The following is a summary of the many issues of Sport in Alberta. Most of these issues are societal in nature and sport plays a significant role in the betterment of or eradication of these issues. Sport is a critical people and purpose infrastructure for Alberta's Society. Our ability and commitment to evolve into a sport minded culture will lead to better Albertans and better communities in which we live, work and grow our families.

Sport and Health Care

• The most common types of cancer in Alberta are prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer, which also show the strongest preventative link with physical activity (www.health.gov.ab.ca)
• The risk of colon cancer is reduced by up to 50% for those who are the most physically active as compared to those who are inactive (www.centre4activeliving.ca)
• There is a downward trend in adult Albertans and their participation in sport and recreation (Alberta Community Development 2003-2004 Annual Report)
• Nearly half the population is not taking steps to improve their health (48%) (www.health.gov.ab.ca)
• 29% of Albertans reported chronic health problems, 16.2% were related to physical activity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (www.health.gov.ab.ca)
• The total cost of diabetes to the provincial government is $262.3 million/year (www.health.gov.ab.ca)
• 52% of Alberta's seniors are inactive (www.seniors.gov.ab.ca)
• By 2026, 1 in 5 Albertans will be seniors, so it is important to prevent disease now, to avoid over-whelming the system (www.seniors.gov.ab.ca)
• Flexibility and balance activities are recommended everyday for older adults, but only 3.3% of Alberta continuing care facilities offer daily flexibility programming (http://www.centre4activeliving.ca)

Sport and Healthy Communities

• Albertans believe their neighbourhood has low-cost or free recreational facilities, but these areas are clustered in Calgary and Edmonton, leaving rural areas lacking in facilities (http://www.centre4activeliving.ca)
• By 2005, 77% of sport facilities will be 25 years or older in Alberta
• The two largest barriers to participation are the cost of equipment (52%), and admission costs (51.2%) (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)
• One-third of Albertans report facilities are poorly maintained or not located near their home (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)
• Alberta has an average of:
  83,000 volunteer sport coaches
  64,000 volunteer referees or umpires
  252,000 volunteer helpers. (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)
  Sport and Youth Development
• Alberta schools are only dedicating 8.6% of their time to physical education classes, while 10% is recommended (www.calgaryhealthregion.ca)
• In Alberta 57% of children and youth (age 5 - 17) are not active enough for optimal growth and development (www.calgaryhealthregion.ca)

Sport and the Economy

• The average Alberta family spends $2,136 on sport related events and equipment every year. This adds $1.32 billion annually to the economy (www.cd.gov.ab.ca)
• Hosting major events promotes active and healthy lifestyles through sport, opportunities for cultural exchange and friendly competition. (www.awg.ca)

Sports Role in Community Leadership Development

• Almost all Canadians (92%) believe that community level sport can have a positive influence on the personal and moral development of youth. However, fewer than one in five Canadians feel very confident that this potential is currently being realized. ( www.cces.ca )
• While more than 82% of Canadians believe it is either critically or definitely important for community sports to actively promote positive values in today's youth, they are less certain about the extent to which this is being fulfilled. Only 19% are very confident that community sports in Canada are promoting positive values and character building among youth, while a majority (62%) says they are only somewhat confident that this in fact is taking place. ( www.cces.ca )