Atlantic base sports programs have an eye on women’s hoops growth
If you’re looking for sports activity, the calendar at 14 Wing Greenwood looks pretty good in the next few weeks. While some may be polishing off their running and swimming qualification times for Canadian Armed Forces’ nationals, there are opportunities for newcomers in volleyball, badminton and squash.
One of the biggest pushes planned as part of the CAF’s new Women in Sport Initiative is an Atlantic regional partnership focused on basketball. While male athletes have local, regional and national CAF basketball opportunities, growing the game on the women’s court has been more of a challenge.
“Each base across the country has been granted $2,000 to run a women’s sports initiative,” says 14 Wing’s Personnel Support Program sports coordinator Alyssa Platt. “All the Atlantic bases are pooling together to host a single, solid event for women’s basketball – we’ll run it as a clinic for a couple of days, with coaches, pointers and an intro to three-on-three rules, and then we’ll have a little tournament.”
Six Atlantic bases – Gagetown, Gander, Aldershot, Halifax, Shearwater and Greenwood – are working together, planning to send eight athletes each to the Halifax event February 21 to 24. Platt says guest coaches are being booked, and PSP and CAF basketball resources will round out the program’s leadership. Women new to basketball, looking to dust off their skills or see other women come into the game are all welcome.
In preparation, Platt is hosting two drop-in three-on-three women’s basketball try-its at the 14 Wing Fitness & Sports Centre, February 1 and again February 8, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Military women are encouraged to come to one or both drop-ins, and find out more about the Atlantic regional event later in the month.
“If all the Atlantic bases are able to get the numbers we’re looking for for the regional event, it’ll be an awesome event. We all were in agreement on basketball, as the team aspect of the game comes across so well.”
CAF sports programs help members stay fit and operationally ready, also long been acknowledged as a key builder of teamwork, self-discipline, leadership, esprit de corps, perseverance and resilience. Whether it’s at the base intramural level, or regional, national and even Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) levels; the Women in Sport Initiative is taking steps to have equitable opportunities.
The 14 Wing Greenwood winter military sports programs are looking for athletes! All skill levels are welcome at the Fitness & Sports Centre, as there are opportunities planned for development and competition. For more information on any of these sports programs, contact 14 Wing Greenwood Personnel Support Program sports coordinator Alyssa Platt, 902-7651494 local 5753 or alyssa.platt@forces.gc.ca.
Base volleyball – male and female athletes are invited to open gym practices Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Men’s and women’s Atlantic regionals will be held in Gagetown February 27 to March 3.
Base badminton – All skill levels are welcome to open practices Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 2 p.m.
3v3 women’s basketball – Are you military? Come give basketball a try, or dust off your skills at February 1 and February 8 drop-in sessions, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3-on-3 women’s basketball – Atlantic event – This Women in Sport Initiative is a team effort between six Atlantic bases. Join the Greenwood team. Learn and compete against the Atlantic region in the first CAF 3v3 women’s basketball coaching and competitive event, in Halifax February 21 to 24.
Squash – open practices Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Regionals are coming up, but there is lots of time to get racquet-ready. For specific program info, contact alain.chalifoux@forces.gc.ca.
Men’s basketball – practices are held during open gym time Mondays and Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., in the Community Centre gym.
Old timer’s hockey – for personnel ages 37+, has weekly practices and shinny opportunities Thursdays, 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m., at the Greenwood Gardens Arena. For program specific info, contact Warrant Officer Jeff Hull, 902-765-1494 local 3012, or Warrant Officer Dave Jamieson, 902-765-1494 local 3617.
Running – CAF national running championships are May 26 to 28 in Ottawa. The deadline to submit your qualifying time (via Platt, contacts above) is February 17.
Swimming – CAF national swimming championships are March 24 to 26 in Napean. The deadline to submit your qualifying time (via Platt, contacts above) is February 13.
