Athletes in Vancouver Program

The purpose of the 'Athletes in Vancouver' program is to support athletes working with local communities to develop and enhance new activity-based initiatives. Together the athlete and local Community Association design and implement fitness-based strategies and activities that encourage local residents to become more fit and active. The goal is to enable Vancouver citizens to become '20% More Active'.

The Athletes in Vancouver program is based on the principles of community development and the Active Communities Vancouver Initiative. The program receives funding from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation in partnership with Community Centre Associations. Each year a limited number of Community Centres will host an Athletes in Vancouver project. Although it is desirable to have the athlete reside in the host community, the project requirements and the athlete's commitment to community will be important primary factors.

Athletes regularly teach programs and participate in special events, celebrations and festivals at community centres. The Athletes in Vancouver program complements these established relationships by providing the opportunity for an athlete to work for an extended period with the local community. During this time, the athlete develops innovative strategies for involving residents in enjoyable active programs, special events and sports.

Athletes will establish a presence at the sponsoring Community Centre. Depending on the nature of the program, this presence can take many forms, including attending committee meetings, leading programs and developing special events that promote the Active Communities initiative throughout the local community. Athletes also may work off-site with a variety of community groups and individuals.

This program is based on terms of approximately 200 hours. The goal is creating a legacy of increased activity levels and healthier lifestyle choices among community members.

How it Works

Community Centre Associations interested in hosting an athlete will contact the Park Board District Coordinator for Active Communities Vancouver. Once an agreement has been reached, the Community Association creates information packages about their communities to solicit athlete participation. Applications will be forwarded to the Active Communities Vancouver Coordinator. Park Board staff will complete an initial screening and forward up to three qualified candidates to the Community Association for final candidate selection. The final approval will be the responsibility of the Vancouver Park Board. Individuals and groups interested in the program are encouraged to get involved through their local Community Association.

Selection of Athletes

Applications are reviewed according to the following criteria during the shortlisting process:

• Athlete's accomplishments at the moderate to elite performance level;
• Athlete's contribution to the community as a coach, leader or volunteer;
• Athlete's connection and commitment to the host community; and
• Athlete's leadership and organizational experience.

Athletes in Vancouver - Program Partners

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation supports Community Associations and local Park Board staff by:

• Supporting each participating centre, by supplying sample documents such as community profiles sheets, interview questions and athlete contracts;
• Assisting the initial stages of the community cultural development process by working with the programmer/coordinator to facilitate the development plan;
• Facilitating a fundraising workshop, arranging technical reviews and problem-solving and liaising with other Park Board staff and Athletes; and
• Providing partial funding for each Athletes in Vancouver Program.

The Community Centre Associations agree to:

• Participate fully in the athlete selection process;
• Provide staff and committee support for the successful athlete;
• Provide gym space, playing fields and wherever feasible, access to resources such as photocopying, mail-outs and lamination, assist in promotion and community liaison;
• Provide partial funding to the program; and
• Manage the financial administration of the program.

The Athletes agree to:

• Establish a presence at the Community Centre and in the community;
• Interact with community members and staff and develop the program based on those interactions;
• Assist in the development of volunteers or staff to sustain the program;
• Engage in a regular reporting process with the Community Centre staff, and Community Association;
• Assist in or develop programs and events within the allotted budget provided by the Community Association; and
• Submit a final report to the Community Association and Community Centre staff with a copy to the Active Communities Vancouver Coordinator.

For more information about the "Athletes in Vancouver" program please contact:
Jim McKenzie, Active Communities Vancouver Coordinator
Tel: 604.257.8492
Email: jim.mckenzie@vancouver.ca

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