Varsity Centre

A runner's journey: Bruce Kidd recounts a life at the intersection of sport, politics and social change

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 20:22:48 +0000

A runner's journey: Bruce Kidd recounts a life at the intersection of sport, politics and social change

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 09/21/2021 - 16:22

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In his memoir, Bruce Kidd takes readers on a journey through some of the most significant social and political movements of the last 70 years (photo courtesy of ��Ƶ Scarborough)

Jelena Damjanovic

Topic

Our Community

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Global

Olympics

Ombudsperson

Sport

U of T Scarborough

Varsity Centre

Bruce Kidd, a professor emeritus in the the ��Ƶ’s Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, writes in the introduction to his new book, A Runner’s Journey, that, “while an autobiography covers an entire life ... this is about my life in sport.”

But it is also much more.

Looking back at his life through the lens of sport, Kidd, a former Olympic athlete, member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, takes readers on a journey through some of the most significant social and political movements of the last 70 years.

Divided into three parts, the book traces Kidd’s athletic career in track and field – the highs and lows – and follows his circuitous route to becoming an activist and academic in sport studies.

Writer Jelena Damjanovic recently caught up with Kidd, who is also U of T’s ombudsperson and a former principal of U of T Scarborough, to chat about some of the defining moments of his life and career ahead of a Sept. 23 book launch event at Varsity Stadium.

You write about growing up loving sports of all kinds. How did you settle on running?

I had always loved to run, but knew nothing about the longer distances until forced to run a mile in a Grade 10 physical education class at Malvern Collegiate. When I ran it easily, the teacher, Mr. Grabb, encouraged me to enter the school’s harrier championship. When I won that easily, he recruited me to the school team. I loved it and found I was good at it. In my very first season, I won two city championships.

What was it about running that beat out all the other sports you enjoyed?

In track, you were the author of your own success and failure. That was very enticing.

You were a sensation on the North American track scene in the early 1960s. How did you recover from a disappointing showing in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo?

When I lost in Tokyo, I thought my life was over. It took me quite a while to recover. But supported by teammates, opponents, family and professors at U of T, I realized that life continued and there were other exciting avenues to pursue. I gradually learned to overcome the fear of failure. If I had survived the humiliation of Tokyo, I told myself, I could survive anything. It made it easier to take on difficult challenges.

What were some of your earliest lessons about sport values?

I was very lucky in the parents and coaches I had. They taught me that everyone deserved opportunity and fair treatment, and that racist and anti-Semitic trash talk had no place in sports.

Later on in life, you had more disturbing introductions to the way in which sport was affected by racism and sexism. What were some of the more poignant ones?

It was hard to see my Black teammate Harry Jerome criticized for ‘quitting’ in a major race when he was so clearly injured, and women teammates having to change behind a tree while we had heated dressing rooms with hot showers. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, girls and women were actively discouraged from sport.

Harry Jerome (left) and Bruce Kidd (right) and at British Empire Game Trials in East York, August 1962 (photo by Mihkel Turk)

Some of your detractors criticized you for pointing out things that needed improving in sports. How did you respond?

At first I was combative in the spirit of 1960s student radicalism, lashing back at my critics. That gave me the satisfaction of getting their attention, yet it didn’t help win over other people or bring about change. Gradually, with trial and error and mentoring from some very astute people, I learned to focus on what could be improved. That took a while, and constitutes a big part of the middle part the memoir.

What role did working as a civil servant at the Treasury Board Secretariat play in teaching you how to work the system from within?

Treasury Board taught me how to navigate a big cumbersome bureaucracy like the provincial government and the ��Ƶ. It also taught me that it’s not enough to change policy – but to ensure its effective implementation.

Of all the battles you fought, and continue to fight, which one would you single out as most important to you?

I’m very proud of those battles, but perhaps I’m proudest of the role I played in the international campaign to isolate apartheid sport in South Africa. It not only helped eradicate apartheid but turned international sports towards human rights.

What’s the most important battle in sport today?

To realize sport for all as a basic human right and a contribution to population health. We talk all the time about the benefits of sport and physical activity, but they’re only available to a minority of the population. With COVID, woeful participation levels fell even further. It’s a Canadian and worldwide crisis.

