RSIs are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that may involve tendons, muscles and nerves. These injuries can develop progressively over time, spanning weeks, months or even years. Common symptoms include tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness, burning sensations, tingling or numbness, particularly in the hands, wrists and arms.

RSIs represent approximately reported to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. One effective strategy to mitigate the risk of RSIs is to regularly change positions and incorporate movement throughout the workday.

In support of RSI Awareness Day, York鈥檚 Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being team will offer a virtual lunch and learn session.

Ergonomic Principles in the Workplace
Friday, Feb. 28
12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
.

Participants will learn how to optimize their workstations using ergonomic principles. No special equipment or prior knowledge is required.

For more information regarding ergonomics:

• Explore additional on York鈥檚 Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being web page.
• Download the .
• Visit YU Learn for two self-paced courses, and .

The post Learn about repetitive strain injury prevention, Feb. 28 appeared first on YFile.

Zivic, whose influence on the sport of gymnastics spans decades, was a cornerstone of 快播视频 Athletics & Recreation, etching an indelible mark on the institution and Canadian sports.

Born on Sept. 12, 1937, in Ni拧, Serbia, Zivic came to Toronto in 1968 with his wife, Nada, and soon after began his career at York. He served as the head coach of the men's gymnastics program from 1968-93, during which time he led the team to extraordinary success.

Under Zivic's leadership and that of his longtime assistant, the late  York gymnasts captured 21 Ontario University Athletics championships and 18 national U SPORTS titles, solidifying York's reputation as a preeminent gymnastics program in Canada. The legacy of his coaching includes the development of more than 15 individual national champions and numerous provincial titleholders 鈥� making York鈥檚 program the best in the nation during his tenure.

Zivic was also a devoted educator in the School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health, teaching courses in gymnastics, strength and conditioning, soccer and European handball. His roles at the University culminated in his retirement in 2003, but his commitment to gymnastics extended far beyond York.

In the community, he held leadership positions, including chairing both the Ontario and Canadian Gymnastics Federations, and was honoured with a Life Membership Award from the Ontario Gymnastics Federation in 1998.

His impressive coaching credentials included coaching Canadian Olympians from 1976-84 and serving as head coach of the Canadian national gymnastics team at the World Championships in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1985, as well as leading the team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Zivic鈥檚 talent for coaching was also evident at the grassroots level, where he founded the gymnastics program at the Canadian Adventure Camp in Temagami, Ont., providing countless opportunities for young gymnasts to grow in a unique and supportive environment.

An alum of the University of Belgrade and the State University of New York, Zivic combined his athletic prowess and teaching acumen throughout a career that shaped many lives. His coaching approach prioritized positive reinforcement and hard work, establishing a culture of encouragement that resonated with students and athletes alike.

Beyond gymnastics, Zivic's passions included spending time with family, especially as a beloved grandfather "Deka" to his three grandchildren: Hudson, Bennett and Scarlett. His shared experiences at the family cottage in Temagami were filled with laughter, summer sports and cherished family moments.

Zivic leaves a legacy of excellence, a testament to the lives he touched through his coaching and teaching. His final resting place will honor his love for the natural beauty of Temagami, a setting that brought him joy throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the at 快播视频 to support the next generation of athletes who embody the spirit and resilience Zivic championed.

Zivic is survived by his wife, Nada 鈥� to whom he was married for 60 years 鈥� their two sons, Sasha and George, three grandchildren and a large community of friends and family. Visit the for more on his life and legacy.

The post Passings: Tomislav (Tom) Zivic appeared first on YFile.

Throughout the month, YFile will present a series of articles that highlight contributions from 快播视频 and its efforts to advance the SDGs. These stories reflect the people, research and initiatives that make the University an international leader in sustainability.

isn鈥檛 just about sports 鈥� it鈥檚 driving key University priorities, from sustainability to equity, with bold initiatives including a leadership conference on the future of women鈥檚 professional sports.

For Mandy McCurdy, manager of varsity athletics, it has always been important that York Athletics contribute to a healthy post-secondary ecosystem by aligning with the University鈥檚 broader strategic priorities.

鈥淲e want to connect with University-wide goals so people can see the value of a thriving, well-rounded athletics department,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to be able to say, 鈥榊es, we're doing this in varsity, and it鈥檚 making a difference across campus.鈥欌��

Among several initiatives, Athletics & Recreation has implemented its strategic priorities, ensuring its programs support student success, community engagement and inclusivity. The department has also mandated equity, diversity and inclusion training for all student-athletes, coaches and staff, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive sports culture.

