CIRA Ontario is an incorporated, non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage, promote and develop active living, healthy lifestyles and personal growth through intramural and recreational programs within the education and recreation communities. CIRA Ontario Believes in: Active Living Fair Play Healthy Lifestyles Student Leadership Opportunity For All Fun To meet its mission, CIRA Ontario's five objectives are: To collect and distribute resource material on intramural/recreation programs To increase the body of knowledge in relation to intramural/recreation programs To cooperate and collaborate with allied organizations in health, physical education and recreation To develop and encourage professional growth in the fields of recreation and intramurals To encourage the development of student leaders We are governed by the following constitution: CIRA Ontario believes that EVERYONE should have the opportunity to participate in athletic and recreational activities, regardless of skill or fitness level. CIRA Ontario believes that a well constructed intramural/recreation program will provide a wide range of activities that promote fun, fitness and cooperative participation in either a non-competitive or friendly competitive atmosphere. The Association believes that Intramural/Recreation programs are an important and effective vehicle for developing active living within the education and recreation communities. A well-rounded intramural program can provide the following benefits: Increased participation levels Increased awareness of the benefits of an active lifestyle Development of leadership skills, including communication, organization and decision making Physical skill development Development of social skills resulting in cooperation and teamwork and an understanding of, and commitment to, fair play increased school spirit and enthusiasm

The Ontario Intramural Recreation Association (OIRA) began as a gathering of 19 Intramural Directors attending a workshop at Geneva Park in 1969. From these humble beginnings, the networking concept flourished and expanded during the 1970's. In 1977, the Canadian Intramural Recreation Association was formed at the national level. The tremendous growth in the organization dictated that a more formal structure was necessary at the provincial level. Thus, in 1981, the Ontario Intramural Recreation Association was formally constituted with a constitution and bylaws.

OIRA continued to flourish and grow throughout the 1980's. The Association's newsletter was started in 1981 with funding from Labatt's Breweries. In 1984, OIRA changed the newsletter's image to the "INPUT" with the financial support of Fitness Ontario.

On April 24, 1989 at the OIRA Annual General Meeting, members voted in favour of a national movement to change the name of the Ontario Intramural Recreation Association to Canadian Intramural Recreation Association of Ontario, including the name of the parent organization in their individual identification.

In August of 1991, a part-time Executive Assistant was hired to service the needs of the membership. The position was funded through Base Grant monies provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. At the same time, an office was established in Hamilton, ON. (after an office was established at Mohawk College).

Steps in CIRA Ontario's Development