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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-038 - Minor Sport Affiliation and Insurance Coverage of Stars Orienteering Club ) R Community Services Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Community Services Committee April 23, 2007 Denise Keelan, Interim Director, Aquatics and Athletics (2706) John Cooper, Co-ordinator of Athletics ( 2688) All April 11 , 2007 CSD-07-038 MINOR SPORT AFFiliATION AND INSURANCE COVERAGE OF STARS ORIENTEERING CLUB RECOMMENDATION: That Council approves the Stars Orienteering Club as an affiliated minor sport group with the City of Kitchener per the City's Minor Sport Affiliation policy; and further, That Council approves the addition of the Stars Orienteering Club, as an insured group in the City of Kitchener's Minor Sports third party liability insurance program. Background: A dedicated group of volunteers has established a local orienteering club. They have registered with Orienteering Ontario and have been active since September 2006. The mandate of this group is to promote the sport of orienteering to all ages and to increase awareness and participation in the sport through local events and competitions. The club teaches respect for the natural recreation and park areas that they utilize in their sport. The Club has applied to the City of Kitchener to become an Affiliated Minor Sport. They believe that affiliation with the City will lend credibility to their organization and will help to increase membership. The Club is a not-for-profit organization operating under democratic principles, and it does not duplicate the services of another affiliated minor sport. REPORT: Minor sports associations wishing to affiliate with the City of Kitchener must express an interest to Athletics staff, must be not-for-profit, must operate under democratic principles, and not duplicate the services of an existing minor sports association. The applying organization must display an interest and ability to meet all other aspects of the City's affiliation policy within two years of affiliation. Report No: CSD-07-038 2 Orienteering is a growing sport within Canada exhibiting a renewed interest by active citizens and new Canadians since the 1970's. The new club has hosted two competitive events and several training sessions for beginners since their recent formation. Additional training sessions and competitions are being organized for spring and summer 2007. Volunteers are working co- operatively with other local clubs, such as Nordic Sports and Track, to provide cross-training experiences for their members. The benefits to the City of Kitchener in affiliating the Club include: · Organization of programs for youth, thereby creating environments for enjoyment, socialization and skill development. · Supporting youth in healthy and active lifestyles, thereby improving their health and building life-long participants in sport. · Availability in providing financial assistance to participants who might not otherwise join, thereby making recreation accessible to Kitchener residents. The Club volunteers are applying to local service clubs and other sources for funding to purchase necessary equipment. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There is no financial impact when adding an affiliate to the City of Kitchener minor sport listings. Denise Keelan Interim Director, Aquatics and Athletics Division AP