Brainsport Times Sept 12, 2018

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Queen City Marathon over this past weekend! Hopefully, you're all encouraged to keep lacing up those running shoes as we move into this colder weather.

In this week's Q&A we're shifting gears a bit to learn more about the Special Olympics Canada youth programs here in Saskatoon. Jana Bassingthwaite is a local volunteer with the Special Olympics and she's here to tell us all about the youth programs offered in Saskatoon!

Q&A with Jana Bassingthwaite

Tara: Let's start with a little a brief overview of what Special Olympics Canada offers through its youth programs. What can you tell us about the programs?

Jana: Special Olympics Canada offers child and youth programs to help young athletes with diverse abilities develop basic motor skills and sport skills through fun and positive movement experiences. Special Olympics youth programs promote opportunities for children, who might require additional supports, to develop physical fitness, improve athletic skills and foster friendships.

Tara: What activities and sports are offered through the Special Olympics youth program? 

Jana: The Active Start Program is a family-centred program for athletes ages 2 to 6. Through this program, children develop basic motor skills such as walking, running, jumping, and throwing in a fun and safe environment. Skills developed through the Active Start Program are physical skill acquisition, physical fitness, social skill development, decision making, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of physical activity. FUNdamentals is a continuation of the Active Start Program for athletes ages 7 to 12. This program transitions from basic movement skills to basic sport skills while maintaining an atmosphere of fun and meaningful interaction. This program also promotes specific sport education and social inclusion through participation in positive sport experiences. Skills developed through the FUNdamentals program are physical literacy skills, improved fundamental motor skills, participation in a structured physical activity and increased understanding of game structure.


Registration is now open for Special Olympics youth programs in Saskatoon. Photos supplied

Tara: Who is welcome to explore these youth programs here in Saskatoon?

Jana: Each year we have seen the number and diversity of athletes in the youth programs steadily increase. In 2017/2018, thanks to a grant from Saskatoon District Sport Council, we executed a successful pilot program to recruit pediatric occupational therapists to assist with expanded coaching and program development. Rikia Trischuk, OT and Stephan Bourassa, occupational therapists from Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children have brought their strong background in sport with their pediatric occupational therapy knowledge and skills to enhance the content and quality of the program and its delivery. Supported by a grant from Sask Sport, the goal of the 2018/2019 season is to continue to build on this success.

Tara: What do the Special Olympics youth programs mean to the Special Olympics as a whole in Saskatoon?

Jana: The Special Olympics youth programs serve as a pipeline for the adult Special Olympics programs and, hopefully, programming within the broader community. We hope to build partnerships with community sports groups, running clubs, etc. to challenge both our Special Olympics athletes in new venues and to challenge our community partners to model what a truly inclusive athletic community could be.

Tara: For those interested in volunteering in the program, can you talk about the opportunities to do so?

Jana: We are always open to welcoming volunteers or individuals interested in creating partnerships to benefit athletes. Interested volunteers or community partners are welcome to visit the Special Olympics Canada website or they may contact our coaches directly at Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children at www.milestonesot.ca – Stephan Bourassa, BMR (OT), O.T. Reg. (Sask) and Rikia Trischuk, BSc(Kin), MSc, O.T. Reg. (Sask).

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jana: Registration for the upcoming season is underway. Interested athletes and families are encouraged to register and join us as we kick off a new season on Thursday, September 20! 


ᐧUpcoming Events

Special Olympics Youth Programs


Registration is now open for the 2018 Fall session of the Special Olympics youth programs! The Active Start Program (ages 2-7) and FUNdamentals program (ages 7-12) will run Thursday evenings from September 20 to December 6. To register click here. 

Brainsport Running Academy



Starting September 26, join coach Kim Galus for an eight-week Learn To Run clinic that will prepare you for a 5K race at the Gingerbread Run on November 18. No prior running experience is required as this clinic will help teach you the basics.

In addition to the training plan, you will receive weekly presentations covering topics such as: nutrition, stretching, and running technique. As a participant in this clinic, you will be guaranteed the option of registering for the Gingerbread Run should you choose to do so. Will you be able to catch the Gingerbread Man?

To learn more, and to register for the Brainsport Running Academy Learn to Run course click here.

SREDA Regional Race

The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is hosting its first annual SREDA Regional Race on September 15. This 10K race will take runners (or walkers) from Martensville to Warman - ending with a community brunch. To learn more about the run and to register click here.

PC Children's Charity Halloween Fun Run



On October 14, bring out the whole family including your kids, cousins, nieces and nephews and the grandparents to take part in a 2K or 5K walk or run on an out-and-back route along the South Saskatchewan River. Wear a Halloween costume and be entered into the costume contest as well. And, get in on some BBQ and snacks, provided by Independent Grocer.
For more information and to register click here.

EY River Run Classic



The EY River Run Classic is one of the premier running events in Saskatoon being held on September 30. This event is organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association and consists of 2K (family run), 5K, 10K, distances. The routes run along the South Saskatchewan River, making for a beautiful route. For more information click here. 

Breath Move Be Yoga Classes

Breathe Move Be Yoga started its 10-week Yoga For Runners class last week, but you can still get in on the action when drop-in opportunities are available. 

Breath Move Be Yoga also started an 8-week Level I Fitness Yoga class on September 13.

Both courses offer drop-on when available. For more information on these courses, and to register, email running@breathemovebe.ca, or text Leanne: 306-251-2964.

Crushing Chiari 5-10-15K Run In Kenaston



On September 15 take part in a fun run in Keneston in support of the Canadian Chiari Association. The event is being organized by Tammy Powder, who, along with her daughter Ella, has Chiari Malformation - a neurological disorder. Anyone is welcome to take part in the 5K, 10K, or 15K with the options of running, biking or walking.

The race fee is $40 for each run but if you raise over $80 in sponsorship then you will be able to enter for free! Each participant will also receive a race t-shirt. Send your registration fee to Tammy Powder via e-transfer along with the following information and you will get a tax receipt from CCA! Name, address, email address and phone number. Contact Tammy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details and to register.

Race Against Racism

On September 22 join your community for a run that brings together people from all over Saskatoon from various communities, with unique backgrounds, religions, cultures, sexual orientations, ages, and ethnicities. Everyone comes together to achieve a common goal; to provide a positive, safe environment to live in harmony and show that Saskatoon will not accept racism. Runners, walkers, and rollers have the choice to participate in the 2.5K, 5K, 10K or half marathon. To learn more and to register click here. 

Product of the Week

Brooks Canopy Jacket



As the weather turns colder, we have a nice option in stock from Brooks that will keep you from shivering your way through your runs. The Canopy Jacket from Brooks is super packable, lightweight, breathable and water resistant, which is spot on for this time of year. It's also fitted with plenty of pockets and soft, stretchy cuffs to keep that wind and moisture from getting in. Come check out the Brooks Canopy Jacket in store! 

PS. Desiree Linden wore the Brooks Canopy Jacket during her historic win at the Boston Marathon this year.  

Thanks for reading the Times this week. 

Gotta run,
Tara