ABOUT THE POOLS
What is happening at our pools this season? The Recreation Excellence leadership team is excited to present to you exciting improvements for the new year. The Stan Siwik Family Leisure Pool, Nicholas Sheran Family Leisure Pool, Fritz Sick Pool, and Henderson Outdoor Pool are community treasures that serve the people of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. Our team is committed to providing the community our best customer service, clean and safe facilities and activities geared towards all ages.
What are the improved programs?
• U18 Rec Swim - A swim time geared towards youth! It’s the perfect opportunity to swim, socialize, and have fun in the water with your friends. Everyone is welcome!
• Sensory Swim - Inclusive approach to activities that recognizes and caters to the specific sensory needs of individuals.
• Swim & Splash - Family play time in the tots pool for toddlers and preschoolers!
What do you offer for fit and jog classes? What can I do during leisure swim?
Nicholas Sheran offers a total of 9 weekly aqua fit classes, ensuring you stay active and fit, while Stan Siwik provides 8 weekly aqua jog classes, for those looking to exercise in the deeper end of the pool. Fritz Sick offers a wide array of classes from aqua jog and aqua fit to aqua Zumba and senior aqua fit.
What is leisure swim, you ask? It’s a time for you to swim at your own comfortable and leisurely pace. It’s also an excellent way to get a gentle form of exercise. Float, tread water, or swim as slow or as fast as you like – it’s all about relaxation and enjoyment.
Can I rent the facility for an event?
You certainly can! We offer private facility rentals at a great price, available outside of our normal hours of operation.
Do you offer any other courses aside from swimming lessons?
We sure do! Stan Siwik and Fritz Sick Pool offer Canadian Swim Patrol. The Canadian Swim Patrol program consists of Rookie Patrol, Ranger Patrol, and Star Patrol. Structured the same as a swimming lesson, these courses are an excellent introductory to lifeguard knowledge and skills.
Stan Siwik also offers in-house courses whether you’re looking to register or recertify, we’ve got you covered. Mark your calendars for November 14th as our lesson and advanced course registration will be open at 9:00am!
Our mission is to make sure our community is up to date on Alberta’s Health and Safety Standards. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code has undergone changes in its Part 11 (standard first aid) section, effective from March 31, 2023. Standard First Aid is Intermediate First Aid, the new names are in line with the CSA Standard Z1210-17 23. The changes were made to ensure that the names of the courses are consistent with the national standard.
How can I find out more information?
Our website RecEx.ca/Lethbridge has detailed information on programming, schedules, fees and frequently asked questions you might find helpful. You are welcome to send us an email at leth@recreationexcellence.com
Stan Siwik Pool: 1901 15 Ave N
Nicholas Sheran Pool: 401 Laval Blvd W
Fritz Sick Pool: 420 11 St S
19, 20 & 26, 27
The Swim and Lifesaving Instructors course combines the responsibilities of Swim Instructors and Lifesaving Instructors. Candidates will be trained to teach and evaluate participants in programs such as Swim for Life, Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medals, Distinction, Boat Rescue and Lifesaving Society CPR. The course equips instructors with level 1 leadership competencies and strategies necessary for planning, teaching, and evaluating swimming and lifesaving skill.
Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher and Intermediate First Aid
Basic First Aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. During this 8 hour course participants will learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups and how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
21 & 22 19440 Sat/Sun 8:30am-5:00pm
Intermediate First Aid (previously called Standard) provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course is for those who want an in-depth understanding of first aid such as: medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns, and medical emergencies.
*Note: Includes CPR-C and AED certification. Current for 3
This 20 hour course prepares candidates an understanding of the lifesaving principles in the four components of water rescue education: judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness. *Note: Bronze Medallion is offered seperately from Bronze Cross
4, 5 & 6
Prerequisite(s): Must be 13 years old, hold a Bronze Medallion (need not be current) and Intermediate First Aid CPR-C & AED (must be current) is required.