U of T hosts vaccine clinic pow wow at Varsity Stadium

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:09:22 +0000

U of T hosts vaccine clinic pow wow at Varsity Stadium

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 06/22/2021 - 10:09

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Alanna Pasche and Deanne Hupfield perform at an Indigenous vaccine clinic that was hosted at U of T's Varsity Stadium last weekend (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

UTogether

Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health

Alumni

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Indigenous

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

St. Michael's Hospital

Vaccines

Varsity Centre

The ��Ƶ's Varsity Stadium was transformed into the site of a vaccine pow wow over the weekend, with volunteers dancing and playing hand drums while community members received their shots.

Steve Teekens, the executive director of Na-Me-Res, a Toronto emergency shelter for Indigenous men, said the clinic was held to provide First Nations, Inuit and Métis people with a culturally safe place to receive their vaccinations. Nearly 200 people received their first or second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the clinic on Saturday, which operated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Na-Me-Res partnered with other health-care groups – Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto, Well Living House at St. Michael's Hospital and the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women's College Hospital – to create an Indigenous COVID-19 response program, called Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong (which means "place of healthy breathing" in Anishinaabemowin).

“One of the things that happened during this pandemic is that it exposed some of the inequities within the health sector, particularly for Indigenous people,” says Teekens. “So, there was some hesitancy from our community to access some of these services, especially if they had experiences with discrimination and racism before.”

U of T’s Varsity Stadium was transformed into the site of a vaccine pow wow over the weekend (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Teekens and others helped organize the mass clinic, with logistical support from U of T, in order to speed up vaccinations. He says he contacted Associate Professor Suzanne Stewart, director of the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health (WBIIH) at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, who agreed to support the Indigenous-led COVID-19 response.

“Suzanne connected me with the appropriate folks at U of T and they never said no, ever,” says Teekens. “It just amazed me. They just wanted to know how they could accommodate it and make it work for us.”

Stewart and Clayton Shirt, an Elder and traditional knowledge keeper at Dalla Lana and the WBIIH, greeted people who came for their shots at the entrance.

U of T ’s Trevor Young, dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Salvatore Spadafora, senior adviser to the dean and head of U of T’s COVID-19 response and adaptation group and Lynn Wilson, vice-dean, clinical and faculty affairs at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, volunteered at the clinic (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Volunteers from WBIIH, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy helped with the vaccinations.

Suzanne Shoush, co-medical director of Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong and the first Indigenous health faculty lead in the department of family and community medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was the clinic's medical lead.

“Na-Me-Res usually has pow wows on the Saturday closest to National Indigenous People's Day, but they had to be paused because of the pandemic,” Teekens says. Varsity field provided space for pow wow drummers and dancers, as well as Métis and Inuit performers.

Matthew Rutledge performs on the field at Varsity Centre (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Janet Smylie, a professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, physician at St. Michael's Hospital and one of Canada's first Métis physicians, volunteered as both an observer at the waiting area, where people sat after receiving their shots, and as a performer.

Janet Smylie, a professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and one of Canada's first Métis physicians, plays a drum at the Varsity Centre vaccine clinic (photo by Johnny Guatto)

At the clinic, Cheryl Regehr, U of T's vice-president and provost, said she was proud of U of T's support for the pandemic response, including Dalla Lana’s and WBIIH's work with Indigenous communities.

“The Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health has been instrumental in ensuring that the particular needs of Indigenous people in this health crisis are being accounted for,” she said, citing advocacy for Indigenous vaccine access on-and-off reserves, helping create a culturally safe vaccine rollout strategy and operating clinics in co-operation with local Indigenous organizations.

"Today's vaccine pow wow is both a celebration of these efforts, and a recognition of how Indigenous health is critical to the country's health."

Professor Lynn Wilson administers a vaccination (photo by Johnny Guatto)

For Devon Bowyer, a former Varsity Blues soccer player and graduate of Dalla Lana’s master of public health program who helped run the clinic, the event marked a return to the stadium he knows from his days on the pitch.

“It was like a full circle moment. It was amazing to do special work helping out the community in a culturally safe and culturally appropriate way,” he said.

“It's really important that these types of initiatives are led by Indigenous academics, clinical workers and community organizations. I was aiming to be a good ally, trying to support the clinic the way I could.”

