to admit that I am one of the many Calgarians that take part in (and enjoy) dressing up in country inspired attire. Dressing up in full cowgirl/boy gear definitely hits it's peak over the 10 days of Stampede. People of all ages take part in the spirit of the season-yes I am refering to Stampede season. Some call this the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time when everyone is in good spirits and regardless of their background pretends to be a cowboy/girl. It's like everyone is a kid again getting excited and putting on dress-up clothes. It's actually hilarious that the majority of the city has probably invested in a pair of cowboy boots ($100-$400) and yet 90 percent of us haven't stepped on to ranch in years! Stampede is a time of year to have fun and shout out Yee Haw whenever you please.
I love how Stampede brings Calgarians together. It is a great example of how an event can unite a community.

Be A Snow Angel???

I'm sure everyone has seen the signs that the City of Calgary released a few years back, they have the snowman with the shovel and promote helping your neighbor by shoveling their walk. Anyways if you haven't noticed them before I'm sure you will see them now that I have drawn your attention to them.
When I first saw these signs I couldn't help but think to myself, wow how many tax payers dollars were spent on this campaign. I was sceptical that they would have any impact on the public and therefore, I resented the city for spending tax money on something so rediculous.
Though after looking into this campaign I had a change of heart. I now think that this is a worthwhile initiative that is organized around bringing Calgarians together. The campaign encourages individuals to be neighborly through small acts of kindness. Snow Angels also focuses on helping senior citizens, which is a wonderful thing. The City of Calgary website points out that "Calgary's senior (+65) population in 2006 was 93,859 of whom an estimated 90% or 84,473 are living independently in the community." I would like to think that when my parents get older and are unable to shovel that some kind person might take the time to help them clear their walk.
So I have come to the conclusion that if this campaign is able to encourage even a few people to help their neighbors than it is money well spent.

ps. I fully plan on shoveling my neighbors walk if we get more snow....

Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial arts is becoming increasingly more popular in today’s society. As a sport, MMA combines techniques involved in various disciplines including Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu just to name a few. When combined to create a whole new sport, this phenomenon is relentless to say the least. I find that the combination of all these techniques makes for a sport driven by vulgar brutality. Sportsmanship seems to take a back seat to winning at any cost. In fact, kicking competitors when they’re down is encouraged. It is odd how when these separate disciplines are taught there is much greater focus on respect, sportsmanship, and controlled settings. I worry that the aggressive and unsportsmanlike trends of this sport might be passed on to the next generation. The fears that would come with mothering a child involved in this would be endless. I feel that this sport should not continue to be glorified for it’s shameless brutality. Instead, there should be more focus on technique and sportsmanship as is emphasized in other team sports.

Michael Phelps

I chose to blog about the media frenzy regarding Michael Phelps being photographed smoking marijuana. This photo cost Phelps millions of dollars in sponsorship and a lot of criticism. Although he lost sponsors, roughly half of his sponsors will stand by him through this storm. At first I didn’t think that what Phelps did was a big deal. I thought that because he is young and extremely famous he would be excused from his temporary lack in judgment. I then decided to discuss it with different groups of people. After considering different viewpoints, I came to understand the impact of his actions. As a role model, Phelps has to be aware that the public is always watching. He has to consider that like it or not children look up to him and the choices he make affect not only him but also those people he influences. Hopefully this amazing athlete will leave his poor judgment in the past and once again rain as not only an athletic superstar, but also a role model.

Staying Fit While Pregnant

I use to think that after a woman found out that she was pregnant she we go purchase some stretchy wasted pants and visit her doctor regularly, following some basic guidelines. As times change it has become apparent that all phases of life can be capitalized on. Now designers are making custom fit jeans for pregnant women, pregnant celebrities are hitting the red carpet hot couture, and there are countless prenatal fitness regimes available.
There is an increased emphasis on being fit and looking great during pregnancy. The market for finding ways to keep pregnant women fit and healthy is growing rapidly. This is because exercising during pregnancy decreases recovery time. Women are able to bounce back faster after giving birth. To profit from on this scientific fact products promising to help women stay fit during pregnancy are everywhere. There are trendy gyms with special programs that pamper the pregnant woman’s unique needs, tailored yoga classes, and informed personal trainers. If women want to stay fit in the comfort of there own home there are also a variety of books and DVD’s.
I think that this new trendy phenomena demonstrates another shift in society towards healthy living. This market is present because there is demand for it. I am personally interested in this market because I think it is wonderful that women are staying fit while carrying a child.

Easter Seals Alberta

Easter Seals Alberta is a non-profit organization that is devoted to helping children and adults with special needs, serious illness and developmental physical disabilities. This non-profit organization also runs Camp Horizon, which is dedicated to using outdoor pursuit activities to empower children and adults alike. This camp has programs that cater to children with diabetes, kidney impairments, and children with cancer. These kids have a lot going on in their lives and this camp uses recreation to help them enjoy the simple things.
Easter Seals Alberta raises eighty percent of their funds though the support of events, donations, fundraisers, and campaigns. One of their events that may be familiar is The Drop Zone. In this event participants repel down a building to raise money. Sounds scary, but it is really just a small price to pay to help someone in need. This organization is really amazing because they don’t just raise funds and direct all proceeds to research. Instead they use it to empower those who are suffering by providing them with an adventure free from hospitals and boundaries. If science can’t find a cure, Camp Horizon can.

Recreation Program

In follow up to my reaction paper, I looked into some existing recreation programs that are helping youth at risk. These programs reduce the possibility of at risk youth becoming involved in gangs, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Keeping at risk youth involved and busy with a sporting activity can improve their quality of life. Being active in a sport can give youth the chance to show passion for something constructive, and be able to learn new skills to better themselves.
The Stoked Mentoring Program is a perfect example of how a sport and recreation program has helped youth at risk. This program pairs mentoring and action sports to help build life skills. Each youth is paired with a caring adult. This match allows individuals to bond with a positive role model in a supportive atmosphere. The program will ideally leave individuals with a lasting drive to participate in sports and use their time constructively. This is an amazing non-profit program that will continue helping at risk youth rise against adversity.

Community Development Entry #2

This entry is in response to Gavin’s hot topic presentation today in class. The discussion regarding the budget of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games aroused my curiosity about the returns that hosting cities receive. I found it very interesting that the drive behind hosting the games is often more about national pride and prestige rather than monetary rewards. For example, the costs of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games were not recovered through tourism from the event. Instead, the community morale was what benefited from The Games. On top of community gains, the prestige of hosting a major event such as the Olympics is often a large enough incentive to make such a high-risk investment. Though Billions of public and private sector dollars will be spent on preparing the destination, it seems to continue to appeal to nations. An appeal that is not driven by monetary returns but immeasurable rewards that the community and the nation gain through the event.

Tax Breaks

As people become more and more health conscience, it is obvious that money becomes an issue when it comes to keeping fit. No matter if it is gym memberships, team enrolment fees or personal trainers, cash is always a factor.
To lessen some of the burden from families’ wallets, the government is currently offering a tax break for children who are enrolled in team sports. This tax break offers a maximum of $500 per child, therefore providing low-income families with the chance to provide their children with the many opportunities associated with team sports..
Team sports help children learn life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. These skills are a just a few of the reasons that it is important to give all children the opportunity to participate in sports.
This tax break is a fantastic step toward encouraging healthy lifestyles in the community. Hopefully we will soon be seeing tax breaks for adults that could help to provide some relief from the costs of gym memberships and personal trainers.