HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-004 - International Children's Games - Reykjavik, Iceland
)
R
Community Services
Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Community Services Committee
January 8, 2007
Denise Keelan, Interim Director, Aquatics and Athletics
John Cooper, Athletics Coordinator (Ext. 2688)
All
December 21 , 2006
CSD-07-004
INTERNATIONAL. CHILDREN'S GAMES - REYKJAVIK,
ICELAND
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City of Kitchener, in partnership with the K-W Sports Council, register a team of
up to 18 athletes and 6 officials to participate in the 2007 International Children's Games,
in Reykjavik, Iceland; and further,
That the City of Kitchener send two delegates, one acting as head of delegation and a
City representative/VIP, to the Games.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Kitchener has been invited to send a team of up to 18 children (12 - 15 years), 4
coaches and 2 official representatives to participate in the International Children's Games in
Reykjavik, Iceland, June 20 - June 25th, 2007. The minimum number of participants on the team
must be four.
The deadline for registration is January 15, 2007.
BACKGROUND:
The International Children's Games "promote peace and friendship through sports to the world's
youth". Now the world's largest international multi-sport youth games, the International
Children's Games have allowed 23,000 children throughout 60 countries to compete
internationally, experience new cultures and form lifelong friendships with fellow athletes.
There will be 1 ,200 children participating in Athletics (track and field), Swimming, Football
(soccer), Team Handball, Golf, Judo and Badminton. Athletics and Swimming are core sports;
teams must participate in one of these sports. The Games are sanctioned by the International
Olympic Committee. The host community pays for accommodation and meals during the
games. The participating team pays for all travel and additional costs.
Report No: CSD-06-004
2
REPORT:
Cities that participate in the Games do so by invitation. The City of Kitchener has supported a
team to attend the Games in Hamilton (2000), Cleveland, U.S.A. (2004) and Coventry, England
(2005). Currently, the affiliated sports groups requesting participation are the Region of
Waterloo Swim Club, KW Track and Field and the Asahi Judo Club.
The KW Sports Council is actively seeking funding for an ongoing commitment from community
businesses and companies that will support these games for current and upcoming years.
All costs for the athletes and coaches will be covered through fees paid by parents,
sponsorships, and fund-raising by the K-W Sport Council and the participating sport groups.
The City will pay for travel costs for one City Representative and for one staff member as the
Head of Delegation. This amount is currently in existing athletic budgets.
The participation of a team from Kitchener at the Games in Reykjavik continues to show our
Minor Sport Groups the City's broad commitment to sport in our community and to world peace
through sport. Supporting the International Children's Games positions the City of Kitchener to
potentially host in the future. Our continued involvement allows the capacity for the Sport
Tourism strategy to potentially link with this project.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The City would provide funding for up to $4,000 from the existing Minor Sport discretionary fund.
This amount will cover city staff travel and fees associated with the games.
Denise Keelan, Interim Director
Aquatics and Athletics
KC