Brookman: We need to be proactive about keeping Calgarians active, invest in facilities and programs​on February 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm

The World Health Organization has stated that obesity rates in adults have doubled since 1990. None of us need a study to know that obesity is a major factor in heart disease and diabetes. While we condemn the idea of the “perfect body,” we also know that obesity is costing the health-care system millions of dollars.

Earlier this week, the Herald carried an excellent column by Steve Allan related to the importance of having great sports facilities in our city, and the need for both a municipal and provincial sports strategy.

Growing up, I lived in a family that used food for any occasion, whether a birth, death, funeral or wedding. My aunts served massive quantities of food at every family gathering and, when we were stuffed beyond capacity, would say, “I don’t know why we make all of this food if no one is going to eat it.”

I grew up chubby and managed to avoid most sports activities throughout my entire school life. I speak sincerely when I say that I regret that.

I have said many times that we should be doing much better at maintaining existing facilities, as well as building the new structures needed for a growing city. It could be the flower planters left to grow weeds, or expensive trees allowed to shrivel and die, or it could even be bridges that are allowed to deteriorate until they must be extensively repaired or replaced.

It amazes me that around the world there are bridges built by the Romans that carry thousands of vehicles daily but, in Calgary, we must replace bridges or shut them down for months while they are restored.

However, in terms of a lack of a sports and fitness strategy, look at what we have allowed to happen to our Olympic legacy. The 1988 Games enhanced Calgary’s international image as much as the Calgary Stampede; it left us with a legacy of quality sports facilities.

Today, we should be finishing the upgrades and new construction that would have been needed for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, that opportunity was allowed to slip out of our hands but the need for maintenance and replacements still exists. Right now, WinSport’s bobsled track and ski jumps are closed, the Olympic Oval — which we long touted as the fastest track in the world — is on its last legs, the Olympic Plaza is in upheaval and the aging Saddledome is being replaced, while McMahon Stadium is well past its best-before date.

Aside from our Olympic legacy, it took a community uprising to keep the Inglewood swimming pool open, even while the former downtown YMCA was shut down.