A time to rebuild

The redevelopment of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility represents more than investment in the infrastructure of the community. Clearly, it is that. But it is nevertheless more than that.

The Terry Fox Athletic Facility is our commitment to recreational participation. It is an investment in health and vigour. A dollar spent today on facilities and programs is at least five dollars saved in direct cost savings to medical intervention in chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular aliments.

Absenteeism is a chronic problem in the workplace, representing millions if not billions of dollars lost in productivity.  Studies indicate that the introduction of physical activity can dramatically reduce lost days.  In one study of a population of just over 14,000 employees over a two year period, 11,726 fewer disability days were taken. This represents a real cost savings of US$2.05 per person per hour, a savings of US$279/day.*

Perhaps the most dramatic effects accrued from investing in facilities like Terry Fox and programs like those offered by the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club are associated with performance in school. Enhanced brain function, energy levels, body builds/perceptions, self-esteem, and behaviour have been attributed to physical activity and this has led to improved academic performance. Can anyone afford not to give our kids the advantages of physical activity?

How you can help

The redevelopment of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility will be the single largest undertaking in the history of the Ottawa Lions Track & Field Club. It is both our greatest challenge and a demonstration of our confidence in the future. The facility will be the "Flagship" of track & field in the region and perhaps even in Canada. We have committed ourselves to rebuilding Terry Fox and to this end we are now beginning the process of raising funds to contribute to our portion of the cost of its redevelopment.

What's your level of support?

Time, funding and contacts - there are many ways to contribute and get involved.

We've simplified the process by providing you with a menu on the right hand side of the page. Whether you're an individual wanting to volunteer, give a small donation or want your company to become a corporate CORPDONATE partner, we have a level of support that fits your interest.

Our relationship with schools throughout the region is long and deep. The Ottawa Lions have put together a program to help the schools not only raise funds for Terry Fox but to raise yearly funds for the schools involved. The program is called "ON TRACK" and it is dedicated to the expansion and promotion of sports and physical activity in our region.

Schools interested can go to EDUDONATE and learn how they can get involved in this lucrative and simple program.

References

* Bertera R. L. 1990 "The effects of workplace health promotion on absenteeism and employment costs in a large industrial population."

**Cocke, A. (2002). Brain May Also Pump up from Workout. Retrieved April 11, 03, from Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting Web Site: http://www.neurosurgery.medsch.ucla.edu/whastnew/
societyforneuroscience.htm

Dwyer, T., Coonan, W., Leitch, D., Hetzel, B., & Baghurst, R. (1983). An investigation of the effects of daily physical activity on the health of primary school students in South Australia. International Journal of Epidemiologists, 12(3), 308-313.

Linder, K. J. (1999). Sport Participation and Perceived Academic Performance of School Children and Youth. Pediatric Exercise Science, 11, 129-144.

Linder, K. J. (2002). The Physical Activity Participation-Academic Performance Relationship Revisited: Perceived and Actual Performance and the Effect of Banding (Academic Tracking). Pediatric Exercise Science, 14, 155-170.

Tremblay, M. S., Inman, J. W., & Willms, J. D. (2000). The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, and Academic Achievement in 12-Year-Old Children. Pediatric Exercise Science, 12, 312-324.