It is such an honour for the City of Moose Jaw and the Events Centre to be able to host the Para Hockey Championships this week. I certainly hope we all work to make a lasting impression on our guests from around the world by welcoming them and showing them Saskatchewan friendly hospitality.
I also greatly admire the players as they have exceeded beyond their physical impairment and have overcome many challenges to continue to excel in the sport’s arena. They are players with heart and optimism, and a dedicated commitment to the sport.
Although I do not participate in the level of sports I did when I was younger, I certainly tout the benefits of staying active and participation. As a person ages, we need to find a good fit for our lifestyle and continue to engage in activities that we are able to perform. Although I have golfed for many years and may not have seen much improvement in skill, I can certainly say the love for the sport has increased with age. It’s always been an opportunity to enjoy the sun and fresh air, the exercise and the social arena of the sport.
On the Statistics Canada website, they list the top four most important benefits Canadian’s believe they receive from participating in sports:
- ”Overall, men and women attributed higher levels of importance to relaxation and physical health and fitness and lower levels of importance to sense of achievement, family activity, and making new friends and acquaintances.
- ’’Sport participation encourages team building, social interaction and the bonding of all those involved. This is thought to have relevance to the concept of community identity and social cohesion.
- “To most Canadians, sport participation is a road map to good health and longevity, although they consider nutrition and moderation in such personal habits as drinking as also important. Some see sport as a way to control weight.
- ’’…sport participation may also be linked to increased life satisfaction. Active participants in sports tend to be physically fit and healthy. They tend to feel better about themselves and therefore may be more satisfied with their lives generally.”
Participating in sports also helps to build leadership skills. Belonging to a sport’s team gives a person an opportunity to be around competitive people and role models, and learn from them both. You have an opportunity to demonstrate your own leadership through becoming a team captain and with your own skills to help improve your team's success.
The take-away from all of this is to get involved, find a sport that suits you and your lifestyle and then reap the benefits to a healthier, happier you! You won’t be disappointed!
And to all the teams participating in the Worlds Para Hockey Championship, wishing you all a wonderful stay, satisfaction in your sport, safe travels home and all the best!
To our community, take some time to get out and go to a game or two, support this great opportunity to enjoy a world-class event and this special opportunity granted to our city.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
