Lethbridge Sport Council Annual Report 2023

ANNUAL REPORT

Photo by Cameron

MESSAGEFROMTHECHAIR

2023 continued to be a busy year for sport Seeing registration numbers for sport and community groups continuing to trend upward is always encouraging and positive However, with that growth is often a lack of additional volunteer parents, coaches and officials needed to grow with the organizations and accommodate the increased capacity. Finding the solution is often tough, and the answers aren’t always easy.

The Lethbridge Sport Council had the opportunity to work with local videographers to create sport videos featuring just a few of the many local coaches making a difference and highlight the important role coaches play in our community I highly recommend and encourage you to check out these videos on our social media and YouTube channels They are fantastic!

The LSC has also continued to advocate for and expand on addressing issues that are commonly faced throughout the sporting community. Bullying, inclusion, and women and girls in sport will continue to be a few areas we advocate for. I am delighted to see the hard work the LSC staff have put into bringing these sessions to our community sport groups. We continue to have much to learn from each other and how sport is for everyone.

As always, I am proud of Sport Council’s commitment to build those relationships with the local grassroots sport clubs all the way up to elite athletes competing at college and university levels and maintaining our relationship with the City of Lethbridge I strongly feel that the key to our success is through relationship building with our member community sport groups We will continue to lean on each other, partner, promote and work together to bring sport and recreation opportunities to Lethbridge and southern Alberta

Thank you for your continued support of the Lethbridge Sport Council and sport in southern Alberta.

Erin Low

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2023 marked the 15th anniversary of the Lethbridge Sport Council, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments over the past decade and a half while looking ahead to the future We welcomed four new board of directors, each bringing unique knowledge and experiences: Chris Stasiuk, Tyson Kwasney, Myles Fletcher, and Kamryn Sandberg. We thanked Levi Clampitt and Past Chair Shaun Ward for their contributions as they stepped down from the board.

The effectiveness in fulfilling our mandate is amplified through our collaboration with private, public and non-profit partners Notable initiatives include the Lethbridge Game Changers and Southern Alberta Sport Leadership Conferences, Board Leadership Lethbridge, Lethbridge Plays, and the Trail Running Film Festival In partnership with the YMCA of Lethbridge, we unveiled indoor bike racks dedicated to honouring Carol Thibert for her contributions to active living and the promotion of sport in Lethbridge

The hiring of a Community Coordinator was made possible through project funding from the Government of Alberta Sport Participation Support Program (sport for all project) and the Government of Canada Community Services Recovery Fund (sport volunteer management project).

These strategic partnerships significantly increase our capacity to connect individuals and families with sport opportunities, as well as provide education and development opportunities for our membership Thank you all for your continued support and collaboration

Susan Eymann

ABOUT THE LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL

Lethbridge Sport Council is a not-for-profit organization incorporated March 28, 2008, under the Societies Act of Alberta and is an independent body supported by the City of Lethbridge, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and managed by four full-time and two part-time staff, dedicated to supporting the enhancement and development of sport within the Lethbridge community.

Vision Mission

Lethbridge is an inclusive and accessible sport community that celebrates quality experiences.

OurMISSIONistoprovideleadership andbeacollectivevoiceforsport.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Governance and Leadership (Pillars: Board of Directors, Governance, Leadership, Relations and Advocacy)

Sport Development (Pillars: Physical Literacy, Athlete, Coach, Organization, Sport Tourism, Community)

OUR MANDATES

Engagement and Promotion (Pillars: Sport Achievements, Promotion, Benefits and Value of Sport)

Inclusive, Accessible and Safe Sport (Pillars: Inclusion, Healthy Living, Pathway to Sport)

Provide leadership for the enhancements and development of sports in Lethbridge Advocate and promote sport and active recreation in Lethbridge

Provide leadership in and assist organizations in efforts leading to enhanced accessibility, inclusivity and diversity

Assist in attracting and promoting sports events that have economic and other benefits to Lethbridge and region

Assist sport organizations and individuals by linking them to, or providing them with, sport-related education, support services and business development opportunities

Provide benefits to our community, including but not limited to, opportunities in Training, Volunteer Organization Assistance, Research and Information Sharing, and Media Awareness

Provide input to the Municipal Capital Improvement Program and the Operating Budget when required by assessing sport needs

Communicate to City Council and/or Administration any issues, challenges or initiatives on an as-required basis

Support community sport and recreation organizations regarding climate resiliency and their ability to deal with change

