Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) 2008 World Leisure International Innovation Prize Winner

Ian Cooper, Chair of the International Adjudication Panel was impressed with the qualityof entries and the emphasis that applicants placed on building sustainable social and environmental communities through leisure. He noted that “the winners have all demonstrated highly innovative ways to address challenging community issues. Their solutions are enhancing the lives of more people every year. We encourage other communities to examine these winning projects and use their principles to good effect elsewhere.”

Everybody gets to playÔ  was developed in 1998 to bring awareness to the realities and challenges low-income families face when attempting to access recreation services.  The Initiative provides tools, resources, and support to assist communities to take action and make recreation more accessible.  Critical to the Initiative’s success and sustainability has been the investment by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the role of CPRA’s Provincial/Territorial Parks and Recreation Association partners, members and volunteers.  By working together, the Initiative has influenced individuals, organizations and communities across Canada.  

“Everybody gets to play is a shining example of collaboration at all levels” states Gerald Mirecki, CPRA President. “The success of this Initiative is a result of dedicated professionals and volunteers working together to build healthy communities and enhance the quality of life and environments for all Canadians.”

Founded in 1952, the World Leisure Organization is a world-wide, non-governmental association of persons and organizations dedicated to discovering and fostering those conditions best permitting leisure to serve as a force for human growth, development and well-being. World Leisure pursues these goals through education, research and informed advocacy.

Established in 1945, the CPRA is a national voluntary-sector organization dedicated to realizing the full potential of parks and recreation services as a major contributor to community health and vibrancy.

For more information on CPRA and the Everybody gets to playÔ  Initiative, visit www.everybodygetstoplay.ca or contact Keri Hoffman Everybody gets to playÔ  Project Manager at 613-523-5315 ext. 308.