Suzanne Shoush, Devon Bowyer and Cheryllee Bourgeois (photo courtesy of Devon Bowyer)

Bowyer worked closely with Stewart during his graduate studies on community-based projects in the Greater Toronto Area, helping out with previous clinics within the University Health Network. He began working as the logistics manager at Auduzhe about a month ago.

“This is part of the reason you go into public health,” he says. “You want to be there for people, especially those who are under-represented or marginalized.”

Marionne Rutledge performs at the vaccine clinic led by Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong, an Indigenous COVID-19 response program (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Beth Ali, executive director co-curricular athletics and physical activity programs, says she's pleased Varsity Stadium could host the clinic.

“As home to U of T’s Sport and Recreation division and the Varsity Blues, we know the importance of teamwork for success and if there’s anything this pandemic has taught us, it’s how much we are reliant on each other,” she says. “Through partnerships and co-operation such as this one, we are committed to providing resources to support the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community.”

On giving thanks and casting ballots: Check out these October events at U of T

noreen.rasbach — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

On giving thanks and casting ballots: Check out these October events at U of T

noreen.rasbach Tue, 10/01/2019 - 00:00

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(photo by Ken Jones)

Tom Yun

Topic

City & Culture

Family Care Centre

Artificial Intelligence

Rotman School of Management

St. Michael's College

Fall has arrived and the ��Ƶ continues to be packed with interesting and exciting events, ranging from talks by insightful speakers to art installations.

The federal election takes place on Oct. 21 and there will be debates happening on all three campuses to help you make an informed decision.

Here’s a selection of some of the events that will be happening on campus this month:

Oct.1

The federal election campaign is in full swing, and the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union is hosting a debate featuring the local candidates for the riding of Scarborough-Rouge Park.

Can machines learn from our mistakes? U of T’s Marzyeh Ghassemi will lecture at the Centre for Ethics, addressing artificial intelligence and its applications in health care.

Oct. 2

Candidates for the riding of Mississauga-Erin Mills will gather for a debate at U of T Mississauga’s Maanjiwe Nendamowinan Building.

Nobel Laureate John Polanyi will be speaking at the George Ignatieff Theatre about what Canada can do to prevent nuclear war. His talk will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Join U of T Mississauga’s Equity and Diversity Office for Anti-“O” Convos that will explore topics in current events from an anti-oppressive lens. The first one will look into civic action and engagement.

Oct. 3

Candidates for University-Rosedale will be at the Medical Sciences Building for a debate hosted by the U of T Students’ Union.

CNN journalist Daniel Dale, known for his fact-checking of U.S. President Donald Trump, will delivering the 2019 Snider Lecture at U of T Mississauga. His talk will be livestreamed online.

ARTSIDEOUT is a multidisciplinary art festival at U of T Scarborough bringing art installations and live performances as well as an art market featuring local artists selling their work.

U of T's Mark V. Campbell will be moderating a discussion on how art can connect across geography and cultures as a part of the Nuit Talks series, featuring Nuit Blanche artists.

Oct. 4

Every Friday, the Cinema Studies Student Union screens free films at Innis Town Hall and the films in October have a distinctly scary feel, starting with Jennifer’s Body.

Need to tune up your bike? Regenesis at U of T Scarborough is holding a free bike repair clinic on Oct. 4 and 11 at the U of T Scarborough Student Centre.

Oct. 5

Nuit Blanche is back for its 14^thyear and hundreds of artists will transform the streets of downtown Toronto and Scarborough with art installations from sunset to sunrise. Reza Nik of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design is one of the many artists involved - his installation, Project GUNK will look at Toronto’s role in making Canada one of the world’s largest producers of garbage.

From Oct. 5 to 9, students can vote on campus. Elections Canada will have polling stations open at Hart House Reading Room from Oct. 5 to 8 and at the U of T Mississauga Student Centre until Oct. 9. Even if you live away from home, you’ll be able to send your vote to your home riding if you vote on campus.

The U of T Symphony Orchestra will be performing at the MacMillan Theatre. The performance will include works such as Colgrass’s As Quiet as and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.

Participants get ready for the 2017 CIBC Run for the Cure on the St. George campus

Oct. 6

Run or walk to take on cancer at the CIBC Run for the Cure. The run will start at King’s College Circle, with the route going through the St. George campus. A run in Mississauga will also take place around the U of T Mississauga campus.

