Opportunity for SCO Citizens Interested in Sport, Recreation, and Physical Activity

Press Release

June 10, 2024

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is sharing information for members of SCO Nations who are passionate about sport, recreation, physical education, physical activity, and wellness. The University of Manitoba is offering a fully-funded education program that might be a good fit for you!

The Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in the Community Program is also called “SPARC.” This certificate program is for Indigenous people who are working in the sport, physical activity, recreation, and wellness sector.

The program starts in Fall 2024 at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

About the program:

The SPARC certificate program aims to build the capacity of schools, communities, and educational leaders to deliver quality physical education and recreation programming throughout Indigenous communities in Manitoba. The program consists of 237 contact hours with combined non-credit professional development instruction and for-credit introductory experiential learning courses.

Courses are delivered at the university’s Fort Garry campus and surrounding areas.

SPARC courses explore Indigenous perspectives on physical activity, sport, recreation, fitness, health, and wellness.

Courses:

The courses delivered in SPARC include:

• Activity and Program Planning
• Living in Mino-pimatisiwin
• Human Movement Principles
• Indigenous Games and Activities
• Safety in the Community
• Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education

Three of these courses are professional development courses and three are university credited courses.

Ideal candidates for the program:

Educational assistants, teachers, and young adult health leaders focusing on recreation, sport, physical activity, and wellness are all ideal candidates for the SPARC program.

This year, the university is running SPARC over three 2-week sessions (6 weeks total) in Winnipeg.

Funding information:

This program is fully funded, including travel, accommodations, meals, tuition, and books.

Timeline:

The weeks of SPARC are:

• October 21 to November 1 (October 21 and November 1 being travel days to Winnipeg/home)
• February 18 to March 1 (Feb 18 and March 1 being travel days to Winnipeg/home)
• May 5 to 17 (May 5 & 17 being travel days to Winnipeg/home)

Admission requirements:

There are two types of admission requirements:

Admission requirements for recent high school graduates

• A minimum average of 63-69.9 per cent over three grade 12 S or U credits
• One credit of Grade 12 S or U English with a minimum grade of 60 per cent
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Admission requirements for mature applicants (over 21 years of age)

• Must be 21 years of age or older by September 2024
• Must have limited experience at college or university (fewer than 24 credit hours)
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

How to apply:

You may apply for this program until beginning of August 2024.

Download a PDF application package or apply here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, you may:

• Attend an information session on June 10 or 11 at 7:30 pm—you’ll need to ask for the Zoom link from Bree Cruise
• Reach out to Bree Cruise, Lead for Indigenous Achievement & Outreach at the University of Manitoba, by phone (204-474-7425) or by email: Bree.Cruise@umanitoba.ca

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