Students

Athletics continues to take an increasing role in extracurricular activities at Foothills Academy. Many different intramural sports are played during lunchtime for students of all grades and abilities. Intramurals are popular activities allowing students to increase their participation outside of the classroom. The wide range of sports encourages the students to try new sports or practice the skills that they already have. Intramurals are very inclusive and have a positive influence on the children's self-esteem, attitude, and overall fitness level.

The Foothills Academy running club meets two to three times a week to train for cross-country, road races, and the track season. The club has been built up over several years and has become almost institutional at Foothills. The focus for the club is to have fun and increase overall fitness levels, within a social setting. The highlight of the running season is definitely the yearly trip to Spokane for the Bloomsday run. This will be the tenth year in a row that the running club has made the trek to Spokane. It is a very positive experience for the students to participate in a run of this magnitude. The students earn the right to go to Spokane through regular attendance in the running club, effort, attitude, and school performance.

One sport growing in participation is basketball. The senior boys' basketball team has quickly gained prominence in the school. In its third year the team has become key in developing the skills of the high school students. Last year, 1999-2000, the team was undefeated in regular season play and represented Calgary private schools at provincials for junior varsity. With the success of last year's team, they will be making the jump to senior varsity this year. In order to help build the basketball program, there is now a junior high boys' team. This team is intended to introduce the students to new basketball and team skills, which can be developed prior to their transition to the high school game. As well, there has been a very successful high school girls' team over the last few years. This team focused on building a program that would develop team skills through hard work in both practices and games and the success that comes with this. The basketball teams at Foothills Academy have greatly increased student morale and self-esteem.

Last year, a new team was started for badminton. The students had practices several mornings a week, showing the dedication and interest of the participants. The year culminated with a badminton tournament that allowed for competition in many different categories, allowing them to compete with each other in a fun tournament. The success of last year's badminton team, especially in participation, will lead to the entry by Foothills Academy into the private school league.

Track and field has become a prominent springtime sport at Foothills Academy. The 1999-2000 season was very successful for the students on the team. The team had over 80 members, which compromises more than half of student enrollment. This team competed for the first time at the ISAA City meet, where several members were able to qualify for the ASAA city championships. The success of the track team last year will greatly fuel interest in the desire of the students to participate this year.