November 12, 2003 News the other press © FIRST Aboriginal Excellence Program Kelly Parry News Editor FIRST (Futures in Recreation and Sport Training) Aboriginal Excellence Program is a joint project of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers and BC’s Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services George Abbott that will provide $600,000 in funding for the Aboriginal youth interested in sports. The goal of the program is to help aboriginal youth benefit from participation in sport and physical activity. “This program represents a vital step toward realizing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system,” said Secretary of State DeVillers. “The Aboriginal Youth FIRST Aboriginal Excellence Program will help eliminate barriers, increase participation in sport, and ensure that more Canadians have access to the benefits of sport.” “Through this program, we will be able to immerse young aboriginal ath- letes in a specialized, competitive train- ing environment in the hope that they will be part of the Canadian team in 2010,” said Minister Abbott. “Our goals are to increase the number of aboriginal athletes performing at the elite level and to encourage aboriginal youth in general to be more physically active. This is part of our New Era commitment to devote special atten- tion and resources to addressing the challenges and needs of aboriginal youth.” The program will build on existing club infrastructure, and will strengthen athletic skills through regional and provincial training camps, effective coaching, and sport medicine services. The program’s long-term goal is to develop a stronger provincial team rep- resenting British Columbia at the North American Indigenous Games, the Canada Games, and beyond. The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia will each provide $300,000 over three years toward this initiative to enhance par- ticipation in sport, a central pillar of the Canadian Sport Policy. The Canadian Sport Policy, endorsed by all federal, provincial, and territorial governments in 2002, tar- gets enhanced participation as one of the key areas for improvement in Canada’s sport system. It sets a goal to improve participation through target- ed initiatives in quality sport activities in all segments of society by 2012. To learn more about the various sports programs offered by the Government of Canada, visit the Canadian Heritage website at: . Student’s Death Ruled a Suicide Kelly Parry News Editor Ronale Sanjay Naidu’s death was pronounced a suicide last week. DNA testing confirmed that a body found in the False Creek area was, in fact, the missing SFU student. Naidu’s car hit a guardrail on the Granville Bridge after he left a downtown club. He phoned his be home in twenty minutes but he never arrived. His car was found near Broadway and Pine deployed, keys on the seat, but no one inside. Family and friends combed Vancouvers Westside dence. On October 29 a body was found washed up on the False Creek shore. mother to say he'd with the airbag looking for evi- “The injuries to the body are consistent with somebody who would have fallen from a height and then struck the water,” says police spokesperson, Constable Sarah Bloor. Police have established Naidu was alone in his car the night of the accident. Police are still waiting for toxicology reports indicating whether drugs or alcohol were a factor. “My heart goes out to the family though. It is a very dif- ficult time for them and they have our (Vancouver Police Department's) deepest sympathies,” Bloor said. http://www.-otherpress.ca \ (— ri Style and Substance Supports Students in Need Peer Support Services Announcement Style and substance: turning old clothes into cash for students in need makes you look good and feel good at the same time! Imagine if you could transform your old clothes into cash. Imagine getting a cool new wardrobe that cost only what you could afford. Imagine helping students in need. Well, imagine no more! This Wednesday, November 19, Peer Support Services is having their clothing sale/swap. Bring your old clothes to Peer Support Services (Room 4602 at New West campus) by November 17 and come to the concourse on November 19 to look through the other donations. Old kitchen goods, toys, and your kid’s used clothes are always welcome. Now I know some of you are reading this and saying, “but I don’t have any old clothes to give.” Well, that’s okay too. Come down and check out the stuff we have. You can buy it by donation and all donations go to an emergency bursary fund for students in need. After all, Peer Support workers are students helping stu- dents. With your support, we can help stu- dents take care of those emergency finan- cial shortfalls and help students get cool new clothes for what they can afford. Each year we are amazed at the cool stuff we receive—GAP, Old Navy, Aldo, Osh Kosh, and awesome retro gear always seem to fill our tables. Cool military pants have been donated, tons of cool belts and other accessories, Old Navy shirts, and some great dress clothes—perfect for that family dinner. We also have small to large sizes so you can prepare for those second helpings of Christmas turkey dinner. So you've read this far and you're think- ing, “what is peer support anyway?” Well, were the best-kept secret at Douglas College. We're a group of diverse students that are here to help other students—who better to talk to about the joy of Finals at 8am? | mean there was a reason you chose all afternoon classes. Only another parent- ing student can understand the frustration of waking up with your term paper turned into paper hearts and a very happy kid sit- ting in the middle of the floor. We're also really good at working out solutions to stu- dent life and we can help you to access on and off campus supports. We offer workshops on how to find housing, how to make the transition from Douglas to University (no, it’s not as easy as just sending in your application), and other topics of interest to students. We can also help you set up study groups, manage your time better, and find new and cool ways to do things. If you have any more questions come ask us in person—Room 4602 at New West Campus and Room A1312 at David Lam. You can always phone us at 604.527.5687 (NW) or 604.777.6187 (DL). wv Page 5