The University of Winnipeg Wesmen Athletics is proud to be a partner and supporter of True Sport Lives Here Manitoba. The seven principles of True Sport as outlined below give direction and meaning for Wesmen Coaches, Athletes and Administrators. Our focus is on the development of individuals who will excel at their sport and studies to become proud ambassadors of our program and contributing citizens to their community.

True Sport is dedicated to creating a good sport experience, based on the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion and fun. True Sport Lives Here Manitoba was a response to negative public perception of sport and came to be following a 2015 ‘Attack on Sport’ Forum facilitated by UWinnipeg’s Dr. Glen Bergeron, which explored challenges facing the sport community: increasing reports of bullying, harassment and doping alongside national reports of declining participation in sports, due to related factors.

“The principles and values of the True Sport Lives Here Manitoba just make sense,” said Bergeron, a faculty member in the department of Kinesiology and Applied Health. “Every parent wants his or her child to compete in a positive, character-building environment, which can have a lasting impact. We forget that participating and competing in sport should ultimately be one thing: Fun.  We need to return to respect in sport: respect for each other on the fields, on the ice, and in the stands. ” 

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True Sport is a cross-Canada movement that encourages communities and sports-related groups of all ages to combat negative attitudes and behaviours through positive values, actions and awareness about what good sport is, and how it can be accomplished.  

True Sport promotes these seven principles:

  1. Go for it – Always strive for excellence and rise to the challenge, but never at the expense of others. Discover how good you can be.
  2. Play Fair – Play honestly and obey the rules, in letter and spirit. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair.
  3. Respect Others – Show respect for everyone involved in creating a sporting experience, both on the field and off. Win with dignity and lose with grace.
  4. Keep it Fun – Find the joy and have a good time. Keep a positive attitude and look to make a positive difference, on the field and in your community.
  5. Stay Healthy – Place physical and mental health above all other considerations and avoid unsafe activities. Respect your body and keep in shape.
  6. Include Everyone – Share sport with others, regardless of creed, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or ability. Invite everyone into sport to make it more meaningful for the whole community.
  7. Give Back – Always remember the community that supports your sport and helps make it possible. Find ways to show your appreciation and help others get the most out of sport.
     

All five Wesmen varsity teams commit to this initiative and promote the True Sport Lives Here Manitoba campaign at Wesmen games starting this September.

“Having the Wesmen program become part of the True Sport movement and adhering to the Principles of True Sport was an easy decision. These principles are already reflected in our Wesmen Code of Conduct. We believe these principles should form the basis for all of amateur sport, and the Wesmen program is proud to be a part of True Sport Lives Here Manitoba,” Athletic Director Dave Crook said. “We are happy to say that the Wesmen Way is the True Sport Way.”

Wesmen Athletics invites you to join the True Sport way. You can express your support as an athlete, coach, administrator, individual, team or organization by visiting the link to Join the True Sport Lives Here Manitoba Family.
 

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