OUR VALUES

Sport for its impact on physical, social, emotional, and mental health

CITY OF LETHBRIDGE SPORT AND RECREATION POLICY

Integrity, inclusiveness, transparency, equality, and civility in interpersonal relationships

Sport for its impact on community, the economy and society Cooperation, teamwork, and continuous improvement

FUNDING SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM

Erin Low Chair

ChrisCampbell Vice-Chair

Dr. Gary Bowie Founding Chair

Dave Sehn Secretary

ChantelleErickson Treasurer

Myles Fletcher Director

Todd Caughlin Appointed Director

Neil Langevin

Ada Larson Appointed Director

Bill Halma Appointed Director

ChadChiefMoon Director at Large

TysonKwasney MikeMedhurst Director

Chris Stasiuk Director

Knud Petersen Director

Susan Eymann Executive Director

TanyaWhipple Communication Manager

ShawnDaye-Finley Program and Event Coordinator

Martin Lawrence Sport Tourism Assistant

KeeganBrantner Community Coordinator Appointed Director

Parker Allen Student-Athlete Intern

MichelleGibb Bookkeeper

TravisGrindle City of Lethbridge Liaison

Director

KamrynSandberg Director

SPRING

2016

Pilot program at the Downtown Lethbridge Public Library

FALL WINTER

2017

Six locations, three times per week, for 10 weeks

2016

Six locations, three times per week, for 10 weeks

Roving Gyms are...

Free, inclusive, play spaces for children five years of age and under and their parents or caregivers. Roving Gyms nurtures physical literacy, the love of movement, and provides an environment for families to connect.

2023 Special Roving Gyms

2019

Lethbridge Sport Council assumes management and facilitation

First summer outdoor programs are offered

2020 2022

Hosted many 'pop-up' gyms, including one at the Islamic Centre with LFS-IS

2023

Record attendance numbers: 67 gyms were held, with an average attendance of 50 participants/gym

Expanded with new locations and equipment for learning fundamental movement skills through play

In addition to our regularly scheduled Roving Gyms, we were able to host a number of popup gyms in the community including:

Play Day SportFest Reconciliation Week

NatureFest

Pridefest

Word on the Street

Parent Testimonial

"While out shopping, my 2-year-old daughter picked up a baseball and bat She threw up the ball into the air and hit it with the bat. I tell everyone I know that without the Roving Gyms and Shawn she would never be able to do this as she was introduced to this concept at Roving Gyms."

Kimberly Ford

Roving Gym Parent

Since 2010, nearly 200 individuals, teams, sport organizations, and businesses have been recognized for their achievements and for their spirit, drive, and commitment on and off the field of play.

Thank you to the LSCAA Sponsors:

Lethbridge College Kodiaks, Servus Credit Union, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, ENMAX Centre, Tourism

Lethbridge, 94 1-CJOC, and Webmarks Design & Marketing Ltd

Junior Female Athlete Payton Shields (Wrestling)

Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen Kieran Mattice

Coaching Excellence Rob Wood (Volleyball)

Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport Chad Chief Moon

Senior Male Athlete Coby Iwassa (Racquetball)

Amateur Team University of Lethbridge Pronghorns - 4x100m Medley Relay Men’s Swim team

Sport Administrator David Zeeb (Badminton)

Senior Female Athlete Paige Crozon & Kacie Bosch (Basketball)

Special Olympics Athlete Naomi Leam (Swimming)

Officiating Excellence Lindsey Ducharme (Hockey)

Coaching Excellence Peter Schori (Swimming)

Dr Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence Award 20th Anniversary ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival

Volunteer in Sport Peter Kremenik (Speed Skating)

Business & Sport Excellence Stranville Living Master Builder

InCoby’sabsencehisawardwas acceptedbyhisfather.

SPORT FOR ALL INITIATIVES

ALL ABILITIES LACROSSE

In partnership with Lacrossing Barriers and Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind

Held at Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society 80 participants over 11 sessions in 2023. This has become a weekly program running in Lethbridge

SPEED SKATING NEWCOMER TRY IT EVENT

In partnership with Lethbridge Speed Skating Association

10 participants were able to try speed skating

SPORT FOR ALL: BREAKING BARRIERS

Launch of the 6-part series of interactive and educational workshops focusing on creating welcoming, inclusive, accessible and safe sport experiences facilitated by individuals with lived experiences and topic experts.

Session 1 was held in November, Session 2 was held in December.