This 40 hour course will certify successful candidates with the NLS Pool option award. *Note: Please bring proof of IFA CPR-C to first class. Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old, hold
Intermediate First Aid Recertification (formerly Standard) requires both theoretical and practical skill examinations. Those using another Alberta workplace-approved standard first aid as a prerequisite must show proof of current certification. If no longer current, individuals must attend the original course. Unsuccessful candidates in the recertification course must complete the original course.
Prerequisite(s): Must bring current Intermediate First Aid Certification to course.
The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares individuals to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to plan, teach and evaluate swimming and lifesaving. Candidates are able to teach the following programs: , Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medals, Distinction, Boat Rescue and Lifesaving Society CPR.
Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher and Intermediate First Aid CPR-C & AED
Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. The course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach swimming and lifesaving.
Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old and hold Bronze Cross or higher.
NICHOLAS SHERAN LEISURE CENTRE SCHEDULE
NICHOLAS SHERAN LEISURE CENTRE SCHEDULE
STAN SIWIK LEISURE CENTRE SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 16 - 30, 2024
FRITZ SICK LEISURE CENTRE SCHEDULE
Lesson Registration
• Registrations can be made online at lethbridge.ca/swimming or by telephone/in-person Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
• Registration is on a first come first served basis.
• If registering by phone and no one answers please leave a message.
• Participants may register in a maximum of two (2) classes/session.
• Participants may waitlist in any class
Preparing to Register
• Create an account prior to registration at lethbridge.ca/ swimming
If you do not have an account you will need the following:
• Name & birth date of account holder (Adult)
• Name & birth date of participants
• Home address, phone # and postal code
• Program level, session time and alternatives if class is full
• Payment information incl 3 digit CVV # on credit cards for phone registrations
Fees
Fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Cash, Debit, Visa, MC, Rec Ex Gift Card & Cheque are accepted in person. Cheques are payable to Recreation Excellence. Post dated cheques are not accepted. A $25 charge will be applied to all NSF cheques. Only Visa & MC are accepted for phone registrations. Visa & MC Debit cards are accepted online and in person.
Registration Locations
Stan Siwik Leisure Centre 1901 15 Ave N Phone: (403) 320-3054
Nicholas Sheran Leisure Centre 401 Laval Blvd W Phone: (403) 320-3046
Fritz Sick Leisure Centre 420 - 11 St S Phone:(403) 320-3109
Online and Phone registrations are highly encouraged for more information look online: lethbridge.ca/swimming
Program Cancellations
Programs with insufficient registration are subject to cancellation. Customers will be notified as soon as a decision regarding cancellation has been made. All efforts will be made to accomodate any registrants displaced by cancellations. A full refund or credit to account will be issued for courses cancelled by Recreation Excellence.
Withdrawals
• Withdrawals received more than fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the lesson set or course will not be subject to a withdrawal fee.
• Withdrawals made between five (5) and fourteen (14) days prior to the lesson start date will be subject to a 10% withdrawal fee. The remaining balance may be left on your account for future use or a refund may be requested. Refunds of less than $5.00 will remain on the account.
• You may withdraw and re-register into another program without penalty prior to five (5) days before the lesson start date.
• No refunds will be given if withdrawal is within five (5) days of the lesson start date.
Transfers
All transfers are subject to availability and may be made without penalty up to five (5) days prior to the lesson start date. Transfers made by Recreation Excellence will not incur a penalty. Any resulting increase in program fees due to the transfer must be paid by the customer at the time of transfer.
Medical / Moving
Withdrawals for medical / relocation reasons are permitted with no penalty prior to the lesson start date. Refunds for withdrawal after the lesson start date will result in a pro-rated refund or credit on account. Proof of medical / relocation must be provided within two (2) weeks of notification of withdrawal for refunds or credits to be issued.
