Lasalle Secondary School launches Sport and Healthy Active Living Program

Lasalle Secondary School will maximize human potential in sport, fitness and academics with a new program being launched this fall. The Sport and Healthy Active Living Program, being offered to all students in the Lasalle Secondary School area, will focus on three strands – Elite Athlete Development, Healthy Active Living and Sports Administration.

“This program will appeal to Grade 8 students who have a keen interest in sports,” said Principal Jeff McKibbon, who invites students and parents to learn more at the Lasalle Secondary School Information Night on Wednesday, February 16th. “Student athletes will further their academic success by pursuing sport specific courses with a focus on fitness and healthy active living.”

He added: “Lasalle Secondary School has a rich tradition of excellence in athletics and academics. We look forward to building on this solid foundation by providing students with a unique opportunity that will combine in-class instruction with hands-on learning in the exciting field of sports.”  The program includes accommodations for elite athletes as well as intensive leadership and skill development.

Elite Athlete Development is designed to meet the needs of students who intend to pursue their athletic goals after secondary school, including junior hockey and inter-collegiate sports as well as provincial, national, and international competitions at the postsecondary level. Students will gain an understanding of sport specific training and skill development, with a focus on the psychology of elite athletes. Students will learn coaching strategies designed to enhance individual and team performance.

Courses include, but are not limited to, Kinesiology, Psychology, Fitness, and sport specific Physical Education. Professional coaches, fitness consultants and sports psychologists will expand learning opportunities. Co-operative Education placements will nurture careers. Students will be destined to be future Olympians and/or professional level athletes.

Healthy Active Living is designed to meet the needs of students who intend to maintain a lifelong connection to sport, fitness and leisure activities. Students may be pursuing careers in fitness and leisure management.  They will have their sights set on a career in coaching, naturopathy or medicine and will aspire to become team managers, fitness consultants, sports therapists, dieticians or gerontologists.

Courses include, but are not limited to, Kinesiology, Fitness, Nutrition, Human Development, and Outdoor Education. Students will participate in Co-operative Education placements and gain first-hand experience. Students will also participate in learning opportunities presented by college and university professors as well as business professionals, fitness co-ordinators and specialists working in this field.

Sports Administration is designed to meet the needs of students who have a keen interest in sports and the business of sports.  Students will plan to further their studies in sports administration at the university level.  Students will develop an understanding of sports promotion, marketing and the organizational aspects of both for-profit and not-for-profit sport entities.

Courses include, but are not limited to, Business, Marketing, Accounting, Co-Op and Business Leadership. Students will benefit from seminars and workshops presented by professionals in the field and gain hands-on experience through Co-operative Education placements. This strand is intended for students who plan to pursue a career in sports or business, business administration and sports administration.

“Students who complete the Sport and Healthy Active Living Program will have an ability to make more informed choices about nutrition, health and lifestyle,” said Principal McKibbon. “Leadership skills will further build self-confidence, resiliency, poise, perseverance and communication.” He added: “Students will develop organizational skills, planning skills and time management in order to prepare for postsecondary studies.”

The Lasalle Secondary School Information Night on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 will begin with a pasta dinner at 6 pm, followed by a presentation at 7 pm and a tour of the school at 7:30 pm. To learn more, visit rainbowschools.ca/lasalle or call the school at 705-566-2280. Lasalle Secondary School, located at 1545 Kennedy Street, provides programs in English and French Immersion in Grade 9 to 12 to students in New Sudbury, Garson and surrounding areas.

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Media Contact:

Jeff McKibbon, Principal, Lasalle Secondary School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-566-2280.