UNews - executive director of Sport and Recreation Services

Sports medicine clinic to take Wellness Centre to next level

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:29:52 +0000

Construction is ongoing this summer on the creation of a news Sports Medicine Clinic

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is poised to become a hub for the delivery of orthopedic medicine and sports medicine to the southern Alberta area.

A lease agreement has been finalized that will bring Dr. Stephen Kwan and his group to campus to open a sports medicine clinic in fall 2012. It's a relationship that has been in the planning stages for years and has finally come together this spring.

"I've always wanted to do something in the way of a sports medicine clinic there," says Kwan, whose practice is currently located on Mayor Magrath Drive South. "We've talked about it for a long time and gone through a whole pile of iterations and models to try and make this work and finally came up with one that suits both our group and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

The clinic will be located in the PE100 space below the south end of the running track in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. Once complete, it will house up to four physicians and associated support staff. The space will feature physiotherapy and exam rooms, treatment areas and doctor's offices. Renovations of the area began in early May and are ongoing.

"When the building was built, this space had always been set aside for a sports medicine clinic because we felt that was a component that fit very well with our vision for the 1st Choice Savings Centre and could support everything from Horns athletics to our community membership to our staff and faculty," says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services.

Kwan says the clinic will be similar to like models established at universities throughout the country.

"We're not reinventing the wheel. The models for this have been out in a variety of universities and we're just doing the same sort of thing here," he says.

"My orthopedic practice will now operate out of the centre. We've got two sports medicine people who will be working part-time out of the clinic, and we'll also have a full-time athletic therapy and physiotherapy clinic there. We're basically just centralizing the delivery of sports medicine to the community as well as to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

Nancy Walker, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's vice-president (Finance and Administration), says the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ wanted to ensure they found the right group to partner with for this venture.

"For us, Dr. Kwan is a longtime Lethbridge resident, he plans to continue here and we plan to have a long-term relationship with him and his group," says Walker. "We like this fit because they have a good vision for the future that matches our goals with the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Not only will we be able to provide support for the high performance athletes who train here, but we're able to lead the way in promoting a healthy lifestyle for our students, staff and faculty and the community at large."

Kwan is also interested in the possibility of establishing a joint intake clinic, a pharmacy and to support research opportunities with ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ departments in kinesiology and neuroscience.

"I'm very excited," he says. "I've been in Lethbridge 18 years and it's been a vision or a dream of mine since the very beginning."

This story first appeared in the May issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Sports medicine clinic to take Wellness Centre to next level

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:04:25 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is poised to become a hub for the delivery of orthopedic medicine and sports medicine to the southern Alberta area.

Kwan says the clinic will be similar to like models established at universities throughout the country.

"We're not reinventing the wheel. The models for this have been out in a variety of universities and we're just doing the same sort of thing here," he says.

"I'm very excited," he says. "I've been in Lethbridge 18 years and it's been a vision or a dream of mine since the very beginning."

This story first appeared in the May issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Karren takes on recruitment portfolio

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:02:06 +0000

The recipe for Brad Karren's success was always pretty simple - work the phones harder than anyone else and reap the rewards down the road.

Karren built a powerhouse women's basketball program at Lethbridge College by being the best recruiter in western Canada, bar none. When he made the move to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as an assistant to Pronghorns men's head coach Dave Adams this past fall, it only seemed natural that Karren would assume some of the recruiting responsibilities for the Horns program. Recently, the Horns made it official, naming Karren the Pronghorns Basketball Operations Manager.

"We are looking at this as our first step in introducing and recruiting great southern Alberta basketball players to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and Pronghorns Basketball," says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. "Basketball is the fastest growing sport in Canada West, and many schools are already utilizing the services of paid Operations Managers/Assistant Coaches to assist with recruiting. As the league continues to grow, we need to compete at the same level as the other schools for the top recruits."

Karren will continue as an assistant to Adams but will lead recruiting efforts for both the men's and women's programs.

"I'm excited, it's something I've done for a long time and had some success at, so hopefully I can help out and bring some strong players into Horns basketball," says Karren.

Another major focus of Karren's role will be to co-ordinate all the Horns' youth basketball programs, reaching out into the southern Alberta community with a consistent message and focus.