In sustainability efforts, the Tait McKenzie Centre has introduced eco-friendly fitness equipment and implemented waste reduction programs during athletic events. Additionally, York Athletics has partnered with local organizations to expand accessibility in sports, particularly for underrepresented youth in the community.

University priorities were also at the forefront for McCurdy and the department while planning the latest . Established to empower and advance women in sports through critical conversations and leadership development, previous iterations of the annual event have tackled gender equity, safe sport policies and industry barriers.

This year鈥檚 conference, titled 鈥淧rofessionalization of Women鈥檚 Sports: It鈥檚 About Time,鈥� arrives at a pivotal moment. With women鈥檚 sports leagues securing historic media rights deals and sponsorships, the conference will explore how this shift is creating real career opportunities 鈥� not only for players but for executives, coaches and managers.

As the only conference in Canada that brings together academic perspectives and mainstream sports leaders, the event will examine key questions: Why has it taken so long? What barriers remain? And how can lasting progress be ensured? Sessions will cover the history of women in professional sports, the challenges that have hindered growth and the market forces that are now making women鈥檚 leagues more viable and profitable.

The agenda also aims to empower participants to take an active role in shaping the future of women鈥檚 sports, rather than just observing its evolution. For example, discussions will explore what a sustainable salary model looks like for female athletes in leagues still in their foundational stages. In that way, York Athletics wants to advance the University's efforts in not just being part of critical conversations, but leading them.

鈥淎t York, we believe that athletics is a powerful platform for driving change,鈥� says McCurdy. 鈥淭hrough initiatives like this conference, we鈥檙e elevating voices of all athletes and shaping a new narrative that reflects the diversity of 快播视频. And in doing so, we鈥檙e reinforcing York鈥檚 leadership in equity, sustainability and innovation beyond the playing field.鈥�

The post Beyond the game, York Athletics advances University-wide goals appeared first on YFile.

Repetitive strain injuries are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that may involve tendons, muscles and nerves. These injuries can develop progressively over time, spanning weeks, months or even years. Common symptoms include tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness, burning sensations, tingling or numbness, particularly in the hands, wrists and arms.

RSIs represent approximately 40 per cent of workplace injuries reported to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (). One effective strategy to mitigate the risk of RSIs is to regularly change positions and incorporate movement throughout the workday.

In support of RSI Awareness Day, York鈥檚 Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being team will offer a virtual lunch and learn session.

Ergonomic Principles in the Workplace
Friday, Feb. 28
12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
.

Participants will learn how to optimize their workstations using ergonomic principles. No special equipment or prior knowledge is required.

For more information regarding ergonomics:

• Explore additional on York鈥檚 Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being web page.
• Download the .
• Review York鈥檚 Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Program.
• Visit YU Learn for two self-paced courses, and .

The post Learn about repetitive strain injury prevention, Feb. 28 appeared first on YFile.

York鈥檚 historic Alumni Field hosted the first-ever Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. This reimagined event under the U SPORTS banner was facilitated through 快播视频 Athletics & Recreation with the assistance of Field Hockey Canada, the national governing body for field hockey in Canada. The four-day event saw teams from across the country 鈥� the Canada West champions, the University of Victoria Vikes; the Atlantic University champions, the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers; the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) champions, the University of Waterloo Warriors; and the hosts, the York Lions 鈥� compete for a national title. The Lions battled the Vikes in the gold medal game, but came up just short of the national title, earning a well-deserved silver medal.

The following weekend, the Lions men鈥檚 soccer team battled for another national title in Oshawa, Ont., at the 2024 Bruce Power U SPORTS Men鈥檚 Soccer Championships hosted by Ontario Tech University. 快播视频, the OUA silver medalists, beat Atlantic University Sport runner-up, St. Francis Xavier University, in the quarter-final, winning their first opening round game since 2015. That meant a date with the RSEQ (Quebec) conference champions, the Universit茅 de Montr茅al Carabins, in the semi-final and guaranteed York a chance to play for a medal. Despite a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the semi-final, the Lions earned a dominant 3-1 win over RSEQ finalists McGill University to bring home a bronze medal, the Lions' first U SPORTS men鈥檚 soccer medal since 2015.

Meanwhile, 2024 was the beginning of a renaissance for the Lions football program under first-year head coach Dexter Janke. The Lions won their first game since 2019 in the annual Red & Blue Bowl against their in-city rivals, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, on Sept. 21 by a score of 19-17. York then won their second game on Oct. 5, 39-24, over the Waterloo Warriors for their first-ever win at York Lions Stadium. The Lions were in position to make their first post-season appearance in two decades with a win over the McMaster University Marauders on the season鈥檚 final day, but came up just short in a hard-fought 24-21 loss. However, despite the heartbreak of missing the playoffs, the Lions have put the pieces in place to put the program back on the OUA football map.

