Story
Shuttling children to and from sport practices can be a full-time job, as Burnaby mother Bev Nagel knows only too well. But after ten years of watching, managing and even coaching her three children's ringette practices, Bev decided it was her turn to play. That's when she started Power to Play: Stop Watching, Start Moving, a learn-to-play ringette program for women.
"I think there are a lot of women out there who want to get more active, but there aren't a lot of opportunities for them. And something that is fun, and all women, is even more appealing," Bev explained. "It's all about 'stop watching and start moving.' It's not about being good, it's about getting exercise, getting healthy and having fun."
Bev approached the Burnaby-New Westminster Ringette Association with her idea and received a grant from the association thanks to 2010 Legacies Now's B.C. Sport Participation Program, which is funded equally by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
"The grant was really what kick-started everything," Bev explained. "Also, because of the grant and support from Burnaby-New West Ringette, we've been able to keep the cost down to make the program accessible for more women."
The program is open to women over the age of 30 and involves two coaches who lead the players through basic skating and ringette drills every Saturday morning. The goal is to introduce women to the sport in a positive and friendly environment. Bev also hopes to eventually develop a masters-level team that can play games against neighbouring teams.
