What’s New at the RAWC?
Interviewing Francesca Del Prado, UTM Sports Program Assistant, regarding new sports offerings and the great opportunity working at the RAWC is for students.
On September 11, I sat down with Francesca Del Prado, Sports Program Assistant for UTM Intramurals. I was interested in getting an inside perspective on the great experience working at the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC) can be for students. I also learned about the new sports that the RAWC is offering this year, as well as Francesca’s favourite memory working with the organization.
Francesca Del Prado’s role with the RAWC
“My role is a Sports Program Assistant for UTM Intramurals. I have been in this position for the past two years now, and I have just entered my fourth year,” said Del Prado. “I work a good amount of administrative duties, such as registration and preparation of many leagues and tournaments. I aid in a lot of promotions of all RAWC programming, so I am present a lot during tabling events and events hosted by us in our facilities.”
Francesca plays a crucial role in ensuring that UTM sports run as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. “I also provide a supportive role for the other leads and game managers, and referees as I help to try to solve any minor issues that could occur.”
What’s new at the RAWC?
The RAWC is hosting a plethora of new sports to look forward to this year. For UTM Intramurals, new leagues are starting this fall, such as Open and Women’s Flag Football and Beach Volleyball. Women’s Leagues will happen on Wednesday’s which include 3v3 basketball and Women’s badminton,” said Del Prado. A new introduction to the inclusive sports section is wheelchair basketball, with the much-loved sitting volleyball returning from last year.
If you are looking for something new in the fitness world, the RAWC is now offering pilates reformers and free beginner classes for students. Del Prado mentioned that registration fills up quickly, so register now on the website. “Lastly, we renovated our Strength and Conditioning Centre. The facility is beautiful, with a strip of turf, more sleds and even cool LED lights when group fitness classes occur.”
Why work at the RAWC?
UTM students looking for an on-campus job should look no further than the RAWC. “It’s a great opportunity for students to work at the RAWC, as you are put into an environment that is super fun but also very supportive of your needs,” said Del Prado. If you’re worried about your class or extracurricular schedule getting in the way of the possibility of working with the RAWC, don’t be. “I found that working an on-campus job is less stressful because they usually schedule shifts around your availability, so you don’t feel pressured if you can’t work on a certain day.”
Students who have a passion for sports or sports management should definitely consider working for the RAWC and UTM Sports. Francesca highlighted her passion for sports being the reason why she loves working with the RAWC. “The RAWC also incorporates my passions for sport as it is something I have loved doing since I was a kid.”
Favourite Memory
I asked Del Prado to share her favourite memory working with the RAWC to gain a better insight into some of the benefits and responsibilities of a student job at UTM. “My favourite memory at the RAWC was hosting a collaborative tournament with UTM Intramurals and my student group, UTM CASS (Canadian Asian Student Society). This tournament brought me joy as it combines both my passion for inclusivity and my passion for sports. I ran this tournament every year I have worked, and this year we are in the process of making more tournaments with other student groups.”
Common and Advanced Student Roles
Through my discussion with Del Prado, she outlined three major departments that the RAWC is made up of. The first being sports—the department Del Prado works in. Within the sports department, there are game managers and referees who work for UTM Intramurals and also the Tri-Campus Day Staff. Other roles in sports also include Instructors and Inclusion ambassadors who act as leaders in providing instruction on sports.
The fitness department at the RAWC is offering a new student role titled Fitness Facilitator. “In the fitness department, we also have facility staff who are at the core of every RAWC programming as they do an amazing job setting up and taking down efficiently,” said Del Prado. The third department at the RAWC is the aquatics team. There are a variety of student jobs in this department, including pool supervisors, swim instructors, and lifeguards.
If you’re interested in employment opportunities with the RAWC, check out the link: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/athletics/about-us/employment-opportunities!
