I think it's a mentality thing. There are many places here in Ottawa where adults could swim or run, but if they don't feel welcome, if the attitude is too competitive, they will not feel at home. It comes down to this huge overall change in mentality. It's like that girl who didn't make the team and didn't show up to play on the lesser team. We need to promote non-competitive options. It frustrates me. I teach a learn to run program, as well, twice a year. When I look at the group—and it's 90% female—my number one priority is that it's inclusive, that no one is left behind. It frustrates me to no end that in the community this is an exception. Too often it's the least experienced coach who is the one teaching the new adult. It's a mentality change. We have to prioritize participation and decrease the whole goal-oriented, ladder-based mentality, but it's complicated.
On October 18th, 2016. See this statement in context.