In 2017, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg created a multisport program for children that met with moderate success.
A few years after that, based on feedback from parents, the program expanded for adults in a co-ed format. As Tissy Bolivar, the program co-ordinator with the municipality, observed, it was women driving the demand for the adult program, with the co-ed component usually comprised of husbands or boyfriends.
So, post-pandemic, Bolivar figured it might be worthwhile to offer a program tailored to women. She figured right.
“We filled immediately and went into waiting lists,” said Bolivar. “And we did an evaluation on why, and a lot of it was because it was women-centered and that they felt more comfortable in that space to try sports that maybe they’d never tried before.”
Programs are held in the spring, usually May and June once there’s a lull in youth sports. One or two of the more popular sports are kept in the mix with others rotated in. This year, archery, boxing, pickleball, soccer and equestrian are among the sports being offered. They’re also looking at bringing in new sport partners and organizations, with a plan in the works to offer a water-based multisport program for women.
“What we’re seeing is along the lines of the youth program in that women who try these sports want to continue and are joining clubs, teams or organizations,” said Bolivar. “So that’s been a big benefit from a community perspective.”
The fee for the six-week program is $60. Sessions are spread out throughout the municipality in an effort to keep costs to a minimum.
But for those who are struggling to find funds to cover the cost of participating in sport, recreation and cultural activities, the municipality has created the Positive Recreation Opportunities for Adults, or PRO, Fund. This also builds off the success of a program offered at the youth level.
“This just launched April 1, so we’re still getting the word out,” said Bolivar. “We’re sending information out to all the organizations that we work with so that they’re able to share it with their participants and help spread the word throughout their networks.
“We’ve funded adults through the program, so there’s been an uptake already, and once the word continues to get out, we’ll be able to do more.”
Bolivar noted that the adult program isn’t just about sport. Music, arts and other cultural activities are included.
“We do have a good cross-section so far,” said Bolivar. “Our lowest age group for the program so far is around 35 to 44 and the oldest is 75-plus, and that’s from all the different districts in the municipality.”
