New Minas Sport Development Academies Registration Form
(Downloadable for your Convenience)

Meet Our Academy Coordinator – Resident, Dave Harris

Dave Harris - Biography

The Village of New Minas Recreation Department is very proud and honoured to have retired Physical Education Teacher Dave Harris as our Coordinator for the ever popular New Minas Development Sports Academies.

New Minas resident Dave Harris has learned that you’re not really retired until all your kids have grown. A physical education teacher for 30 years, Dave has instilled the love of athletics in his own five children, and is now spending much of his time supporting them in their various athletics endeavours.

When he isn’t cheering on his own children, Dave, who taught at Evangeline Middle School (EMS) for 15 years, is a vital part of the New Minas Recreation team.

Organizing and coordinating developmental sports (Volleyball, basketball, badminton, flag football, running, table tennis, baseball, etc.) programs, academies and teams Grades 2-12, as well as an adult basketball program Dave has a clear understanding of the importance of leisure, recreational and sports for kids.

“The recreation programs for kids are a necessity.” Dave says, when asked to discuss his thoughts on the New Minas Recreation program. “The obesity statistics speak for themselves.”

Dave, whose wife is a diabetic educator, has learned about the importance of physical activity and health and believes that New Minas needs to continue to develop programs that will offer sustainability. He is pleased with the work of the New Minas Recreation Department and feels there can never be too many opportunities for kids.

“It’s not the kids fault,” he says. “If the programs are there, the kids will come to them.” Dave isn’t the sort of person to wait around for opportunities to knock.

At EMS, he created a diverse and exciting athletic program that got students excited and interested in being active. Now he’s using that enthusiasm to push for youth priority in New Minas as well as more family programs. “I’d like to see snow shoeing, biking, walking, any activity that a family could enjoy together,” he says. “New Minas is incredibly well developed now with its soccer and golf programs.”

Dave is also pleased with the number of opportunities now being taken advantage of by females.

“There has been a huge increase in the number of females involved in physical activity,” he says.

“Again, if the opportunities are there, the kids will come.”

Balancing the many things in his life has become a familiar dance for Dave. Overall, however, he stresses the importance of making physical activity a “number one priority.” His family and students have certainly learned that lesson from him, and the Village of New Minas is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic supporter working with them to meet their recreational goals.

Dave is married to Bev Harris, Manager of Horton High School Division 1 Girls Basketball Team. All five of Dave’s children: Michelle, Adam, Andrew, Laura and Lindsay developed basketball skills through basketball programs.

Dave is a retired Physical Education Teacher. He taught at Kings County Academy and Evangeline Middle School.

Dave coached various school junior and senior teams, numerous minor basketball teams in New Minas and surrounding area.

Sport Academies Spring 2008 Program Flyer
(Downloadable for your Convenience)

Sport Academies Grades 2 & 3 Spring 2008 Program Flyer
(Downloadable for your Convenience)

New Minas Sport Academies Spring 2008 “A Quick Glance” Information & Details
(Downloadable for your Convenience)

KCBA Information Spring ’08 Flyer
(Downloadable for Your Convenience)
 

Confirmed Schedule for the Spring 2008 Session of the Kings County Basketball Academy (KCBA) with Bev Greenlaw:

Registration (1 day only):

Wednesday, March 26 @ NMES from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Registration after this date accepted at the New Minas Civic Centre Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until spaces last as maximum spaces of 24 available only for each group.

Schedule @ Evangeline Middle School (E.M.S):

April 14 to May 14, 2008

Mondays, April 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12, 2008

5:00 p.m.             Group 1 – Grades 4-6, Co-ed (Max 24)
6:00 p.m.             Group 2 -  Grades 4-6, Co-ed (Max 24)
7:00 p.m.             Group 3 -  Grades 4-6, Co-ed (Max 24)

Tuesdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6 & 13, 2008

5:00 – 6:45 p.m.     Group 4       Grades 7 & 8, Boys (Max 24)
6:45 – 8:30 p.m.     Group 5       Grades 7 & 8, Girls (Max 24)

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7 & 14

5:30 p.m.             Group 1 – Grades 4-6, Co-ed (Max 24)
6:30 p.m.             Group 2 -  Grades 4-6, Co-ed (Max 24)
7:30 p.m.             Group 3 -  Grades 4-6, Co-ed (Max 24)

Sundays, April 20, 27, May 4, 11 & 18 @ Glooscap Elementary School         

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.                Group 6                Grades 9-12 Boys (Max 24)
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.                Group 7                Grades 9-12 Girls (Max 24)

The New Minas Recreation Department is very pleased to announce our Spring Program again for the entire County - Kings County Basketball Academy (KCBA) with Bev Greenlaw for Dynamic Athletic & Skill Development for only $50.00 each participant.