"It's a really important part of this position," says Karren. "What we're trying to do is build a better base of interest in Pronghorns Athletics, and if we can get out there in the community and run our programs well, it should generate that interest. If we can start getting kids interested in basketball and the Pronghorns at a little younger age, hopefully we can get back to where these kids all want to be Horns athletes."

His natural ties with Lethbridge College will also be utilized. The Horns and Kodiaks have worked hard in recent years to establish a relationship where select players can begin their post-secondary careers at the college level before moving on to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It benefits both the athlete and the student.

"There are some kids who could play CIS basketball right out of high school but there are only so many spots available," explains Karren. "So does it help a kid to sit the bench and not play at the CIS level where they could be playing significant minutes and developing their games at the college level?
"And academically speaking, it's a little easier step to go to college first, and that speeds the transition to the university level once they get here."

Slavin sees Karren's acquisition as an ideal fit for the vision of the Horns program going forward.

"Brad provides us with a unique set of qualifications, having been involved at a high level with both the men's and women's games," she says. "We are very excited to have Brad joining the Pronghorns basketball program in this role."

GET THE FACTS

• Karren spent 11 seasons at Lethbridge College, guiding the Kodiaks women's program to three provincial titles and one national championship (2003-04).

• He compiled a 182-46 conference record while coaching the Kodiaks. He was named ACAC South Coach of the Year on five occasions and was the 2008-09 CCAA National Coach of the Year.

• Karren is a native of Magrath, Alta. and continues to live in the southern Alberta community.

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Pronghorn Athletics set to celebrate busiest weekend in history

trevor.kenney — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:23:59 +0000

Hosting a Canada West Championship automatically makes it a big weekend for Pronghorn Athletics but when another five teams are added to the mix, it makes for something even larger.

"It is a big weekend for us," says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. "For the staff it will be busy but for the fans it will be fun and exciting."

Beginning Friday, Oct. 22 and concluding Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24, the U of L campus will see 14 games contested, featuring five Pronghorns teams, all highlighted by the Canada West Women's Rugby Championship.

"Because some of our seasons are so short in duration, at times it is hard to avoid these overlaps between teams," says Slavin. "So for us to host 14 games in one three-day stretch, including a Canada West Championship, is a biggie."

In addition to the women's rugby program seeking its fourth consecutive Canada West title, Pronghorns men's and women's basketball teams are in action as they host their Canada West season openers. The Horns women's hockey team invites ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas to town for a pair of games and the men's and women's soccer programs each play two-game sets as they conclude their Canada West home schedules.

The only Horns team not playing on home soil is the men's hockey team, which heads to Edmonton to play ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta on the road.

"There is a lot of excitement in the office about it," says Slavin. "We are fortunate we have a number of rugby alumni that have come forward and are helping us plan the Canada West banquet, as well as help out at the stadium during the games.

"A number of the girls registered in our Rugby Academy are also stepping forward to help as ball girls for the games."

There will be a big alumni presence all weekend, and the opportunity to showcase U of L athletics facilities, all brimming with action, is the perfect way to showcase Pronghorn Athletics to the broader community.

Slavin says special ticketing prices are being offered to bring people to campus.

"We are offering some flexible ticketing packages to encourage people to get out to as many games as possible."

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni are also eligible to purchase a weekend pass for $10, allowing them to attend any of the Pronghorn games. These passes can be picked up at the Sport and Recreation Department. There will also be a tailgate BBQ on Sunday at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Stadium.

"It should be a great weekend," adds Slavin. "Our rugby team is the most successful team in the country the last three years and now they get an opportunity to showcase themselves at the new stadium in front of a hometown crowd. Everybody's very excited about our basketball teams this year, so we expect enthusiastic crowds at the gym both nights, and the women's hockey program continues moving forward and it's always a great weekend when the Pandas come to town."

