York University (Toronto, Ont.). Dept. of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
- Corporate body
- 1961-
The Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics serves three purposes at York University. It has teaching programmes which offer undergraduate degrees in the faculties of Arts and Science. At the same time the department runs recreational sports and fitness activities for the York University community. Finally, it is responsible for the Inter-university athletic programme in which the York Yeomen and Yeowomen compete against other Ontario university teams.
The Department began as the Department of Recreation and Athletics in 1961-1962 with a mandate to provide athletic and recreational activities for the student body. In the 1968-1969 academic year an undergraduate programme of study was offered for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Physical Education. Since that time the programme has grown to include Certificate
Programmes in Sports Administration, Coaching, Advanced Coaching and Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counselling.
The Department operates intramural sports, instructional classes and sports clubs on campus. The Inter-University Athletic Programme sponsors the York Yeoman and Yeowomen athletic teams which compete in Ontario University Athletic Union and Women 's Inter-University Athletic Union sports (hockey, basketball, gymnastics, track & field, volleyball and football).
The Tait Mackenzie Physical Education Centre was opened in 1966 as the centre of the Department. It houses two gymnasia, a swimming pool, squash courts, weight-training and wrestling rooms. There is also an ice arena, playing fields, the National Tennis Centre tennis courts and the Track and Field Centre which is a joint responsibility of York University and Metropolitan Toronto.