This program will run from April 14 to May 18 at Evangeline Middle School and Glooscap Elementary School (Canning-next to arena).

Registration will be held Wednesday, March 26 @ NMES from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Registrations after this date will be accepted at the New Minas Civic Centre Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until spaces last as maximum spaces available only for each group.

The purpose of the KCBA (Kings County Basketball Academy is group instruction during the offseason and is to push young children to their maximum potential both on and off the court.

Our qualified instructors will teach the game from the ground up including both basic and advanced fundamentals. Most importantly they will teach essential life skills such as commitment, hard work, enthusiasm, goal setting, etc.

The program will be for boys and girls Grades 4-12 and will be operated by the Village of New Minas Recreation Department and will be housed in New Minas at EMS and Glooscap at Canning.

For further information, or to register, please contact the New Minas Recreation Department at 681-6577 or 681-6041.

The program will be led by Head Instructor Bev Greenlaw with assistance from program Coordinator/Instructor Dave Harris, Acadia University player Emma Duinqur, other adult leaders and High School competitive players including Lindsay Harris, point guard for Nova Scotia Under 17 Bronze Medallists at Canadian Basketball Championships (Summer 2007) and Steven Trainor.

Bev Greenlaw is respected by knowledgeable basketball people as that most rare of combinations; he is both a 'coach's coach' and a 'players' coach'.

Basketball, to Greenlaw, is a means to encourage young people to develop as caring, responsible and responsive human beings. He encourages all his players to respect and contribute to their community and to the game, and dozens of his former players have done so, serving as coaches and teachers at every level from mini to university.

In the brief time since he has returned to active coaching, he has once again become the most in demand guest instructor and clinician at basketball camps and clinics throughout the Atlantic Provinces.

The purpose of the Academy is group instruction during the off-season and is to push young children to their maximum potential both on and off the court.

This is the third session of the Academy since it started in the Spring of 2007.

Kings County Flag Football Academy (K.C.F.F.A)

The Village of New Minas Recreation Department is very excited to announce that they will be offering a new Sport Development Academy this spring: a Kings County Flag Football Academy (K.C.F.F.A).

It is for participants (Grades 3-9): Grades 3 and 4; 5 and 6; 7 to 9 (If born after January 1, 1993).

The fee to join the academy is only $40.00 which includes the participant’s t-shirt.

It will be held May 19th to June 25th Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm.

Head Instructor will be Steve Melanson (679-2955 / 698-3830).

Steve has been involved in coaching at the minor level for the past five years with the Valley Minor football Association. Two years ago he started up atom football in the Valley for kids 8 to 10 years of age (tackle). He played university football at Acadia University from 1982-85 and he is currently assistant coach with Acadia football. He is also the head coach for the Valley Bulldogs (pee wee).

This past year the pee wee team placed second in the province losing 6-0 in the final game. Also this past season, Steve was selected as Football Nova Scotia Coach of the Year.

Steve has run football camps at Acadia University for the past two years and has had over 70 participants at each camp.

Steve’s philosophy, as it pertains to football, is to make it fun for the kids at the same time teach the fundamentals so it gives them the chance to succeed! Steve will also have some Acadia University players at the academy to help teach the kids basic fundamentals.

The KCFFA will also include a one-day football Jamboree Saturday, June 7 at Acadia University Turf field.

Registration will take place Saturday, April 12 at New Minas Elementary School Gymnasium Foyer from 10 am to 12 noon.

Valley Minor Football Skills Camp

A Valley Minor Football Skills Camp for Grades 3-8 will be held on Sunday, April 27 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm @ Raymond Field, Wolfville.

The fee to participate is only $20.00.

The Camp includes:

Skill stations 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Lunch 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Flag Football 1:45 – 3:15 pm
Closing pick-up by 3:30 p.m.

Participants must provide DOB, Health Card # and Emergency Contact and Phone # when registering.

For further information or to register, please contact the Camp’s Head Instructor - Steve Melanson @ 679-2955.

New Minas Spring 2008 Volleyball Development Academy Classic

New Minas Recreation is very pleased to announce a new spring program in the Village of New Minas.

It is our very own Spring Volleyball Development Academy Classic.