Lost Card
At the request of the card holder lost or stolen cards will be replaced. A $5.00 lost card fee will apply. Does not apply to Visit Cards
AQUATIC PROGRAMS & DEFINITIONS
Programs
Open Swim
Unstructured swim that all guests may enjoy.
Hot tub is available during this time.
*Note: Children under the age of 8 years and non-swimmers must be actively supervised within arm’s reach by a Parent/Guardian.
Lane Swim
Dedicated swim time for individuals looking to swim lengths of the pool in a structured setting of lane markers.
*Participants must be 14 years of age or older.
*Participants 13 and under must be directly supervised by an adult.
Aqua Fit/Aqua Jog
Aqua Fit is a shallow water fitness program. Aqua Jog is a deep-water Fitness program.
Note: All participants must actively participate in the program
*Participants must be 14 years of age and older.
*Participants 13 years and under must be directly supervised by an adult.
Aqua Zumba
Drop-in Aqua Zumba creates a dynamic and fun, easy-to-follow dance workout that will leave you wanting more, in designated shallow end space.
*Participants must be 14 years of age and older
*Participants 13 years and under must be directly supervised by an adult
Senior Swim
Designated lanes reserved for lane swimming, open to swimmers 60+ years of age and a variety of lane speeds. *Note: Must actively participate in the program by swimming lengths.
Power Jog
Power Jog is a high intensity, loud, and fun way to exercise! Using various flotation devices, an effective way to get a total body workout without the jarring impact of dry land classes. No experience is necessary, however, the opportunities to work hard and have fun are endless.
Programs
Sensory Swim
Inclusive program that recognizes and and caters to specific sensory needs of indviduals.
U18 Rec Swim
A fun and active swim time designed for youth. Special bonus activities and music provide a boost of energy to this vibrant swim session, parents and siblings are also welcome.
The hot tub and sauna are also available during this time.
Leisure Swim
Guests of any age, can enjoy a quiet swim time where some of the lanes are reserved for lane swimming. The hot tub is also available during this time.
Swim & Splash
Bring your little ones (infants and preschoolers) for family play time in the small pool. We have a small slide and pool toys to play with.
AHS
A registered program offered by Alberta Health Services, designed to suit clients to their medical/therapy needs.
Women’s Only Swim
Designed for women only. A safe and comfortable time to
participate in physical activity, learn to use equipment or practice your skills. Women of all abilities are welcome to participate.
*Male children under 6 can participate.
Weight Room
Open to participants 16 years of age & older.
Participants 14 - 15 years of age may attend with direct Parent/Guardian supervision.
*Youth/Children 13 and under are not allowed in the weight room.
For more infromation on memeberships, visit cards, age groups and facility amenities visit RecEx.ca/Lethbridge
Happy 135 th to the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
On 16 September 1899, the Lethbridge Board of Trade and Civic Committee was formed. Membership was set at $5.00 and 29 memberships were soon sold.
The original goal of the newly formed group was to act as a lobbying group for Lethbridge, to work towards incorporation of Lethbridge as a town and to obtain for Lethbridge such important services as a courthouse and land titles office.
In 1890, the focus was on the incorporation of Lethbridge, which was achieved later that year. A courthouse and land titles office were soon to follow.
In 1891, the organization renamed itself the Lethbridge Board of Trade The focus now was on a wide variety of early needs to help grow the
economy of the area and support businesses, such as the development of irrigation, railways and roads and ensuring supports and infrastructure was there for businesses.
In 1947, the name of the Lethbridge Board of Trade was officially changed to Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber continues to be a voice for local business.
Lethbridge
Historical Society
facebook.com/LethbridgeHistoricalSociety/ Instagram @lethbridgehistorysociety Email info@lethbridgehistory.org
Photo: Galt Museum & Archives, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce head table with Senator Buchanan at centre.