SPORT FOR ALL WEBPAGE

Information on which organizations offer accessible, adaptable, and/or inclusive programming

Information on upcoming sport for all events and programs

Addition of Sport for All resource category

On deck in 2024: Sport For All Newsletter, conclusion of Sport for All: Breaking Barriers speaker series, Inclusive Backpacks & more

The Community Coordinator, Sport for All position is made possible through funding from the Government of Alberta Sport Participation Support Program, which supports the Pathway to Participation for All initiative.

THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER14,2023

CANADIANWESTERNBANKLOUNGE,ENMAXCENTRE

The goal of this 1-day event was to showcase the diverse opportunities available to leaders in sport.

SESSIONTOPICS:

Leadership Opportunities within Sport

How to be a Leader: In and Out of Sport

Coachability: Serving you in Sport, Serving you in Life

Identifying your Passion

CONFERENCESPEAKERS:

Spencer Pommels, Manager of Pronghorn Athletics

Keegan Brantner, M.A. Kinesiology

Dr. Rick Gilson, SAPDC Executive Director

Jane O’Connor, B Sc/B Ed

There were 38 students from 6 schools in attendance. Perks for attending included access to the Get Involved Grant and the SASLC Tuition Credit Award.

COACH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

APRIL14/15,2023

INPARTNERSHIPWITHFSQSPORT ANDUNIVERSITYOFLETHBRIDGE

This inaugural event kicked off year-round support focused on critical areas like competence, confidence, character, connection, and culture.

CONFERENCE INSTRUCTORS:

Matt Young

Russsel Earnshaw

Graeme Moffat

There were 46 coaches in attendance from a variety of local and regional sport organizations

In the months following the conference, a new name and branding was established

Going forward the conference will fall under the umbrella of “Lethbridge Game Changers”, with a more diverse audience, including coaches, athletes, administrators, and parents.

The Lethbridge Sport Council hosted the 15th Anniversary Celebration on March 28th, 2023, at the Galt Museum and Archives. This celebration was in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting.

Highlights of the 15th Anniversary Celebration included:

Speeches from founding chair Dr. Gary Bowie, City of Lethbridge councillor Mark Campbell, and LSC chair Erin Low

A visual timeline featuring artifacts, publications, and memorabilia from sporting moments over the past 15 years

A delicious spread of appetizers catered by Country Kitchen

A custom cake that included the names of all the board members since the inception of the Lethbridge Sport Council

A commemorative publication celebrating the Lethbridge Sport Council’s 15th Anniversary. The publication was made available in print, and can also be viewed on our website.

See the commemorative publication here --> https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/about-us/history

An online version of the commemorative report can be found here

Partnered Programs and Events

Board Leadership

Member of the organizing committee for Board Leadership Lethbridge. 2023 saw the return of inperson learning events through BLL. A 1-day conference was held in October, with over 160 people in attendance, including representatives from 17 sport organizations.

Trail Running Film Festival

This inaugural event was co-hosted with Chantelle Erickson and held at the Fredericks Theatre in Lethbridge College. There were 49 attendees

Give it a Try

Multiple sessions were co-hosted with the local sport organizations that offer these sports. Sports included: disc golf, golf, handball, climbing, badminton, jui jitsu, lacrosse, para ice hockey and wrestling. Additionally we supported and promoted GIAT events that organizations were holding independently, including: ringette, speed skating, and synchronized swimming.

LA-X Shooting for Unity

This Come Try Lacrosse event was co-hosted with Chad Chief Moon, and held at Galt Gardens during Reconciliation Week.

Play Summit

Member of the organizing committee for the in-person Play Summit 2023, held at the Lethbridge Public Library, with keynote presenter Matt Leung.

Other events

We attended as exhibitors at several events hosted by our colleagues, including: Pride in the Park, Nature Fest, Word on the Street, Newcomer Welcome, and more.

OUR MEMBERS

SPORT ORGANIZATION MEMBERS

Organization member receives timely sport news about funding opportunities, training and education, sport related resources, and access to our comprehensive range of support services.