Following is the weekend schedule

Canada West Rugby Championships at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Stadium
- Friday October 22nd

11:00am – Semi-Final 1 (Pronghorns vs. #4 Seed)

1:00pm – Semi-Final 2 (#2 Seed vs. #3 Seed)

- Sunday October 24th

11:00am – Bronze Medal Game

1:00pm – Championship Game

Pronghorn Men's & Women's Basketball Home Opener at the 1st Choice Savings Centre
- Friday October 22nd

6:00pm – Pronghorn Women's Basketball vs. Trinity Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

8:00pm – Pronghorn Men's Basketball vs. Trinity Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

- Saturday October 23rd

6:00pm – Pronghorn Women's Basketball vs. Trinity Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

8:00pm – Pronghorn Men's Basketball vs. Trinity Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

Pronghorn Men's & Women's Soccer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Stadium
- Saturday October 23rd

12:00pm – Pronghorn Women's Soccer vs. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta

2:00pm – Pronghorn Men's Soccer vs. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta

- Sunday October 24th

12:00pm – Pronghorn Women's Soccer vs. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan

2:00pm – Pronghorn Men's Soccer vs. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan

Pronghorn Women's Hockey at the Nicholas Sheran Ice Arena
- Friday October 22nd

7:00pm – Pronghorn Women's Hockey vs. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta

- Saturday October 23rd

7:00pm – Pronghorn Women's Hockey vs. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta

Pronghorn Athletics celebrates busiest weekend in history

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:06:01 +0000

Hosting a Canada West Championship automatically makes it a big weekend for Pronghorn Athletics but when another five teams are added to the mix, it makes for something even larger.

"It is a big weekend for us," says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. "For the staff it will be busy but for the fans it will be fun and exciting."

The only Horns team not playing on home soil is the men's hockey team, which heads to Edmonton to play ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta on the road.

"A number of the girls registered in our Rugby Academy are also stepping forward to help as ball girls for the games."

Slavin says special ticketing prices are being offered to bring people to campus.

"We are offering some flexible ticketing packages to encourage people to get out to as many games as possible."

Red Nose numbers impressive

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:32:40 +0000

The holidays remained a time for celebration, thanks, at least in part, to Operation Red Nose (ORN), a national program run in conjunction with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge that ensures partygoers and their vehicles get home safely.

Lethbridge is one of only three communities in Alberta that offers the program and donations go to support the Pronghorn Booster Club. This year, ORN provided 894 safe rides home and is happy to report that donations are up.

"We're estimating that we've probably brought in just over $40,000 in funding this year," says Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services. "That includes in-car donations, contributions from local organizations booking the service for their holiday parties and sponsorship dollars."

Lethbridge has truly embraced the program and in addition to using the service, many organizations support the operations of the program.

"There are a number of organizations that have been very good to us from the beginning," explains Slavin of a program that just concluded its 15th year. "Gas King, Tim Hortons, the Regent and the City of Lethbridge have always helped provide what we need. In addition, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is our provincial sponsor and they provide the insurance, without which we wouldn't be able to operate and support the basic organizing costs of the program."

This type of support enables more than 500 volunteers to do what they need to do: get people home safely. However, in talking to Dr. Jon Doan and Robin Hopkins, two longtime Red Nose volunteers, there's more to it than that.

Hopkins has been involved since high school when she started volunteering her time answering phones. When asked why she continues to volunteer, she doesn't hesitate: "Besides for the fun?" laughs Hopkins. "Operation Red Nose allows people to come out one night a year and make a difference. Volunteering doesn't necessarily require a huge time commitment – you can give back in just a few hours."

Giving back is what ORN is all about, which is why 70 per cent of the volunteers are Pronghorn athletes.

"ORN provides a great opportunity for student athletes to give back to the community," notes Doan, who first got involved as a grad student and continues to volunteer now that he's faculty. "It's also a great way for the community to see Pronghorn Athletics as something off the ice, or the field, or the court – these programs add value to the community."

While funds raised support Pronghorn Athletics, the primary goal of ORN is to prevent drunk driving by offering a safe alternative.

"Sometimes people feel they have to make a donation, and I think it's important that people understand that it's a service; we're here to get you and your car home safely," explains Hopkins. "If you can make a donation, that's a bonus."

Volunteer effort makes a success of Red Nose campaign

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:36:06 +0000

Lethbridge has truly embraced the program and in addition to using the service, many organizations support the operations of the program.

Giving back is what ORN is all about, which is why 70 per cent of the volunteers are Pronghorn athletes.

While funds raised support Pronghorn Athletics, the primary goal of ORN is to prevent drunk driving by offering a safe alternative.

UNews - executive director of Sport and Recreation Services

Sports medicine clinic to take Wellness Centre to next level

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