EXHIBITION RUN
September 7 - October 26, 2024
Main Gallery: Stranded - Nicholas Wade
Main Gallery:
Human Relations / Carceral Culture - Don Gill
Project Space:
Emergent Materialisms - Nicole Riedmueller
Passage Gallery: Imaginary Racetracks - Emily Metherel
Concourse Gallery: Hotel Room Art / New General Catalogue - Melissa Fry
Platform: Work by Serene Weasel Traveller
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
SUNG TIEU
CIVIC FLOOR
AMANDA CHWELOS
Soft enough to slip through
ALEX TURGEOIN
WASTE LAND
MOON + MAPLE
SHOP AT SAAG FEATURE
ARTIST
EXHIBITIONS CLOSE SEPT 28
GALLERY CLOSED SEPT. 30 - OCT. 11
PROGRAMS + EVENTS
SEPT. 10, 17, 24 | SENIORS TOUR*
SEPT. 12 | BLETCHER HOUR*
SEPT. 13 | ALBERTA CULTURE DAYS MIXER*
SEPT. 14 | SAAG AT COULEE FEST*
SEPT. 20 | TINY PRESS WORKSHOP*
SEPT. 21 | CRAFTERNOON AT WORD ON THE STREET*
OCT. 12 | EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION
OCT. 25 | SAAG SOCIAL 2024
HANDS-ON HISTORY
Sat 07 | 1–3 PM
Orange Shirt Day activity
interactive | all ages | children with caregiver | registration required
CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Tue 10 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Orange Shirt Day activity adults and seniors | registration not required
SPECIAL ALBERTA CULTURE DAYS EVENTS
| unless otherwise noted: all ages and registration not required | free | funded by Alberta Culture Days
Sun 22 | 1–7 PM
Celebrating Indigenous Arts registration encouraged to secure your spot:
1 PM: Metis Dot art with Melanie Morrow
3 PM: Fish Scales art with Maria Livingston
5 PM: Blackfoot Beading with Deserae Yellow Horn
Thu 26 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Celebrating Indigenous Eats: Food and Wellness Expo
6:30–7:30 PM: Indigenous foods and foodways with Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen
Sat 28 | 9 PM–1 AM
Celebrating Black Culture on the Prairies: Ball 18+ [no exceptions]
EXHIBIT CLOSING
SEPTEMBER 2024
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lethbridge Independent Film Festival (LIFF)
all ages | children with caregivers when appropriate | registration not required | free admission
Sat 07 | 11 AM–11 PM at The Movie Mill
Sun 08 | 11 AM–11 PM at the Galt
Re-Work Fashion + Ballroom Culture History
18+ [no exceptions] | admission applies
Sun 15 | 3–5 PM
OFF-SITE: Nitsitapii Landscapes tour series
a limit of 40 spaces open to Residential School Survivors and their descendants | registration required | free | supported by the Mother Tongue Fund
ARCHIVES
Sat 14 | 9 AM–5 PM
Mother Tongue Session 1: Iikimikoii/Ikihmikoii (Cypress Hills)
Sat 28 | 9 AM–5 PM
Mother Tongue Session 2: Napiootsisti kowanhpi (Napi’s Playground)
Fri 20 | 3–4 PM
AI in the Galt Archives archives topics and presenters | adults and seniors
THE GALT PRESENTS...
adults and seniors
Sun 29 | 1:30–3:30 PM
Stéphane Guevremont: The Settlement of Western Canada
For information on art events, artist calls, our arts
arts in LETHBRIDGE
Alberta is the first, and remains the only province in Canada, to dedicate a month to artists. The Month of the Artist is an annual celebration of artists, and the value they bring to the province, both socially and economically.