ACE Volleyball Club

Adaptable Outdoor Recreation Society (Adaptable Outdoors)

Alberta Health Services - Para Ice Hockey

Alberta Sport Development Centre SW

Arctic Strength

BikeBridge Cycling Association

Blind Bowling

Bridge Valley Golf

Castle Mountain Ski Resort

Champion Taekwon-Do

Chinook Country Shooters Club

Cor Van Raay YMCA

Coulee Climbing

Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club

Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta

Fédération du sport francophone de l’Alberta

FUEL Lifestyle and Performance

Gracie Barra Lethbridge

G S Lakie Middle School

Headwinds Cycling Club

High Level Canoes and Kayaks

High Performance Hockey

Horns Recreation, University of Lethbridge

KidSport Lethbridge Taber

LA Hotshot Target Shooting Club

Legacy Tae Kwon-Do Schools

Lethbridge & Area Recreational Hockey Club

Lethbridge Alberta Cycling Association

Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club

Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association

Lethbridge American Legion Baseball Association

Lethbridge Badminton Club

Lethbridge BMX Association

Lethbridge Bowbenders Archery Club

Lethbridge Boxing Club

Lethbridge Bulls Baseball Club

Lethbridge Children's Learn to Skate Association

Lethbridge College Kodiaks

Lethbridge Competitive Climbing

Lethbridge Curling Club

Lethbridge Disc Golf Association

Lethbridge Diving Club

Lethbridge Dopamine Boxing

Lethbridge Fish and Game Association

Lethbridge Horseshoe Club

Lethbridge Kung Fu

Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club

Lethbridge Lacrosse Association

Lethbridge Lawn Bowling Club

Lethbridge Lightning Senior AA Hockey Organization

Lethbridge Little League Baseball

Lethbridge Minor Basketball Association

Lethbridge Minor Football Association

Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association

Lethbridge Minor Softball Association

Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association

Lethbridge Pickleball Club

Lethbridge Rams Football

Lethbridge Ringette Association

Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild

Lethbridge Rugby Club

Lethbridge Shotokan Karate

Lethbridge Skating Club

Lethbridge Soccer Association

Lethbridge Speed Skating Association

Lethbridge Squash Association

Lethbridge Steel Women's Tackle Football

Lethbridge Synchrobelles

Lethbridge Tennis Club

Lethbridge Track and Field Club

Lethbridge Vipers Football Club

Lethbridge Volleyball Club

Lethbridge Wheelchair Basketball Association

Live Better Health & Fitness

O2 Training Centre

Orion Sports Group

ORCAS - Lethbridge Summer Swim Club

Parkrun Canada

Pass Powderkeg Ski Area

Peak Elite Cheerleading

Prairie Baseball Academy

Prairie Runner's Race Association

Progressive Fighting Academy

Pronghorn Amateur Wrestling Association

Pure Power Wrestling

Rocky Mountain Turf Club

Roller Hockey Association of Lethbridge

Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Boxing Club

Southern Alberta Bowhunting Association

Southern Alberta Firearms Education Society

Southern Alberta Inline

Southern Alberta Minor Football Association

Southern Alberta Multisport Society

Southern Alberta Skating Academy

Special Olympics Lethbridge

Sportball Lethbridge

Strength Camp Alberta

Tailwind Equestrian

Team ID (Impavidus Draconis) Dragonboat Club

Tribal Ice Hockey

University of Lethbridge Junior Lifesaving Club, Max Bell

Mantas

University of Lethbridge Pronghorns

University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Ringette

West Wind Gymnastics Club

Women's Soccer Association of Lethbridge

OUR MEMBERS

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Associate members are non-voting members who have interest in sport in Lethbridge as part of their mandate or operations but it is not their primary focus or activity.

Adapt Chiropractic

Alberta Recreation and Parks Association

Alberta Team Handball Federation

Alberta Whitewater Association

Badminton Alberta

Be Fit For Life - Lethbridge College

Blood Tribe Recreation

Bowls Alberta

Canadian Gaelic Athletic Association

Combative Sports Commission

Elite Sports Medicine

ENMAX Centre

EVO Athletics

Family Resource Centre

Fill Your Cup Counselling

Flaman Fitness

Immanuel Christian Secondary School

Integral Hockey Lethbridge

KidSport Lethbridge Taber

Kinetic Indoor Cycle & Fitness

Lethbridge Exhibition Park

Lethbridge 2020 Alberta Summer Games Society

Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce

Lethbridge Lodging Association

Lethbridge Peak Elite Parents Association

Lethbridge Public Library

Lethbridge River Recreation Society

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame

Lethbridge Family Services-Immigrant Services

Lime Health and Wellness

Lethbridge Sports Photography

ReadytoHunt

Reeltrekk

Restore Wellness Centre

Runner's Soul

Holy Spirit School Division #4

Lethbridge School Division #51

Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society

South Region - Skate Canada - Alberta, NWT/Nunavut

Société de la Petite Enfance et de la Famille du Sud de lAlberta

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta

SteepleJAC Athletics!

