History of Sport in Canada

EARLY CANADA ( ) Games were very important to early native cultures. Focused around: ceremonial / religious practices which aided in the transmission of cultural values to the young teaching of survival skills. one IMPORTANT exception: BAGGATAWAY, now known as lacrosse

1763, British military officers brought: - cricket, - horse racing, - fox hunting & - snow shoeing Farmers by contrast did not have time or resources to enjoy the sports.

Victorian Period ( ) By the end of World War I Industrialization with urbanization occurred & brought with it - railway, - telegraph, - mass press and - a whole new concept of free time: ½ Holidays on Saturday and recognition of the Sabbath.

Main focus of early Canadian sports was social in nature. No leagues, few common rules. 1860: 24 clubs in 4 sports (snowshoeing, curling, lacrosse and cricket) : marked by increased promotion of both participatory and spectator sports.

EMERGENCE OF SPORT AS A COMMODITY ( ) WW II helped to end poverty and unemployment of the Great Depression. A boost in the economy, a population boom and more interest in recreation. T.V. came in the 50's and transformed the coverage of sport. Sport became part of our national identity. Foundation of National Hockey League in 1917.

SPORT AND THE CANADIAN STATE (1960-PRESENT) John Diefenbaker, PM in stated that athletic achievement in Canada could give a boost to national pride. Piggybacked on Cold War philosophy of US v USSR. Resulted in Bill C-131: The Fitness and Amateur Sport Act Government funding was $29,641, today over $200 million National Pride: Olympics, World Cup, World Series, Stanley Cup……..