Join us this September during the 6th annual Month of the Artist in Alberta to recognize and support local artists. Look for arts events throughout Lethbridge including the AAC’s annual Arts Days Lethbridge (September 5th - 28th)
For more information on Arts Days events visit artsdayslethbridge.ca or check out our comprehensive arts events calendar at YQLarts.ca
The BIPOC Foundation is a revolutionary force of encouragement and empowerment for the BIPOC community. Offering mentorship, guided programs, and hosting insightful speakers, the BIPOC Foundation strives to provide business owners with the support they need. Through its programs, the Foundation assists marginalized individuals in starting, growing, and scaling their businesses, primarily achieved through its flagship programs, which now include seven key initiatives. Among them are the Accelerator Program (BIPOC Founders Hub), a 10-week crash course on entrepreneurship for new business owners; the LIFT program, an eight-week business plan development course; and the Financial Wellness Series, which helps participants understand personal and business finances. Additionally, the Foundation offers one-on-one advisory services and continuously innovates to support entrepreneurs.
Beyond traditional entrepreneurship, the Foundation has deeply integrated itself into the Lethbridge community, connecting with youth and uplifting artists and innovators. Evolving beyond its initial scope, the Foundation now includes three fast-becoming or already independent brands: Leth’s Make It Happen, Arts Marvels, and D’Amazin Lions. These sub-brands work collaboratively with the Foundation to address gaps in various communities, focusing specifically on youth, artists, and athletes.
The Foundation’s efforts do not stop at the local level. It is actively working to spread its message and services across Western Canada and beyond, with plans to make a national impact. In the meantime, the Foundation continues to support and uplift local artists, athletes, youth, and entrepreneurs, contributing to the development of a brighter and more vibrant community. For more information about the programs and services offered, visit the BIPOC Foundation website www.bipocfoundation.org or join the community via Social media @bipocfoundation
M r 2 0 2 4
Below the Plains
August 5
Celebrate fall preschooler during these 3 week courses!
Thursdays |
$15 per course | New Topics Each Week!
Register Online: Leisure.Lethbridge.c a
Ages 11 to 15
ONDAYS )
Water Ways
Coming Soon - Fall 2024 !
Ages 6 to 10
enjoy nature-based games and 3 week courses!
September | October | November 10am - Noon
$30 per course | New Topics Each Week!
Register Online: Leisure.Lethbridge.c a
Geocaching
September 27 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | FREE
Do you enjoy puzzle -solving, stealth, technology & adventure?
Go beyond basic treasure hunting to find micro and mystery geocaches, and help design unique new caches that will be hidden by the Nature Centre.
Register Online: Leisure.Lethbridge.c a
Inspired By Nature Youth Art Exhibit is back!
Kids 18 & under are invited to showcase their natureinspired artwork in our Community Art Gallery!
1. Go outside & get inspired by nature!
2. Create ~ drawing, photography, sculpture...
3. Submit your art.
Submission deadline is September 8, 2024!
More information: Nature.Lethbridge.ca/exhibits
ADULT WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Fall Birding with Ken Orich
September 7 | 8:00am - 9:30am
Head to one of Lethbridge’s largest urban parks with Ken Orich to discover different birds common to the urban parks of Lethbridge in this Fall workshop!
$10 | Ages 16+
Call to Register: 403 -320-3064
Prairies & Coulees:
their formation & ecology
September 11 | 6:30-7:30pm
Join Gordon Butt on a walking presentation that will explore how our coulees formed and what their future looks like.
Free to attend but registration is required as space is limited!
*Please note: This is an offsite program in one of Lethbridge's beautiful parks.
Call to Register: 403 -320-3064
Fall Birding with David Scott
September 8 | 8:00am - 9:30am
Head into the River Valley with David Scott to discover a variety of birds common to the riparian parks of Lethbridge in this Fall workshop!
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
“Good Luck” - Ladybug
Alberta is home to at least 75 species of Lady Beetles (Coccinellidae). Many of them share the polka dot pattern on a red or yellow background. Nonetheless, not all Lady Beetle species are native to Alberta. A few of them have been introduced from Europe and from Asia but mainly from the United States.
