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Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in the Community Certificate (SPARC)

The Sport Physical Activity and Recreation in the Community (SPARC) certificate program aims to build the capacity of First Nations schools and educational leaders to deliver quality physical education and recreation programming throughout communities in Manitoba.

The SPARC program is a partnership between the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre.

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a group of Indigenous community members posing for a photo in front Teepee
  • icon house

    Faculty

    • Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

  • icon award

    Certificate

    • SPARC certificate

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 1 year

  • icon pathway

    Program options

    • For recent high school graduates and mature students

The reason why we used the acronym SPARC is to ignite within people the interest to provide quality physical activity for the young people in the communities, especially those in the Manitoba First Nations School System. SPARC is akin to pawâtamowin which means ‘something that we dream of.’ It means that we can acquire a wellness within ourselves so we can look after our bodies.
Norbert Mercredi Physical Education and Health Program Facilitator at Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

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    undergraduate students

  • 94

    graduate students

  • 28

    faculty academics

  • 5,400

    alumni

  • 22

    faculty-sponsored scholarships

Program details

Expected duration: 1 year

The SPARC certificate program consists of 237 contact hours with combined non-credit professional development instruction and for-credit introductory experiential learning courses. Courses are delivered to cohorts at UM's Fort Garry campus and surrounding areas.

SPARC courses explore Indigenous perspectives on physical activity, sport, recreation, fitness, health and wellness. Educational assistants, teachers and young adult health leaders are all ideal candidates for the SPARC program.

SPARC normally takes a minimum of 8 months to complete. Students will have up to 4 years from the initial start date (first term of enrolment) to complete the program.
 

Sample course offerings

  • PHED 0100: Safety in the Community
  • PHED 0150: Activity and Program Planning
  • PHED 0200: Living Mino-Pimatisiwin
  • PHED 3770: Indigenous Games and Activities
  • REC 3770: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education
  • Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management elective (listed below)
    • KPER 1200: Physical Activity, Health and Wellness
    • KPER 2200: Planning Principles
    • PHED 2710: Human Movement Principles
    • PHED 2742: Group Fitness and Leadership
    • PHED 3122: Developmental Games and Activities
    • PHED 3722: Coaching Theory and Practice
    • PHED 3760: Diverse Populations Mentorship
    • REC 2130: Introduction to Outdoor and Land-Based Education
    • REC 4770: Indigenous Recreation and Well-being

Students seeking the credential must pass all three non-credit PD courses and achieve a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 for the three KRM university courses to graduate with the SPARC Certificate. Students may repeat a course in order to achieve the minimum requirements for the certificate.

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar

A way to start a university journey

SPARC can help students who have traditionally faced barriers to educational success with intensive cultural, community and academic support.

Students who complete SPARC courses are able to transfer their credits to Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management degree programs.
 

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for recent high school graduates

  1. A minimum average of 63-69.9% over three Grade 12 S or U credits.
  2. One credit of Grade 12 S or U English with a minimum grade of 60%.
  3. Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Admission requirements for mature applicants (over 21 years of age)

  1. Must be 21 years of age or older by:
    • September 30 for classes starting in September
    • January 31 for classes starting in January
    • May 1 for classes starting in May
    • July 1 for classes starting in July
  2. Must have limited experience at college or university (fewer than 24 credit hours).
  3. Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

How to apply

Contact Bree Cruise, Lead for Indigenous Achievement & Outreach at Bree.Cruise@umanitoba.ca to learn more about the next cohort intake and admission date.

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Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)

Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808

Program inquiries

Bree Cruise
Lead for Indigenous Achievement & Outreach 
115 Frank Kennedy
420 University Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
 

bree.cruise@umanitoba.ca