Sprockids Finally Gets CCA Recognition
The program, aimed at getting kids off the couch and onto their bikes, is the first step in an integrated model for cycling, from the first introduction to high performance to lifetime activity. Based on the successful program of the same name from the International Mountain Bike Association, and created by BC schoolteacher Doug Detwiller over 10 years ago, the CCA version encourages the development of a broad range of cycling skills. Nicknamed the "two-wheeled approach to self-esteem", the CCA Sprockids / NICP is a Canada-wide initiative for children ages 9-12. The program's philosophy is to involve young people in a healthy, lifelong activity designed to provide opportunity to experience personal success on a variety of levels. As well as teaching cycling skills, the program fosters the learning of life skills, such as goal-setting and problem solving; the appreciation of cycling and learning as life-long activities; and the development of values such as respect for others and responsibility for the environment.
The need for increasing the availability, fun and ease of physical activity for children is clear. Two national studies by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute found that the health of 63% of Canadian children are threatened because of high levels of physical inactivity. Heart and Stroke Foundation and CFLRI, 1997. Another recent study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that the average Canadian child is inactive for 3-5 hours a day in front of the television alone. This does not include the 5-7 hours most children spend sitting in school 5 days a week. (Canadian Medical Association, 2000)
The program, taught by certified and trained instructors, will be piloted in the 2003 cycling season across Canada. It will be rolled out through 5 of the CCA's 7 National Cycling Centres: Dieppe NB; St. Augustin QC; Bromont QC; Hamilton ON; Hardwood Hills ON. In addition, Cycling BC will also run a pilot project in five regions within the province. The program will be fully launched in 2004, and will include the final two Cycling Centres, in Calgary and Victoria, and various other sites across Canada with leadership from the Provincial Cycling Associations.
The program teaches four skill areas: bicycle mechanics, riding 1 & 2, safety and etiquette. The lessons are taught in a sequential pattern, each one building on the previous. Participants will be allowed to progress at their own pace and will be able to record their achievements on posters as they progress. Recognising their progress and achievements is an important element of the program, therefore children will receive t-shirts, posters, stickers, water bottles, cycling socks. They will also have the option of purchasing the official NICP cycling jersey, based on the Canadian National Team jersey, but in the official CCA Sprockids/NICP colours: gold and black.
The CCA is tremendously excited about the launch of this pilot project. The CCA Sprockids/National Introduction to Cycling Program fills a long-standing gap in national programming and will serve to introduce thousands of youth to the exciting adventure of cycling. Cycling is a fun and easy sport that anyone can do, and yet despite it's simplicity and accessibility, Canadian kids are far too sedentary. The need to incite them to get moving has never been greater. Canada has a long-standing tradition of producing some of the best cyclists in the world, including Olympic medallists Alison Sydor and Curt Harnett, and current World Champion Roland Green.
"I am proud to see Sprockids is taking the next step this week towards an exciting future for cycling in Canada. The Sprockids working group has taken Doug's ground-breaking kids program, and is packaging it for CCA members as program leaders. This year's pilot programs at national centres will add the final touches. Next year, we will provide leaders in every community in the country with a tested formula to help kids enjoy cycling even more than they do naturally."
Lister Farrar, Chair, CCA Athlete and Coach Development Committee
The CCA is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by offering them a structured, fun way to get involved in cycling while helping them build self-esteem.
