SPORTS & RECREATION COMMITTEES
	Sports have played a vital role in the growth and development of youth in this community.  Long before any formal support groups existed, there were individuals who organized and played various sports such as soccer, softball and basketball. Through their love of athletic activity and desire to provide an outlet for youthful energies, teams were formed to compete within the community and with teams from neighboring towns.
As years passed, Fox Harbour became a member of the Inter-town League, competing with the neighboring towns of Placentia, Jerseyside, and Freshwater.  The need for a support organization soon became evident.  Consequently, a sports organization was formed, which was to prove indispensable in the glory years of softball in Fox Harbour.  Among those who served on early executives were John Foley, Tom Spurvey, Mike McCue (Peter), James M. Spurvey, Pat Duke, James Davis, and Jim Houlihan.
The Sports Association assisted the players by providing funds for uniforms and equipment, upgrading the ball field and providing transportation to other communities for out-of-town games.  It also helped raise the calibre of players and the profile of sports in   the community, the Placentia area, and the province.
However, as time went on  it became apparent that if our athletes were  to benefit from government funding, affiliation with municipal government was required.  In September 1977, a Recreation Commission was formed under the jurisdiction of council, as dictated by the Department of Municipal Affairs, with a member of council sitting on executive board.  The first executive members were: John Whiffen - Chairman,  Mary M. King - Council representative,  Mary Murray - Treasurer,  Mae Flynn - Member,  Maureen Whiffen - Secretary,  John Griffiths - Member.
The first major accomplishment of the Commission was the purchase and installation of new playground equipment adjacent to the school.  While some equipment had been purchased in earlier years the newly established facility contained new swings, slides, teeter-totters, etc.  The Commission, as well, encompassed all sports in the community, providing assistance whenever possible.
With the aid of grants provided by Human Resources Development Canada in conjunction with the Department of Education, high school and post secondary students are given summer employment to assist them in furthering their education.
	In more recent years the focus of the Recreation Commission has changed.  The emphasis has shifted from supporting young men and women in competitive sports to providing recreational and social activities for younger boys and girls.
The students organize and carry out various games and activities with children, provide tutoring to those who are in need of extra help, and preschoolers avail of toddler time during activities throughout the summer months.
The summer projects benefit everyone in the community.  It gives the student workers much needed income, while endeavoring to develop in them a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.  It provides the younger children with recreational activities and excursions outside of  the community.  The student workers provide invaluable service within the community, especially when they prepare for the annual summer festival.  They help beautify the town by mowing grass, cleaning and decorating, as well as serving on various committees throughout the weekend. They, in no small way, help make the festival a very successful event.  The support and dedication of the Recreation Committee and its student workers have over the years made this community a better place in which to live.
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