Swim Alberta

Team Lethbridge - Southern Alberta Summer Games

The Bridge Sports Therapy & Training

Learning@HOME

The Gym In The North

The Tetra Society of North America - Lethbridge Chapter

Tourism Lethbridge

Tribal Ice Hockey Development

Under the Lights Entertainment

Volunteer Lethbridge Association

98 1 The Ranch

94 1 CJOC

Individual members are non-voting members who are interested in sport in Lethbridge and support the Lethbridge Sport Council mandate

Abhilash Chatterjee

Ada Larson

Angela Bruce

Annette Peacock

Benson Nitsiza

Brandi Merritt-Miyanaga

Bill Halma

Brittany Coma

Candy Stang

Carmyn James

Colby Lindseth

Corey Anderson

Chad Chief Moon

Chantelle Erickson

Charlotte Dziendzielowski

Cherise Eaves

Chris Stasiuk

Christopher R. Campbell

Craig Burrows-Johnson

Crystal Scheit

Dany Stadtmuller

Dave Sehn

David Wildman

Don Gatto

Doug MacLeod

Bonhu Koo

Erin Low

Francisca Badilla

Gary Bowie

Gordon Hunter

Hayley Wall

Heather Mathur

Henry Peters

Jo Anne Clavel

Jonathan Dick

Jordan Calladine

Josh Hoetmer

Kamryn Sandberg

Keegan Brantner

Kelsey Prenevost

Kelsey Rathwell

Knud Petersen

Lacie Daniels

Levi Clampitt

Lori Harasem

Lucas Dancey

Malcom Kano

Mike Kennedy

Mike Medhurst

Myles Fletcher

Neil Langevin

Nicole Dola

Nishantha

Kamburugamuwa

Rob Baird

Ryan Westerson

Sandra McGrath

Sean Kirby

Shaun Ward

Shawn Daye-Finley

Sherry Hazelaar

Stephanie Sorensen

Steve Dudas

Steve Perkins

Susan Eymann

Susan Gouw

Tanya Whipple

Todd Caughlin

Travis Grindle

Trevor Sakatch

Tyson Kwasny

Vanessa Kwok

MEMBER SUPPORTS

Customized one-on-one support was provided to member organizations. The following chart provides a comprehensive illustration of the supports provided in 2023.

CHART OF MEMBER SUPPORTS CONTINUED

LSC COMMUNITY ROOM USAGE

Although not exclusively, the primary users of the Lethbridge Sport Council Community Room are our member organizations.

Q1 - 27 bookings, 10 users

Q2 - 11 bookings, 5 users

Q3 - 18 bookings, 8 users

Q4 - 16 bookings, 8 users

LEADERSHIP, DIVERSITY, & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

PROUD MEMBER OF:

Sport Tourism Canada

Team Lethbridge (lead by Economic Development

Lethbridge)

Lethbridge Plays

Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce

Southern Alberta Recreation Association

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with A Disability

COMMITTEES WE BELONG TO:

Alberta Sport Leadership Association Strategic Committee

Prescription to Get Active - Chinook Chapter

Lethbridge Plays Steering Committee

Lethbridge Indigenous Sharing Network

Board Leadership Lethbridge

Coach Alberta Board of Directors

Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors

Economic Development Lethbridge Board of Directors

Tourism Lethbridge - Sport Tourism Advisory Committee

Lethbridge Plays Advisory Council

Southern Alberta Recreation Association

SELECTION PANELS

Speedskating Canada Awards panel

Sport Tourism Canada Prestige award adjudication panel

Lethbridge Little League coach selection committee

Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame selection committee

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

On-Line: SIRC Sport Canada Research Institute Conference

On-Line: SIRC's 2023 Concussion in Sport Symposium

Pilot Parasport Mentor Coach Program through McGill University

Physical Activity 101: Understanding Physical Activity for After-School Programs in Alberta

Physical Activity 2.0: Inclusive Play for After-School Programs

Full staff team - Discovery Insights

Mike Bruised Head Indigenous culture and sport presentation - attended by staff & board

Sport For Life Summit Calgary, 2 day in-person event on Inclusivity and Indigenous Sport

All staff attended webinars and/or participated in learning opportunities specific to their roles.