As for the two-term sports, the Lions men鈥檚 volleyball team is turning heads early in the OUA season. After winning just six matches last season, they have surpassed that total through the first month of play. York started 7-0, their best start since their OUA championship-winning season in 2004-05. Thanks to their 7-0 start, the Lions earned their first U SPORTS Top 10 ranking since the week of Feb. 27 to Mar. 5, 2023, after a quarter-final playoff win over Queen鈥檚 University. It was also York鈥檚 first time in the national rankings during regular season competition since Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 2015, the opening week of the 2015-16 season. They finished the first half 8-2, highlighted by a four-set win over the No. 4-ranked Queen鈥檚 Gaels in their final match of the 2024 calendar year.

Several Lions raked in major conference and national awards during the fall semester. Men鈥檚 soccer player Christian Zeppieri won both the OUA West Most Valuable Player (MVP) and U SPORTS Player of the Year, while rookie teammate Luca Accettola was named the OUA West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year. Meanwhile, women鈥檚 soccer player Nia Fleming-Thompson was acclaimed OUA West MVP and a U SPORTS first-team all-Canadian. York women鈥檚 rugby head coach Spencer Robinson garnered OUA Coach of the Year honours after leading his team to a 2-4 record in his first season at the helm, bringing the program its first two victories since 2022 and to within a game of its first OUA playoff appearance since 2019.

After a successful fall semester, the Lions appear poised to make several playoff pushes in the winter term.

The post Varsity athletics fall highlights: 快播视频聽Lions win聽two national medals appeared first on YFile.

The 2024 Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship is the result of a partnership between U Sports, the national sport governing body for universities across the country, and Field Hockey Canada, the organization responsible the development and growth of the sport overall.

Previously called the U Sports Field Hockey Championship, this new iteration of the competition has expanded the number of participating teams from two to four, to offer more inclusive, national representation of all three university conferences.

Over the course of the tournament, teams will compete in a round-robin format to determine who will go on to medal matches. The two top teams after the round-robin matches will play for the gold medal, and the other two will play for bronze.

York being selected to host the inaugural iteration of the new championship format is a point of pride and excitement for those in the Department of Athletics & Recreation.

"We are proud to be partnering with Field Hockey Canada to host the 2024 Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship," noted Steven Chuang, executive director of athletics and recreation, . "In hosting this event, Athletics & Recreation is reaffirming its commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience, contribution to the University's reputation for excellence, and strengthening the bond between athletics, academics and community engagement at 快播视频."

Alex Dominato, director of athletics, expressed his enthusiasm too, believing hosting the tournament will raise the profile of the Lions' field hockey program across the country.

"Hosting the inaugural Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship is a significant milestone for our field hockey program, showcasing its continued prominence on a national stage," Dominato said.

The York Lions field hockey team is entering the championship with some strong positive momentum, having recently earned an Ontario University Athletics bronze medal on Oct. 27.

The win builds on a strong 9-3 winning record this past season, and 鈥� thanks to York hosting the tournament 鈥� with home court advantage, hopes are higher for more success.

The York Lions play their first game today, Oct. 31 at 4:30 p.m. They play again on Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 12:30 p.m. If they advance, they鈥檒l either compete in the bronze medal match on Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. or the gold medal match at 1 p.m.

With files from the Department of Athletics & Recreation

The post 快播视频 hosts, plays in inaugural women鈥檚 field hockey championship appeared first on YFile.

Naosaki only ever intended to stay at York for two years.

When head gymnastics coach Tom Zivic, a fellow York Hall of Famer, offered him a position as an assistant coach with the Yeomen gymnastics team in the early 1970s, he accepted, but planned on leaving Canada after his tenure.

Instead, two years became two decades.  
 
From 1972 to 1993, Naosaki 鈥� along with Zivic 鈥� guided the University鈥檚 men鈥檚 gymnastics program to 21 Ontario Universities Athletic Association (now Ontario University Athletics) gold medals and 18 Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (now U SPORTS) gold medals. His accomplishments earned him three U Sports coach of the year awards (1981,1982, 1986), as well as an induction in 2010 into the 快播视频 Sport Hall of Fame.

It wasn鈥檛 just York that benefited from his expertise and technical knowledge. He was called to represent Canada as the head coach of the men's gymnastics team at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, as well the Commonwealth Games in 1981, the World University Games in 1985 and 1987, and the Pan American Games in 1979 and 1999.

