Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation

Valley Region

Sport

Sport Nova Scotia and NS Department of Health Promotion and Protection Launches Pilot Program in the Valley Region

Kentville, NS – Identifying and strengthening sustainable sport opportunities in the Annapolis Valley region is the mission of a pilot program launched last week by Sport Nova Scotia in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and  Protection.

"Increased engagement in sport, particularly among young people, has so many benefits at the individual and community levels,” says Jamie Ferguson, CEO of Sport Nova Scotia. “Studies have shown that participation in organized sport contributes to crime prevention, poverty reduction, education promotion, and building capacity in communities. We see this pilot program as a great opportunity to get more people participating and reaping all of those benefits."

The pilot program creates a new opportunity for Melissa Newton who was hired earlier this month as the Community Sport Development Coordinator. From her base in the Health and Wellness office in Kentville, Melissa is working with community sport organizations, schools and community groups from Hants West to Clare.

Mike Trinacty is the Valley Regional Representative with the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection. "We are pleased to partner with Sport Nova Scotia on this progressive project. In her new role Melissa will also help us identify program needs and funding opportunities."

Melissa is a competitive athlete and recreation professional with a Kinesiology degree from the University of Regina. Melissa has worked with the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre as a Youth Development Coordinator and Summer Camp Coordinator. Prior to that she worked with the Town of Windsor as a Junior Leadership Coordinator and Youth Worker. Her volunteer passions include the Canada Games and the Canadian Diabetes Association.