Who:               Grades 7 & 8, co-ed

What:              2 hours of fun volleyball each night

Where:            Evangeline Middle School (EMS)

When:             Sundays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm    March 23 to May 18, 2008.

Fee:                Only $40 each.

The program will increase the physical activity levels of our youth, while offering two hours of volleyball play and instruction in a safe environment with new and old friends. Participants will enjoy two hours a week of skill development and game situations with our experienced staff.

New Minas Baseball Academy

Instructors:   Luke Smith & Ian Mosher

Who:               Grades 5 to 8

Where:            Evangeline Middle School (EMS)

When:             Saturdays (1-2:30 pm/2:30-4:00 p.m.) and Sundays (12-1:30 p.m./1:30-3:00 p.m.) April 12 to May 11, 2008.

Fee:                Only $50 each.

Born To Swing Development Golf Academy

Spring Schedule '08

6 sessions offered
Outdoors: Ken-Wo

Dates:

May 20 & 22, 2008
May 27 & 29, 2008
June 3 & 5, 2008

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.        Grades Primary to 2
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.        Grades 3 to 5
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.        Grades 6,7 & 8

June 5th - Pizza Party for all...

Thank you for your continued support and participation in our initiatives – it is greatly appreciated.

Now participants grades primary to 8 can develop their golf game year round with our NEW Fall / Winter & Spring 2007-08 instructional and development co-ed Academy.

CPGA pros from Ken-Wo Golf Course Dan Fraser and Derek MacKinnon will instruct full swing, chipping, putting and sand traps, while Dave Harris is the Academy Coordinator.

Golf Academy Fees:

Only $125.00 per participant (For all sessions—WOW)

All Inclusive Fee Includes:

Tourney For Fun
Golf t-shirt
Club to your specification
Team photo of participants in group
Pizza party
24 hours of instruction from 2 CPGA pros
Junior Golf Leaders (co-ed) will assist the professionals

For further information, please contact Coordinator Dave Harris @ 681-5820 or to register please contact New Minas Recreation @ 681-6577

Phone: 681-6577 or 681-6041 Fax: 681-0779

E-mail: village.newminas@ns.aliantzinc.ca

A Sport Start Academy

Who:               Grades 2 and 3

When:             Apr. 28 start to May 31

Mondays:       Group 1 4:30-5:30 pm, Group 2 5:30-6:30 pm

Saturdays:     Group 1 11:00 am-12:00 noon, Group 2 12:00 noon-1:00 pm

Where:            New Minas Elementary School.

Fee:                Only $25 each.

This is a co-ed program for grades 2 and 3 that will introduce participants to various sports and recreation opportunities and will give them the skills to allow them to participate in and chose those sports as they like to participate in while they continue to grow.

The Department has received funding for this program from Active Kids Healthy Kids and also Jungle Jim’s New Minas.

New Minas Volleyball & Badminton Development Academies

Who:               Grades 4, 5 and 6 (Boys and Girls)

Where:            New Minas Elementary School Gym

When:             Fridays: March 28 to May 16 Badminton 4:30 - 5:30 pm, and Volleyball from 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Saturdays:       March 29 to May 17 Badminton 9:00 - 10:00 am, and Volleyball from 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Fee:                Only $35 each.

This is a program offering skill development so that participants can improve their skills to play recreationally or competitively at each grade and age level right through to adulthood.

Grades 2 and 3 Volleyball Academy

Who:               Grades 2 & 3

Where:            New Minas Elementary School

When:             4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Fridays, April 4 to May 2, 2008

A skill development program for the younger age/grades group.

Fee:                Only $20 each. Includes participant t-short. Instructor is Dave Harris.

Spring Volleyball Academy Classic 3-on-3

Who:               Grades 4, 5 and 6

Where:            New Minas Elementary School

When:             March 28 to May 16 Fridays, 7:30 - 8:30 pm

This program is a chance for play and game situations so the participants can put their skills to the test in a game environment, 3-on-3. Free to participants registered in New Minas Volleyball Academy.

Little Dribblers Basketball Academy

Instructor:        Kevin Veinot

Who:               Grades 2 and 3

When:             April 16 to May 14 4:30pm - 5:30 pm

Where:            Evangeline Middle School. Fee only $25 each.