These collective efforts led him to become the first gymnastics coach to receive the Coaching Association of Canada Excellence Award in 1988.

Throughout Naosaki鈥檚 coaching career, it wasn鈥檛 just athletic success that mattered to him. 鈥淐oaches are not just teaching sport skills, they are also teaching life skills. I like to see people succeed in any area, not just sport, and I continued [for all these years] because of the ability to influence people for a better life,鈥� he .
 
As for his own life, he looked back with gratitude at the decision to stay in Canada

鈥淚t was a great opportunity for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 realized this was my place to enhance what I wanted to do and I stayed because I enjoyed it so much.鈥�

Those who wish to leave a message for the family may do so on his .

The post Passings: Masaaki Naosaki appeared first on YFile.

In 2023, at the Tait McKenzie Centre鈥檚 11,000-square-foot fitness centre, many of the exercise machines used by the York community were worn down and nearing the end of their lifespan. While considering how to replace the equipment, Athletics & Recreation (A&R) saw a unique opportunity.

They could replace the machines with new, comparable ones, or they could take an approach that would further one of the University鈥檚 most notable ongoing institutional goals 鈥� affordable and clean energy 颅鈥� with something more innovative: electricity-generating workout machines.

The decision was an easy one. While the green machines were comparable in price to traditional equipment, they offered a notable advantage: the value of using human power to reduce emissions on the Keele Campus. 鈥淭his is one of the key driving forces that led us to purchase these state-of-the-art machines that can advance our mission towards sustainability, contributing back to the grid and keeping up with our fitness goals, one step at a time,鈥� says Steven Chuang, executive director for A&R. "We wanted to ensure that we鈥檙e really striving towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and educating students about the value of sustainability."

Since August 2023, 42 electricity-generating machines 鈥� which include treadmills and indoor bicycles from green fitness company SportsArt 鈥� have been introduced to the Tait McKenzie Centre, helping York become one of the first universities in Canada to have green workout equipment at that scale.

The treadmills and bicycles have been plugged into outlets where no energy is drawn and are leveraging the energy generated by users to give back to the University鈥檚 power grid. Over the past months, the machines have been working toward the roughly 19,264 kilowatts of energy they can produce per year, which equals roughly 7,700 kettles of water.

They are expected to save $25,000 over the next five years, as energy produced from workouts follows the path of least resistance to where it鈥檚 needed on campus 鈥� whether it鈥檚 providing energy to power a clock or an LCD screen. Tait McKenzie, and the machines, even offer a feature where those breaking a sweat on the machines can directly see their contributions to sustainability through a leaderboard display screen that tracks which workout equipment units are producing the most power.

鈥淗aving these machines on campus is a model for what can be done for sustainability," says Mike Layton, chief sustainability officer. "That's what being part of a university is all about 鈥� contributing not only to making the university space better but making a better world.鈥�

In the past few months, these machines have made an impact on several users, including staff members. 鈥淚 smile when I'm on them,鈥� says Art McDonald, acting associate director of campus recreation. 鈥淚t feels good to use these machines and give back to the planet."

For those interested in testing these machines, visit the Tait McKenzie Centre on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keep an eye out for the green SportsArt logo.

The post Charging up: new Tait McKenzie exercise machines power York appeared first on YFile.

A two-time York graduate who holds degrees from the Faculty of Education and the University鈥檚 kinesiology program, she is one of 600 delegates expected to attend the summit, a gathering of coaches, staff, administrators and stakeholders from across Canada鈥檚 soccer community, taking place on the Keele Campus from Feb. 23 to 25.

As a keynote speaker, Muhtaj will draw from her experiences within Ontario鈥檚 soccer system and her journey as an Afghan-Canadian professional soccer player. Muhtaj gained international recognition when, in 2021, she defied the Taliban by successfully relocating Afghanistan鈥檚 junior soccer team outside the country to safeguard its female players and their ability to play.

In her talk, the 26-year-old former midfielder will highlight the transformative influence of sports, particularly in marginalized communities. She will also present the documentary about the Afghan team鈥檚 story, We Are Ayenda, to underscore the resilience of the Afghan youth women's national team and the power of soccer in shaping lives.

鈥淚鈥檒l discuss strategies for creating inclusive environments, prioritizing player safety and combatting bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination. Soccer has empowered me to give back to my communities as a global active citizen, and I believe it鈥檚 imperative to offer others similarly enriching experiences,鈥� she says.

Named a 快播视频 Top 30 Under 30 in 2022 for her active dedication to social justice through sport, Muhtaj will also stress the urgency of rebuilding trust within the soccer community just as Canada is getting ready to host 13 of the 104 games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto.

