Start2Finish Battles Child Poverty

“Poverty is the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution refers to being unable to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter.” (Wikipedia)

What is most troubling about poverty is that as Canadians we think that poverty refers to other people in another land.  But it is not. It is right here in Canada.  There are children living in poverty, who are at great risk and require guidance, academic and physical support, and most importantly, hope for a brighter future.

 

This is why organizations such as Start2Finish are stepping up to break the cycle of child poverty in Canada by providing ongoing educational support and physical activity opportunities to children at risk during their school years. By investing in their future and developing their mind, body and social health, Start2Finish is empowering poverty-stricken Canadian children to succeed, giving them opportunities they  might not otherwise have  ever had.

One of the highly successful Start2Finish programs also addresses the all-important need for physical literacy, by including “The Running & Reading Club” after-school program. This 32-week program is led by 1984 Olympian Sylvia Ruegger, the Canadian record holder in the women’s marathon, who combines enhanced literacy with physical activity to economically challenged children. The program operates directly within local inner city schools, and runs from October to June.  This unique opportunity takes children on a journey that improves their physical, mental, emotional and social health, fostering discipline, goal-setting and literacy.  They build their endurance and strength through fitness activities and also receive individualized tutoring in reading and writing. At the end of the year, the children participate in the Start2Finish 5 km “Run for Change and Reading Challenge” followed by an awards ceremony acknowledging their achievements. So far over 1,400 children, from Halifax to Vancouver, including several First Nations communities, have benefitted from this program.

For more information on child’s health and fitness, please visit SIRC.

Physical activity and academic achievement

 Academic success is an outcome that most parents see as a high priority and many actively help their children strive to attain it. We are all aware that regular physical activity is good for our health, but recent literature has also linked physical activity to helping youth perform better in school.

There are several theories for why exercise is beneficial for brain function:

1. Increased blood flow to the brain, which helps feed the brain with nutrients such as oxygen and glucose
2. An increased level of endorphins lowers levels of stress and anxiety
3. Improved growth factors that spark learning by increasing the number of brain cells in the hippocampus - the area of the brain that is essential for memory and learning 

Regular exercise has been linked to improved concentration, memory, verbal skills and self-esteem. Findings from available research suggest that physically fit children tend to perform better academically in school compared to those who are overweight or unfit and time spent in physical education classes may improve academic performance.

A study from the University of Illinois found that students performed better on reading comprehension, math and spelling when they had a 20-minute period of physical activity immediately preceding the test.

It may be easy to think that the physical activity a student participates in at school is enough to improve grades, but adding in some extra activities won't hurt. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends finding family activities to participate in as well as encouraging youth to find an activity that they enjoy. By promoting fun physical activity, youth may not only benefit from increased academic potential, they have a greater chance of sustaining healthy lifestyle habits into adulthood.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Basch C. Physical Activity and the Achievement Gap Among Urban Minority Youth. Journal Of School Health. October 2011;81(10):626-634.
2. Fox C, Barr-Anderson D, Neumark-Sztainer D, Wall M. Physical Activity and Sports Team Participation: Associations With Academic Outcomes in Middle School and High School Students. Journal Of School Health. January 2010;80(1):31-37.
3. Harrington S, Engels H. School Physical Education, Physical Activity and Fitness: Their relationship to student learning -- An update. MAHPERD Journal. Spring2009 2009;:21-23.
4. Joshi P, Howat H, Bryan C. Relationship Between Fitness Levels and Academic Performance. Journal Of Physical Education & Sport. December 2011;11(44):376-382.
5. Stevens T, To Y, Stevenson S, Lochbaum M. The Importance of Physical Activity and Physical Education in the Prediction of Academic Achievement. Journal Of Sport Behavior. December 2008;31(4):368-388.
6. VAN D, KELDER S, KOHL III H, RANJIT N, PERRY C. Associations of Physical Fitness and Academic Performance Among Schoolchildren. Journal Of School Health. December 2011;81(12):733-740.
7. Vazou S, Gavrilou P, Mamalaki E, Papanastasiou A, Sioumala N. Does integrating physical activity in the elementary school classroom influence academic motivation?. International Journal Of Sport & Exercise Psychology. December 2012;10(4):251-263.

I will be taking my talents to........

At the end of each school year, senior high school students have to make important decisions about the future. For student athletes, this heralds an exciting time in their lives, since some will have the opportunity to be collegiate athletes. For these young people, the process of being recruited and offered a scholarship, often by an American university can be daunting. There are many decisions to be made and depending on your talent level, a lot of pressure.

For aspiring future NBA players who hope to eventually enter the draft, there is a requirement that they be at least 19 years of age and a year removed from high school graduation. In the NFL, an athlete has to be 3 years removed from high school to be eligible for the draft. For most athletes hoping to make it to the big leagues, the best option is the post secondary route. Collegiate sports enable athletes of all abilities and levels to remain involved in their chosen sport.

If you are a high school student athlete hoping to combine your studies while competing in college or university sport, there are a few things which you should take into consideration:

1. Figure out your academic eligibility requirements in the CIS, NCAA, etc. There are core requirements that you should familiarize yourself with as soon as you begin high school. 
2. Be aware of recruiting regulations such as when you can make an official visit, when the coach can contact you and what is a quiet period. Know your rights, what is expected and what is not - both on your end and that of the institution recruiting you. 
3. Take the required standardize test such as the SAT and ACT and know the required minimum score to be accepted at the prospective institution(s). 

For prospective collegiate athletes, the final year of high school can be hectic. With finishing up high school, maintaining good grades, performing on the field at a high level and deciding which post secondary institution best fits your academic and athletic abilities, the year can be a roller coaster of mixed emotions. Familiarizing yourself with the intercollegiate rules and regulations, and understanding what is required of you by the institutions vying for your academic and athletic talents, can make the process much smoother.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Brown G. Knight panel urges educational 'intervention' for recruits. NCAA News. January 29, 2007;44(3):8.

2. Flett M, Gould D, Paule A, Schneider R. How and Why University Coaches Define, Identify, and Recruit 'Intangibles'. International Journal Of Coaching Science. July 2010;4(2):15-35.

3.Johnson G. Hamline course dissects art and science of recruiting. NCAA News[serial online]. September 25, 2012;:1.

4. Johnson G. Spotlight shines on student-athlete experience at summit. NCAA News. February 13, 2006;43(4):7-17.

5. Klungseth S. The Five NCAA Recruiting Rules That High School Coaches Should Know. Coach & Athletic Director. April 2005;74(9):75-81.

6. Trendafilova S, Hardin R, Seungmo K. Satisfaction Among International Student-Athletes Who Participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Journal Of Intercollegiate Sport. December 2010;3(2):348-365.