History
In June 2014, the Banff Community Foundation met with Bow Valley Sport and Recreation stakeholders and organized a community “sport conversation” aimed at identifying opportunities to build and enhance the Bow Valley communities through sport. Having just hosted the very successful 2014 Banff-Canmore Alberta Winter Games, the stage was set to build on the outcomes of the Games. During the games, a number of sports groups, coaches, volunteers etc. met each other for the first time. Sport spaces and equipment were shared and new relationships were formed. A steering committee was formed to investigate how to build on the synergies created by the Games and other successful Bow Valley sporting events. The Banff Community Foundation supported the efforts of the Steering Committee by leveraging True Sport Grant funding to bring on a paid staff member to move from ideas to action. The steering committee’s work, research and collaboration resulted in consensus around forming a registered not-for-profit sport and recreation council. The Council was incorporated in July 2015.
Vision
A Bow Valley where everyone has access to an active lifestyle and can enjoy sport and recreation without barriers.
Mission
The Council enables sports and recreation providers and partners to reduce barriers so that every person in the Bow Valley has the opportunity to participate in a variety of quality sport and recreation activities. This includes programs or opportunities that are: organized and at leisure; indoors and outdoors; individually or in groups; and in every season.
Focus Areas
- Physical literacy
- Pauw Foundation True Sport Youth Fund
- Under-represented groups
- Bow Valley Sports Hall of Fame
- Capacity of Council
- Sport and Recreation Hub
Principles
- Go for it
- Play fair
- Respect others
- Keep it fun
- Stay healthy
- Include everyone
- Give back