University Engagement with the Community through Physical Activity Opportunities: Lessons Learned from a Community Charter Guaranteeing Access to the University Health & Recreation Complex

David Telles-Langdon; Nathan Hall

doi:10.18060/28059

Authors

Dr. David Michael Telles-Langdon University of Winnipeg https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8525-0767
Dr. Nathan Hall Brock University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3795-7570

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/28059

Abstract

“Engaging marginalized members of the Community” became the mantra of the senior administration at the University as part of the appeal to various levels of government for financial support for university expansion to build the Health and RecPlex, a fieldhouse with fitness facilities, a gymnasium, several multipurpose rooms, and some research space.

This research was an exploration of current university engagement with the community through sport and physical activity to understand how well a charter, to enshrine community access, addressed some of the issues related to marginalized groups living in the inner-city. Clarke’s Situational Analysis (2017) was used to deconstruct the interview transcripts, code, and develop themes, to put forth thick and rich descriptions of the outcomes from the implementation of the charter. Universities recognize they have a civic responsibility to engage and enrich the community in which they reside. This community engagement project was intended to address significant recreational needs within the community while also furthering academic initiatives. Some suggestions for potential improvement are highlighted.

Author Biographies

Dr. David Michael Telles-Langdon, University of Winnipeg

David Telles-Langdon studies the psycho-social impact of youth sport with volunteer coaching in a community sport setting to connect the experiential learning of atypical sports and the understanding of tactical play to youth skill development. This path of inquiry will promote the creation of curriculum materials, exchanges of cultural artefacts (sports, games, dances, and other physical activities) and build an ongoing network between schools and families across cultural and social borders.

Dr. Nathan Hall, Brock University

Nathan Hall teaches and conducts research in the Department of Kinesiology at Brock University. His work focuses on the areas of physical education pedagogy, physical activity, and physical literacy. Several of his recent research pursuits related to these topics have included a concentration on various minority populations.

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University Engagement with the Community through Physical Activity Opportunities

Lessons Learned from a Community Charter Guaranteeing Access to the University Health & Recreation Complex

Authors

DOI:

Abstract

Author Biographies

Dr. David Michael Telles-Langdon, University of Winnipeg

Dr. Nathan Hall, Brock University

References

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