Sport BC believes everyone is an athlete – whatever their sport, whatever their level. Our passion for sport is a passion for building strong, healthy communities by giving everyone in BC the opportunity to be the athletes they are. Whether you were involved in sport as a child but feel a bit rusty, or have never stepped foot on a field of play, there is always room for sport in your life.
1. Feel good. The health benefits of sport involvement are a no-brainer. Physical activity through sport can reduce the risks for a multitude of illnesses including heart disease and cancer. But it’s not just physical ailments that see benefit from sport. Mental health is positively affected as well – as an athlete, or even as a volunteer.
2. Think of the children. Children are constantly absorbing behaviours from those around them but your involvement in sport as a parent is one behaviour you don’t have to worry about your child picking up. Children with parents or guardians involved in sport are twice as likely to make healthy lifestyle decisions as they get older. Not a parent? Think about your niece, nephew, younger cousin or sibling and ensure our next generation is active and healthy.
3. Expand your social circle. 2.2 million Canadians volunteer in the sport sector each year, helping athletes pursue the sports they love. One reason for the involvement? The social aspect. Over 40% of volunteers rate sport as a very important means of socializing outside the immediate family and developing broader social networks.
4. Get ahead at work. Everyone deserves a break and sport is the perfect way to escape the pressures of the daily grind. Studies have shown physical activity through sport helps reduce stress and anxiety and alleviate depression, leveling out work/life balance and making participants on average more focused and motivated employees.
5. Grow your community. Nothing brings a community together quite like sport. 72% of Canadians believe that sport is a key contributor to the quality of life in a community and it’s easy to see why. Sport acts as a rallying point, bringing different backgrounds and ages together, and providing opportunities to contribute your skills and invest in your community.