FUND DEVELOPMENT

2020 2021 2022

WAGE SUBSIDY AND PROJECT GRANTS

Canada Summer Jobs - hiring grant

Venture for Canada - hiring grant

ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge - Give It A Try events

2023

Canada Parks and Recreation Reaching Each and Every One: A Community Sport Intervention

City of LethbridgeCommunity Event Support Grant to support 15th Anniversary

City of Lethbridge Community Event Grant for Southern Alberta Sport Leadership Conference

Return to Play, Government of Alberta - Give It A Try events

Sport Participation, Government of Alberta - Sport for All

Community Services Recovery Fund, Government of Canada - Volunteer Management System

Charitable Impact Lethbridge Sport Council Giving Group launched

TESTIMONIALS

Upon a friend’s recommendation, I explored the Lethbridge Sport Council board member opportunity, and I'm thrilled I did. Despite my lack of board experience, I received a warm welcome. My intention was to represent the recreational running community and to add the voice of a Black female community member Since joining, I've MC'd awards, nominated coaches, and engaged in initiatives like the Be A Coach campaign and the Trail Running Film Festival

As a fitness instructor, small business owner, and athlete, my involvement has shown me that I possess the qualities necessary to make meaningful contributions to sport: heart and passion. The friendships and knowledge gained are priceless Contributing to Lethbridge, with its vibrant sport community, brings me immense joy

Chantelle Erickson (Board of Directors 2020 - ongoing)

It was really special to recognize so many families from Roving Gyms at Tuesday’s Give It A Try at Coulee Climbing. The parents were excited to involve their kids in another Lethbridge Sport Council program, and some even brought other families who don’t frequent Roving Gyms. When one parent described the Give It A Try events as “the next step” for their Roving Gyms child, I realized that effective interplay between the two programs. The Roving Gyms program is dedicated to developing physical literacy in kids through play The Give It A Try programs introduce these kids to sports, but the concept of ‘play’ is still the focus GIAT events are not about training for the sport, but about being exposed and exploring physical activity through sport; very much play-centred

Parker Allen LSC Intern

IN THE NEWS

MEDIA COVERAGE

Media Releases

February 9, 2023 - Media release 'Lethbridge Coach Development Initiative'

February 16, 2023 - Media release 'Canada Winter Games'

March 3, 2023 - Media release 'Trail Running Film Festival'

March 15, 2023 - Media release 'LSCAA Announcement of Recipients'

Media release: Lethbridge Vipers, sent on behalf of Anthony Parker

June 23, 2023 - Media release 'Bridge the Gap'

June 2, 2023 - Media release 'SportFest 2023 - A One-Stop Shop for Sports'

July 19, 2023 - Media release '2023 Alberta Summer Games'

July 13, 2023 - Media release ‘Local Representation at the North American Indigenous Games’

July 5, 2023 - Media release 'Southern Alberta Sport Leadership Conference'

November 1, 2023 - Media release 'Sport For All Breaking Barriers’

November 3, 2023 - Media release ‘Lethbridge Game Changers Conference’

December 18, 2023 - Media release ‘Call for Nominations - Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards’

Shared Media Releases:

Southern Alberta Recreation Association announced the Southern Alberta Summer Games will not be held in 2023

SPAR Matter Campaign pre provincial election Team Handball is coming to Lethbridge

Southern Alberta Recreation Association announced the Southern Alberta Summer Games will be hosted by the Town of Coaldale in 2024

Hosted a media event in partnership with Lethbridge Roller Derby

Additional Media coverage:

CTV March 16 - Shortage of volunteer coaches, increased cost of living impacts Lethbridge sport organizations

Lethbridge Herald - upon request provided three Alberta Summer Games story ideas, two were followed up on PlayOn! Street Hockey interview for national article Interviews with Bridge City News (SportFest and Sport Tourism Canada - Sport Event Congress) and CTV: (Creating more indoor recreational opportunities in Lethbridge)

City of Lethbridge Community Conversations - Lethbridge Herald

Sport for All: Breaking Barriers 6-Part Series - My Lethbridge Now, Global Lethbridge

Lethbridge Game Changers Conference - Lethbridge Herald

COMMUNICATIONS

In 2023 we published the 3rd edition of an online publication, Sport Matters. Local sport organizations and businesses had the opportunity to work with Lethbridge Sport Council to submit advertisement to promote their programs and organizations.

