PICKERING HONOURED AT THE CANADIAN SPORT AWARDS Pickering, Ontario (April 3, 2006) - On Friday, March 31, the City of Pickering was one of only three municipalities across Canada to be honoured with the Bell True Sport Community Award. The award is given to communities who use sport to unite and develop their community, communities who echo the True Sport values of inclusion, fairness, excellence and fun. With the Bell True Sport Community Award comes a $10,000 grant to be used to develop values-based sport opportunities in the community. Research by the Canadian Centre for Ethics In Sport confirms that second only to family, community sport is the most important influencing factor on values for the development of children. While organized sport teaches important values such as teamwork, discipline, sacrifice and reward, True Sport emphasizes the aspects of playing fair, respecting others, keeping it fun and giving back to the community. Last fall, Regional Councillor and former Toronto Police Officer, Bill McLean brought a resolution to Council to declare Pickering a True Sport community. All members of Council embraced the movement. With the support from above, staff were able to devote time and resources to implementing True Sport objectives throughout Pickering. "I am concerned that approximately 75 per cent of kids leave organized sport at the age of 13, because it's just not fun anymore," said Councillor McLean. "It's important that we encourage our youth to stay involved in organized sports, as it will help them develop positive values now and into adulthood." The City of Pickering is considered a leader in governance, service delivery, and recreational programming. "I am pleased that this award will help strengthen our reputation as a municipal leader," said Mayor Dave Ryan. "More importantly, our involvement in the True Sport program will help the City of Pickering meet its objective of providing fun, healthy and meaningful recreation and sporting opportunities to our residents". The City of Pickering is committed to working together with sports associations and community partners into the future to provide a healthy sporting experience to all in our community. - 30 - As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located between Toronto and Durham Region. Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery and the environment, and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities for its residents. For more information:
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