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UBC Intern Reports on First 6 Weeks
Oct 22, 2009 - posted by Inner City

My name is James Tully and as part of an Internship program through the University of British Columbia, I have spent the past six weeks shadowing Inner City Hub Developer Kris Hildebrand.  The Internship is a non-paid 14 week opportunity for me to learn as much as I can about MoreSports as an organization and the nature of non-profit organizations as a whole.  My duties have ranged from administrative responsibilities to personally leading and engaging with youth.    I have learned a great deal from Kris, as his supervising strategy has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to appreciate the rewarding experience that is his role in MoreSports.  In addition to the skill set I have begun to develop in sport administration, program design, promotion and implementation, there are a number of things I have learned about the processes involved. 

-The ability to make things work, adapting and changing to a situation that is never ideal is fundamental to this process.  In addition I am learning how to think logistically when presented with a new idea or situation.  I have noticed that at times there can be a translation issue between those high up and those left to implement.  Ideas are not always feasible and the logistics of the situation are often left up to the facilitators to make things work.

-The value of a Grass Roots Model for sport participation and the importance of establishing healthy lifestyles and active living at a young age.   Being involved in the Sport Fit initiative I have seen firsthand the fitness capacity of a number of the youth in the area and it is clear that what this company does is drastically important for the prevention of potential hypokinetic diseases that result from a sedentary lifestyle.  We have the opportunity to instil values and behaviours in these youth that will serve them long into adulthood.

-The importance of community relations.  The ability to communicate with key members in the community and establish relationships and partnerships as well as the ability to work with the community and understand their needs to better design and deliver programs that are in their best interests

One thing that has really stood out to me about this organization in these first six weeks is the passion of all the individuals involved.   From a board of directors which works well together to advise and direct this organization, down to the facilitators who truly believe in what they are doing.  Thus far this has been a meaningful and fulfilling experience and I hope that prospective funders and sponsors can see the true value in what MoreSports provides.