40 page publication

36 organizations and businesses

Value added content included: Fee Assistance, Safe Sport Tips for Athletes, and Rule of 2 LSC content was featured: From Sport to Leadership and Thanks Coach 2022

An article from Active for life - 'How to Find Adaptive and Inclusive Programs' Staff provided an original article to feature in the publication:

The Empowering Impact of Sport - Susan Eymann

Quality Sport Experiences for All - Keegan Brantner

Sport and Community Building - Tanya Whipple

Play on the Pathway to Sport - Shawn Daye-Finley

The Importance of Sport Tourism - Martin Lawrence

Photos from local amateur photographer, Cameron Yoos were featured

A page to highlight LSC’s 15th Anniversary was included, linking to the commemorative report

ONLINE ENGAGEMENT

Facebook

2K Facebook likes

38.1K Facebook page reach

251 members on the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki - Sport Connection – Lethbridge Facebook group

Instagram

1.5K Instagram followers

15.6K Instagram profile reach

Twitter

Analytics unavailable

YouTube

51 YouTube subscribers, 7,739 views

A sample of the additional resources and features found in Sport Matters 2023

See the 2023 publication here --> https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/sportmatters

Constant Contact

13 Constant Contact newsletters

6.2K sends

64% open rate, 8% click rate

700 Newsletter subscribers

2980 Subscribers

Issuu

97,956 impressions

8,976 reads, 497 clicks

Linktree

1.34K views, 1K clicks (lifetime)

LinkedIn

346 LinkedIn followers

WEBSITE ANALYTICS & STATISTICS

lethbridgesportcouncil.ca is continually undergoing adjustments and improvements to make it more functional and user-friendly. Our website is Lethbridge's source for sport related news, resources, and program information.

W RS

8.3K

16.2K visitors found the website on Facebook

8.3K used a direct URL

8.3K used a direct URL

of visitors are in Canada

59%

86.4% of visitors are on a mobile device 38% are on a desktop, and the remaining 2% are on a tablet.

An additional 8% are in the United States

229

unique visitors on Jan 17

the day Alexa Koshman’s coach story was posted

WEBSITE USAGE

66.1 K

1200 visitors used Google to find the website

Page Views

Our pages were viewed an average of 181 times/day

29.5 K

Unique Visitors

Pages were viewed by an average of 81 unique visitors/day

601

Most Popular News

A news story announcing the Trail Running Film Festival was the most popular

3600

Most Popular Page

The Roving Gyms page sees traffic as parents come to register.

NEW PAGES ON LETHBRIDGESPORTCOUNCIL.CA

In 2023 we added 6 new pages to the website:

Lethbridge Game Changers

Sport Tourism

Sport for All

Southern Alberta Sport Leadership Conference

Sport Hosting History

Empowering Coaches in Sport

SPORT DIRECTORY

This comprehensive tool includes information for 200+ local sport organizations, 100+ provincial sport organizations, and 15 local sport facilities.

Member organizations are encouraged to take advantage of the enhanced member profile features they can access, which includes photos, embedded video link, social media links, logo, and information about accessible and inclusive programming, if applicable.

Sport Directory Visits

The sport directory was the 3rd most visited page on the website.

COACH SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Co-hosted with Alberta SPAR, 3 free multisport inperson NCCP modules - 30 attendees

Worked with Handball Alberta to offer a coaching/officiating clinic in Lethbridge, in conjunction with a free Give it a Try event

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

295 coaches on our distribution list

8 Coaching News newsletters

Promoted online training opportunities

Member of the Coach Alberta board of directors

RECOGNITION

The new Coaching Excellence awards were presented to recognize High Performance and Community coaches. Recipients were Peter Schori and Rob Wood.

National Coaches Week - shared stories recognizing FIVE new local community coaches: Teagan Viney, Jessica Zarowny, Alexa Koshman, Shanna Walchuk, and Cody Hemmerling

Blue Cross Community Wellbeing Grant ProgramSuccessfully nominated Chad Chief Moon

Rachael Thomas Community Builders AwardKeegan Brantner

Provided a letter of support for Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame application for Kurt Berndtsson, athlete (Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, Builder 2013)

BE A COACH CAMPAIGN

Video production began for a campaign to recruit new coaches

Local coaches from different sports and backgrounds were recruited and interviewed, including, Dave Zeeb, Chantelle Erickson, Keegan Brantner, Chad Chief Moon, and Kamryn Sandberg

SPORT TOURISM

Lethbridge Sport Council collaborates with Tourism Lethbridge and the many sport tourism stakeholders to attract and promote sport events that bring economic, social, and community benefits to Lethbridge and region.

PARTNERSHIP WITH LETHBRIDGE TOURISM

The Lethbridge Sport Council is a member of the Tourism Lethbridge - Sport Tourism Advisory Committee. We strongly believe in a collaborative community effort of sport tourism partners to grow the sport and tourism economy.