U of T Scarborough students are organizing a group bike ride around campus. It’s taking place outside the Management Wing and is open to all riders.

Oct. 7

Acclaimed Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh will be speaking at U of T Scarborough. His talk will be taking place in the Ralph Campbell Lounge. Refreshments will be served.

Oct. 8

Every Tuesday at noon, U of T Mississauga staff and faculty host wellness walks. See the fall colours around campus and chat about biology with Nagham Abdalahad on Oct. 8.

Oct. 9

Photographer Jalani Morgan will be giving a talk at U of T Scarborough as a part of the department of arts, culture and media’s visiting artist lecture series. His exhibition, 9 Bats, will be on display at U of T Scarborough’s Doris McCarthy Gallery until Nov. 30.

Oct. 10

Celebrate Thanksgiving on campus. Hart House is teaming up with the Centre for International Experience and First Nations House at U of T to offer a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

U of T’s department of Spanish and Portuguese is teaming up with the Embassy of Spain in Ottawa for the 2019 Spanish Film Festival. Every Thursday from Oct. 10 to 31, a selection of recent films from Spain will be screened at Northrop Frye Hall.

Join Gary Geddes, who is considered one of Canada’s most distinguished poets, for a reading at U of T Scarborough, hosted by its department of English and the League of Canadian Poets.

Oct. 11

Advance polling stations for the federal elections are open from Oct. 11 to 14. Check your voter information card to find your advance polling station once it arrives in the mail after Oct. 2.

Oct. 16

U of T’s Family Care Office will be holding a workshop dispelling the myths of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Join authors Karen Connelly and Tanya Tagaq for a discussion on the value of literature and their creative process. They’ll be speaking at the Isabel Bader Theatre as part of Literature Matters, the Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature annual lecture series.

Oct. 17

The fall book sale at University College

The University College fall book sale is back and will run from Oct. 17 to 20. Admission will be $5 on Oct. 17 and free on the other day. Students who show their T-Card can also enjoy free admission on the first day.

Oct. 21

It’s Election Day! Polls will be open for 12 hours across the country as Canadians determine who will lead the next federal government.

Oct. 22

Brampton-based rapper Noyz will be facilitating a workshop at U of T Mississauga as part of Hart House’s Hip Hop 101 Café series.

Oct. 23

The John M. Kelly Library at St. Michael’s College is celebrating its 50^th anniversary. Join author and St. Mike’s alumnus Anthony De Sa, who will discuss his new book, The Need to Look Back. A reception and the opening of an exhibit highlighting the library’s history will follow.

Oct. 24

Thousands of donated books will be on sale at the 44^th annual Trinity College Book Sale, which will take place at Seeley Hall to Oct. 28. Admission is $5 on Oct. 25 and free the following three days.

Theatre Erindale will be having its opening night for The Glove Thief at U of T Mississauga’s Erindale Studio Theatre. The performance runs from Oct. 24 to 27 and Nov. 1 to 3.

Oct. 25

Join U of T Veg Club and the U of T Students’ Union for a free vegan breakfast at the Multi-Faith Centre.

Oct. 29

Dr. Jen Gunter, a bestselling author known for busting myths and falsehoods about women’s health, will be speaking at the Rotman School of Management about how to combat pseudo-scientific claims made by wellness companies. She will be joined by Sarah Kaplan, director of the Institute for Gender and the Economy at Rotman.

Oct. 30

Hart House and the U of T Mississauga Indigenous Centre are bringing the Hip Hop 101 Café series to Mississauga. Saskatchewan-based Indigenous rapper Drezus will be leading a conversation at the Davis Building on how hip hop is being used by Indigenous artists to challenge settler colonialism. Drezus will also be leading a Hip Hop 101 Café at Hart House on Oct. 31

As part of the Toronto International Festival of Authors, authors Maureen Jennings and Helena Janeczek will be reading from, and talking about, their new books, Heat Wave and The Girl with the Leica, respectively, at U of T Scarborough’s Ralph Campbell Lounge. The talk will be moderated by poet Daniel Scott Tysdal, an associate professor in the department of English.

Oct. 31

There will be free hot chocolate and free skate rentals at the Varsity Centre for MoveU’s Scary Skate. The event is free for U of T students and $5 for everyone else. Bring your costumes.