Ladybugs are known to eat a wide variety of pests, such as aphids, chinch bugs, alfalfa weevils, ect.
They are cannibals. If food is rare, they will do what they must to survive, even if it means eating each other.
The Lady Beetle is an expert in “aposematism”, a defense mechanism where its color works as a warning that it is toxic or distasteful.
If a Ladybug gets startled, its rotten-smelling hemolymph (the major extracellular fluid in insects) will seep from its leg joints. That is what leaves yellow stains on the surface on which it is sitting. While Ladybugs can fly, but they can't fly for long, usually up to a minute. To compensate for this disadvantage, they surprise with speed. It was recorded that Lady Beetles can speed up to 60 km/h!
For more information: www.treehugger.com/ surprising-facts-aboutladybugs-4864289
https://ualbertapress.ca/ 9780888643810/ladybugsof-alberta/
https://royalalbertamuseum .ca/blog/meet-your-newneighbour
https://prairieecologist.com /2021/06/19/losingladybugs/
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ calgary/brian-keatingladybugs-1.6200659
https://birdwatchinghq.com /ladybugs-in-alberta/ www.lostladybug.org Nature Lethbridge on Instagram Follow Us & Tag: #naturelethbridge
For information about our Field Trips please visit: www.naturelethbridge.org
Photo: Claudia Burstlein
Photo: Rene Mensen Photo: Bugsforbug.com
Photo by © entomart
NEED READING MATERIAL
7+ years
Our recreational dance program runs from September to June. In this dance program, students learn steps and combinations that will help them improve coordination, balance, and self-confidence, in a safe and encouraging environment. These students will have the opportunity to share what they have learned in our year-end recital.
Class styles include ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, Acro, and hip-hop!
3 - 6 years
Our 12-week Fall sessional classes provide a way for your child to dance without a full-season commitment.
Parent & Tot:
Twirling Toddlers: 16mos-3yrs
Preschool:
Pre-Primary Ballet/jazz: 3-6yrs
Preschool Dance A: 3-6yrs
Preschool classes: 3-6yrs
Tiny Tumblers
Lethbridge
2024-2025 INDOOR SOCCER REGISTRATION LYS LEAGUE
your player in their BIRTH
U5
U6 CoEd 2019 $240.00 16 (40 min. sessions) Saturday
U8
U10 Boys
U16
PEOPLE IN SPORT
Lindsay Pan
My name is Lindsay Pan, and I am a dedicated multi-sport athlete. Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity to participate and compete in many sports, including baseball, gymnastics, swimming, figure skating, hockey, volleyball, softball, badminton, and basketball. Currently, my main focus is on volleyball and badminton.
This past year, as a grade 10 student, I had the opportunity to compete in various events across Alberta and beyond. In badminton, I maintained an undefeated record in city and zone competitions, and achieved a fifth-place finish in provincials. In volleyball, I participated in both school and club teams, culminating in a gold medal at nationals.
I was honored to represent Zone 1 in the Alberta Summer Games 2023 and the Alberta Winter Games 2024. As a member of the Zone 1 softball team, we secured gold at the Summer Games with an undefeated record. At the Winter Games, I proudly represented Zone 1 in both singles and doubles badminton.
Being a multi-sport athlete has taught me resiliency and perseverance. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided, allowing me to meet new people from all over Alberta and shaping me both as an athlete and a person.
https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/programs/sport-for-all
Left - Lindsay with her Gold medal at the Alberta Summer Games
Right - Lindsay (right) with doubles partner Alex Chow (left) with their Gold medals at zones
Pictured below:
SPORT ONLY HAPPENS WITH
VOLUNTEERS LIKE BARB AND LIKE YOU.