DEVELOPMENT

Work with Tourism Lethbridge to assess the current state of sport tourism in Lethbridge and work to build management tools and bidding and hosting resources

Co-hosted with Tourism Lethbridge the 2nd Sport Tourism Happy Hour with guests Grant MacDonald and Derek Mager from Sport Tourism Canada to review Lethbridge’s sport tourism assessment results and recommendations

Collected data for 185 of 234 sport events, completing 65 STEAM reports, totalling an economic impact of $7,694,114 for Lethbridge, with 33,225 sport tourism visitors to Lethbridge. Sport Tourism Advisory Committee, 19 members, met eight times

DR. GARY BOWIE SPORT EVENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

This award recognizes sport event hosting excellence. The award was named after Gary Bowie, who served as the founding chair of the Lethbridge Sports Bid Committee formed in 1998. In 2022, Tourism Lethbridge became the 10-year Premier Award Sponsor. In 2023 this award was presented to the 20th Anniversary ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival.

‘STEAM’ REPORTS

In 2023, we collected the data for, and completed the STEAM (Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model) reports for 185 sporting events, from 28 different sports, hosted by 32 organizing committees, at 27 different venues in Lethbridge.

The 2023 report in its entirety is on our website, you can view it here ➨ https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/sport-tourism

Lethbridge Sport Tourism Economic Impact Report 2023

SPORT TOURISM

BIDDING & HOSTING SUPPORT

CONNECT AND EDUCATE

Proactively engage with and aid local sport organizations in building capacity to host potential events and provide support to bid for events.

Tourism Lethbridge's Lethbridge Sports Facilities 360 VR video by Winged Whale Media won gold at the international NYX Awards in the Immersive & Mixed Reality - Use of 360 category.

Sport tourism related communications with 50 local organizations

Letters of support:

2024 Alberta Esports Provincial Championships

Rocky Mountain Turf Club formation of Warrier

Relay Racing Alberta: The Spirit of the Horse

Alberta 2030 Commonwealth Games bidding group

University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Ringette Team to host the 2024 and 2025 University Challenge Cup Provided support to local bidding and hosting committees:

Play On! Street Hockey

2023 U13 Girls Provincial Hockey Host Committee

Lethbridge Curling Club - 2025 Olympic Trials Bid Committee

2024 Alberta Esports Provincial Championships

ADVOCACY AND LEAD GENERATION

Engaged in sport event outreach provincially and nationally, highlighted by these two national conferences

Sport Tourism Canada - Sport Event Congress, Richmond, BC was attended by a 5-member team from Lethbridge

Sport Hosting Xperience, Ottawa

PROMOTION

Assist Tourism Lethbridge with the promotion of sport tourism through social media, print and promotional videos and publications, and work with the Tourism Lethbridge team to engage the local community during the events.

Lethbridge Sport Event Facebook Page - 1,313 followers, 202 posts, 980 engagements

Lethbridge Sport Events Instagram account (began posting in Septemeber) - 388 followers, 27 posts, 170 engagements

Lethbridge Sport Council website - Lethbridge Sport Event Calendar listed 263 events with out-of-town visitors

Photo by Cameron Yoos

Photo by Cameron Yoos

TOP 5 IMPACTS OF 2023

5 2 1 3 4

CELEBRATING INCREDIBLE PEOPLE

The Lethbridge Sport Council takes pride in celebrating the achievements within our sport community.

EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATION

The Lethbridge Sport Council proudly works in partnership with other not-for-profit, public, and private organizations to advance sport excellence through education initiatives.

ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY IN SPORT

We take pride in promoting the values and benefits of sport.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Our team actively engages with local, regional, and provincial boards and committees to advocate, linking organizations with resources and families with sport programs.

BUILDING A STRONGER SPORT COMMUNITY

The Lethbridge Sport Council leads the way with groundbreaking initiatives in collaboration with private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. At the core of our efforts is a simple yet profound vision: to uplift community sport, empower individuals, and create a safe and sustainable sport culture.

“It's been amazing. I didn’t think I’d be able to catch a ball. It’s all in the coaching and learning technique. It’s great to get out and learn something new."

65-year-old legally blind participant of All Abilities All Possibilities Lacrosse

“The Conference inspired me. It is important for athletes to receive information about all the fields of sport at the start of their athletic careers because it will help shape their future.”

“All I can do is put my goals and plans into action. It’s a lot easier surrounding myself with people like the Lethbridge Sport Council. Thank you all. We are all in this together.”

Chad Chief Moon, Lacrosse and Hockey Coach

"I am inspired! This (program) is a long-time dream of ours. Thank you for all of your hard work to bring together all of the different organizations."

Recreation Excellence Manager, Women's and Girls Only Swim

Southern Alberta Sport Leadership Conference participant