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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 27, 2008 - 35 Fun sports league makes the most of its youths T he following was written by Brandon McGuire, supervisor of child and youth community programs, at the YMCA of Oakville. Why do I enjoy programming basketball for the youth of our community? I have been involved in sport since I was very young -- from soccer to lacrosse, baseball to swimming and in the last 10 years, cycling. After two decades of sport participation, from the community to the national level, I now recognize the benefits of sports, specifically the physical, social and psychological benefits to participation. When I think of those three elements, I conjure up an image of a fun sport league where everyone has the opportunity to improve their skills, where physical fitness is fun, where friendships are developed and everyone feels part of the team. Basically, no one gets left out. Making sure that everyone gets a chance to play is something that I strive to protect when I coach the over 40 YMCA of Oakville volunteer coaches to success each season. It's a priority that I ask them to coach into each and every player. On a real `team,' players are taught to utilize all members, and that everyone has something unique to contribute. I believe that a team is not successful unless each participant has been a part of the team's success and has had the chance to participate and improve. Sometimes we need to make changes to build a truly all-inclusive team. In the younger age groups, scoreboards disappear from the court, to take the focus away from winning and losing. Coaches promote a scoreless game and focus instead on achieving pre-set team goals. At the Y, we encourage parents (and the kids) to forget about the number of baskets made. When everyone is included and feels to be an important member of the team, success is always an end result. I have seen the failures of SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER TEAM BUILDING: Brandon McGuire, supervisor of child and youth community programs, at the YMCA of Oakville. sports in the past, things like the favoritism and the focusing of the team's efforts on the strongest players. This doesn't encourage kids to participate in sport (or healthy active living) -- it gives them a reason to quit. It's up to all of us in the community to get our kids active and promote healthy sport participation for life. I encourage you and your kids to join in on the fun. Sign up for YBC basketball for the coming fall (October to February) and help our kids to be active for life. The YBC league is open to boys and girls from ages five to 13, and no YMCA membership is required. Registration begins in July -- call or email me at 905-845-5597, ext. 234, brandonmc@oakville.ymca.ca, go to www.ymcaofoakville.com (YSports) or drop in to the Y at 410 Rebecca St. We believe everyone has a right to participate, so if a barrier exists, please contact us to discuss. ...see you on the court. Brandon The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville RETIREMENT LIVING JUST GOT BETTER 180 Oak Park Blvd. Oakville, ON W e're very pleased to announce that seniors now have a new option in retirement living. The thoughtfully designed suites, amenity spaces and services of Chartwell Classic Oakville retirement residence are created to match your lifestyle, now and in the future, in a setting you would be proud to call home. Call 905-257-0095 www.chartwellreit.ca Call today to book your personal tour. Leasing up fast! PRESENTATION CENTRE NOW OPEN! Trish White and Jo-Anne Lavigne, are the Marketing Managers for Chartwell Classic Oakville. Collectively they have been in service to seniors and their families for over 25 years. Their passion for exceeding expectations in retirement living is obvious from the smiles on their faces. They look forward to meeting you, drop by the presentation centre today!