Her ongoing role as a mentor and role model for aspiring soccer players, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, underscores her commitment to nurturing talent and diversity within Canadian soccer.

Through partnerships with soccer organizations, government agencies and community groups such as the Scarborough Simbas 鈥� a Toronto-based soccer program for refugees and other newcomers to Canada 鈥� Muhtaj aims to promote inclusivity and growth within the sport. She does so as well through Respect in Sport, a program within the Respect Group, which educates youth leaders, coaches, officials and others on how to approach bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

鈥淎s an Afghan-Canadian professional soccer player, the director of culture and conscience at the Respect Group and the co-founder of Scarborough Simbas, I am uniquely positioned to contribute to the development of soccer in Canada," she says, "ensuring it is truly inclusive and growing the game.鈥�

Muhtaj鈥檚 ongoing advocacy for policy changes within Canadian soccer governing bodies also aims to guarantee that diversity, equity and inclusion remain top priorities at all levels of the sport. By actively participating in policy discussions and decision-making processes, Muhtaj continues to shape the future of soccer in Canada. She believes the need for comprehensive, long-term plans to foster a culture of respect and integrity within the sport is important.

鈥淚n light of significant milestones in Canadian soccer, such as the establishment of a women鈥檚 professional league and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, there鈥檚 an urgent need for unity within the sports community," she says. "It鈥檚 crucial to safeguard our children, keeping them engaged in sport for a lifetime.鈥�

The post York alumna to champion respect at Ontario Soccer Summit appeared first on YFile.

A former Canadian Football League (CFL) player and Grey Cup winner, Janke brings a wealth of experience and a champion鈥檚 mindset to the role, having served as the head coach of the Westshore Rebels 鈥� a Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) team based in Langford, B.C. 鈥� last season. Under his leadership, the Rebels achieved a remarkable 12-1 record, reaching the Canadian Bowl before narrowly losing to the Saskatoon Hilltops.

For his ability to bolster a team鈥檚 scoring ability, in 2023, Janke was named the CJFL's coach of the year. He aims to bring that ability now to the Lions.

鈥淭his is a really exciting time,鈥� says the 31-year-old Edmonton native. 鈥淲e have a great opportunity to reset the standard, come together as a group and bring a lot of pride and excitement to this program.鈥�

Janke鈥檚 journey to coaching success began with a notable career in the CFL where for four seasons he played as a defensive back, earning a Grey Cup ring with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019. Prior to his professional career, Janke honed his skills at the University of Saskatchewan where, as a six-foot-tall, 220-pound running back, he was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in 2015.

Aside from his accomplishments on the football field, Janke has a diverse athletic background, having competed as a brakeman on Canada鈥檚 four-man World Cup bobsleigh team in 2018. His multifaceted experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy, which stresses teamwork, discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

鈥淢y exposure to winning environments and high-level coaches prepared me well for this opportunity,鈥� Janke says. 鈥淢y time as a professional athlete and student athlete provided me with the necessary perspective to relate to our student athletes鈥� experience.鈥�

York is proud to have him.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Dexter Janke to our department and the University,鈥� says Steven Chuang, York鈥檚 Athletics & Recreation executive director. 鈥淐oach Janke鈥檚 core values align with our mission of delivering a world-class student-athlete experience by transforming the lives of everyone that we touch 鈥� one Lion at a time.鈥�

Adds athletics director Alex Dominato, 鈥淚 could not be more excited to announce Dexter Janke as the next head football coach of the Lions. He is a proven winner and leader as a student athlete, professional player and head coach. His ability to bring everyone along for the journey was evident and special to all of our stakeholders.鈥�

Having stepped into his new role as head coach on Feb. 5, Janke hopes to instill a sense of pride and excitement within the 快播视频 community. His younger brother, Jacob Janke (BCom 鈥�20), played for the Lions as a York student from 2015 to 2019, so he already has an idea of what is needed to take the team forward. 鈥淭he York football team,鈥� Janke says, 鈥渉as a passionate alumni group and strong support from the University. That, along with a young roster, makes this an exciting opportunity.鈥�

His vision extends beyond the gridiron, emphasizing the holistic development of student athletes both on and off the field. His commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment aligns with 快播视频鈥檚 values, ensuring that athletes have the resources they need to thrive academically and athletically.

鈥淚鈥檓 working hand in hand with the coaching staff to make sure we have a solid structure and foundation to build upon,鈥� Janke says. 鈥淲e have to focus on the structure, on the culture, then the results will come.鈥�

The post Dexter Janke: the new face of 快播视频 football appeared first on YFile.