New Minas Running Academy

When:             Apr. 17 to June 5 Thursdays: 6:00 pm Grades 3-5 (Co-ed) Acadia U. 7:00 pm Grades 6-9 (Co-ed)

                      April 19 to June 7 Saturdays: 3:00 pm Grades 3-5 (Co-ed) Lockhart & Ryan Memorial Park 4:00 pm Grades 6-9                      (Co-ed)

Fee:               Only $40 each.

The much anticipated New Minas Development Running Academy with top-notch Instructor Ralph Williams has begun @ Lockhart & Ryan Memorial Park.

The main headquarters will be at the Recreation office at the park – the building to the right of the tennis courts, above the ball field, with a patio.

This will be used for a meeting area, change, area, washroom, etc.
 

Here is the Schedule:

 
This is a NEW Development Academy for the area. Sponsor, Stephen Bishop of Raymond James, Head Instructor Ralph Williams and Academy Coordinator Dave Harris, are offering another excellent addition and development program for the area.

Andrew Harris will also be assisting Ralph Williams.

The Academy will focus on training sessions and skill development based on each individuals personality: develop speed, develop, flexibility, develop motivation, work in groups, work individually, build speed and frequency, fun atmosphere, profile of each runner created, piometric training, Circuit Training, etc.

In the summer, we are looking @ 100m & 400m race, relay race meets open to everyone.

Ralph is committed to the Academy as we are looking at a seasonal academy:

• Spring - development
• Summer – track
• Fall – cross Country
• Winter – Indoor

Meet Our Running Academy Instructor

Ralph Williams has been running since 1971 and has competed for about 15 of those years representing Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia in National and Provincial competitions.

Ralph has competed in both Track & Field and Road Racing. In the 1980's, he held Provincial records in the 5000 metres and 10000 metres on the track. He has competed at track distance from the 800 metres to the 10000 metres. He has set records at various distances on the roads and are still ranked as the best times run by a Nova Scotia. (See Run Nova Scotia Rankings).

In 1979, Ralph was voted Nova Scotia Track & Field Athlete of the Year.

In 1980, he was voted Male Track & Field Athlete of The Year. He has run and won the Halifax Marathon 2 times and placed 10th in the 1985 Philadelphia Marathon.

In 1981, Ralph won a bronze metal at the 20km Road Race Championships.

In the late 70s and early 80s, He coached several athletes with McDonalds Track Club. Some of the athletes competed nationally and one went on to the World X-country Championships.

Mr. Williams has always informally advised athletes of all ages when the opportunity arose. Athletics are a big part of his life and is always in some capacity put back into it.

Ralph Williams
New Minas Running Academy Instructor

New Minas Development Volleyball & Badminton Academy
 

March 28 to May 16, 2008

Fridays           4:30 - 5:30 pm  Badminton Academy: Grades 4,5 & 6 co-ed
                      5:30 - 6:30 pm  Volleyball Academy: Grades 2 & 3 co-ed
                      6:30 — 7:30 pm  Volleyball Academy: Grades 4,5 & 6 co-ed 
 

March 29 to May 17, 2008

Saturdays      9:00 – 10:00 am  Badminton Academy: Grades  4, 5 & 6 co-ed
                   10:00 – 11:00 am Volleyball Academy Grades  4, 5 & 6 co-ed

Fees:              Only $20.00 each Grades 2 & 3 Volleyball Academy
                      Only $35.00 each Badminton Academy
                      Only $40.00 each Volleyball Academy

Location:       New Minas Elementary School Gymnasium (N.M.E.S)

The New Minas Volleyball Academy is designed for children, girls and boys in Grades 2 & 3, 4, 5 & 6 to increase their physical activity levels, have fun learning, develop and improve their volleyball skills, meet new and old friends in a fun, safe environment.

This unique program introduces participants to volleyball. The program is structured to teach volleyball skills in a way that is appropriate by adapting or modifying the game to meet their needs. Each day, participants get an opportunity to use their developing skills in a variety of modified games and game like situations. Dave Harris, experience program coordinator/instructor, will lead, instruct and work on instructing fitness, conditioning, skills, drills, modified games, volleyball skill review, games and other activities. Dave and his leaders are experienced, enthusiastic and committed to providing a fun, skilled and non-competitive environment for participants to learn volleyball skills and fundamentals so they can enjoy the experience of playing the sport.

Badminton is the world’s fastest growing sports, inexpensive and lots of fun to play. This exciting program for will teach and instruct the basic fundamentals. The concentration will be on sports development; explore new strokes, strategy and footwork. Participants will be provided a racquet if they do not have one to participate. The program will be led by Certified Badminton Instructor John DeKoe.

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