BARB B, VOLUNTEER
Through volunteering in sport, Barb not only developed new skills and found a social network, but also gained a fresh perspective on the value of sports beyond competition. Read about Barb’s volunteering journey on the Sport Volunteer Hub
“I love seeing kids develop a passion for their spo rt and being active,” Barb said. “I am not talking about the drive that s ome kids develop to become elite athletes. More simply the energy and joy that they find from being active and perhaps achieving a personal best time or just finding the courage to try something new.” The Sport Volunteer Hub is an initiative of Lethbri dge Sport Council
https://bit.ly/barbs-story
T H E P O W E R O F P L A Y
An excerpt from an article on the Lethbridge Plays website, submitted by Building Brains Together foundation that supports the weight of the entire house. If the foundation of the house is weak then it will not be able to stand up to the potential stresses such bad weather.
When building a house some may argue that laying the foundation is the most important step because it’s the
The same is true when building a strong brain. To withstand the stresses in our lives we need to build a foundation so our brain can effectively function. At the core of this foundation is our executive function skills. These are the skills that allow us to plan ahead, be flexible, control impulses, have emotional control, retain information, prioritize tasks and stay focused despite distractions. We are not born with these skills which is why it’s vital that we learn and practice each of them. The most effective way to develop and nurture these skills is through play.
Play is a powerful tool in brain development and can begin the moment a child is born. However, play is not only essential for young children. It is important for people of all ages. From playing peek-a-boo with an infant to playing a card game with a teenager, play is a tool that should be implemented into everyone’s daily lives. As we include play on a daily basis we will improve our executive function skills and will be more resilient to the challenges that arise in our lives.
The power of play is often emphasized in the early years of a child’s life but it’s importance can often be lost as the child ages. As a child grows their play will also grow and change but it will never lose its importance. Keep reading for some ideas on how to implement play at the different times in your child’s development. These are only a few ideas because the possibilities of play are endless.
The full article includes many examples of ways to play and skills learned through play for children in 4 different age groups, including infant to 2 years old, preschool, elementary age, and adolescents.
Is Your Child Physically Literate?
WAYS TO TELL
Physical literacy includes movement skills, physical awareness, cognitive understandings, and even general attitudes about An excerpt from an article on activeforlife.com
Here's how to assess if your child is developing physical literacy. If you answer yes to most of these questions, your child is likely making good progress. If you answer no, they might need some attention in that area.
Full descriptions of each skill are on activeforlife.com
Can your child...
A SPORTING CHANCE Jumpstart helps give kids
Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has removed financial barriers to play for over 1.8 million* kids.
What kids do is up to them; we’re here to help them do it.
From swimming to hockey to football and dance, kids in Canada like to stay active. And when they do, the benefits last a lifetime.
LEARN MORE AT JUMPSTART.CANADIANTIRE.CA OR CALL 1-844 YES-PLAY
City of Lethbridge Skating Programs
Recreation Skating Shinny Hockey/Ringette
Ability Skate: A slow-paced skate in a sensory-friendly environment for those with special needs and disabilities.
Beginner Skate: A slower-paced time for people to practice their skating basics. Skating aids are allowed during this skate. Helmets are recommended.
Family Skate: A special time for parents and children (17 yrs. of age & under) to enjoy a skate together.
Parent & Tot Skate: Free Fun time for parents & pre-school children to learn how to skate. Helmets are recommended.
Public Skate: A skate open to everyone to enjoy.
Senior Skate: A skate open for everyone 55 years and over.
Figure Skate: A time for skaters of all ages to practice figure skating skills.
Youth Shinny Hockey: For ages 5 to 17 years, shinny hockey is played with a sponge puck with no body contact and no slap shots. Play is on half ice with 2 games running. Ice Marshals will coordinate players and games based on age and/or ability of players. Players require a hockey stick, skates and a helmet.
Adult Shinny Hockey: Informal hockey for adults is played with a hard puck with no body contact or slap shots. It is played on full ice and is self-supervised. Protective equipment is required.
Senior Shinny Hockey: Senior shinny hockey is for adults 55 and over with no body contact and no slap shots. Protective equipment is required.
Ringette Shinny: For all ages. Ringette shinny is played with a regulation ring, with no body contact. Players require a ringette stick, skates, gloves, and a helmet with a cage.
Pass Fees
(Effective September 1st)
Parents/guardians (up to 2) and children (up to 17 yrs old) residing in the same household permanently.
Purchase Locations
SEPTEMBER 2024
PUBLIC SKATING
Did you know?
OPENING SOON OPENING SOON
L e g a c y P a r k O u t d o o r L e g a c y P a r k O u t d o o r S p o r t s C o u r t S p o r t s C o u r t
m u l t i - u s e s p o r t u s e s u c h a s r o l l e r / r o a d h o c k e y , l a c r o s s e a n d r o l l e r d e r b y . 4 0 0 B l a c k w o l f B l v d . N
T h e c o u r t i s a r i n k - s t y l e f a c i l i t y i n t e n d e d f o r
V i s i t V i s i t
l e t h b r i d g e . c a l e t h b r i d g e . c a f o r f o r
G r a n d O p e n i n g G r a n d O p e n i n g d e t a i l s ! d e t a i l s !
University of Lethbridge
6-7
6&13
Enmax Centre in the East P-Lot
2510 Scenic Dr S
Friday: 1:30pm
Saturday: 2:30pm
More info: www.visitlethbridgearena.ca
Nikka Yuko Parking Lot
835 Mayor Magrath Dr S
For more information visit: www.nikkayukofoodtruckfriday.com
Thunder in The Bridge Music Festival
Celebrate ENMAX Centre’s 50th with “Thunder in the Bridge,” a two-day music festival on September 6-7 at the Sportsplex. Day 1 features rock bands Our Lady Peace, Headstones, and I MOTHER EARTH. Day 2 brings country stars Walker Hayes, Cooper Alan, and Tyler Braden. Local artists will open each day.
Nikka Yuko Food Truck Friday
Come enjoy the best Lethbridge’s culinary scene has to offer at Nikka Yuko Food Truck Friday. The event features local food vendors offering a wide variety of delicious treats for the whole family. Every Friday until September 13th. The event will be hosted from 12-8PM in the Nikka Yuko Parking Lot.
Thursdays
CASA Rotary Square
230 8 Street S 5pm-7pm
For more information visit: www.artslethbridge.org/upside-downtown/
Blue Sky Centre
Fridays
Saturdays
Every
Saturday
Located inside the Waste & Recycling Centre
213044 Township Rd 100 Free to visit 1pm-4pm
UFA Hall, Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre
3401 Parkside Dr S
8 AM - 1 PM
Upside Downtown: Concerts and Art Series
This annual summer concert series is in its fourth season of programming! Upside Downtown concerts run every Thursday in August, from 5-7pm, on Rotary Square at Casa. Concerts are free to the public and are a fabulous opportunity to hear some of the best music being made in Lethbridge.
Blue Sky Centre Open House
The Blue Sky Educaton Centre offers a number of interactice displays relating to all things waste every Friday afternoon from 1pm-4pm. Learn about how the landfill operates, what happens to recycling, how compost is made, and more! Please pass through the scalehouse upon arrival. An attendant will provide instructions.
Lethbridge Farmers Market-Agri-Food Hub
Lethbridge Farmers’ Markets have returned for 2024! These popular markets showcase the region’s best fresh produce, baked goods, homemade crafts, and so much more. The Saturday market, at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre runs from June 8 until October 12,
Lethbridge’s parkrun
Join the PARKRUN movement! A new program is in town for anyone who loves to walk, jog, run or volunteer in our city parks! Meet us at the Kinsmen Picnic Shelter for weekly Parkruns every Saturday. Join the community in active & healthy living! *Kinsmen Picnic Shelter* Henderson Lake Park 9:00am For more info or to register go to: www.parkrun.ca
