The lasting social impact of mega sporting events: Creating accessible, inclusive legacies
Mega sporting events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and FIFA World Cup, have long been seen as catalysts for national pride, global recognition, and economic growth. While these events bring undeniable excitement and spectacle, their long-term impact on host communities is often a matter of ongoing debate. In particular, the question of how…
Adaptive skateboarding
Skateparks can be great spaces for disabled skateboarders and wheelchair motorcross riders, helping to improve physical and mental health, build self-confidence and independence, and make new social connections. According to a recent study, ensuring that pathways to and from the skatepark and nearby amenities are accessible are important ways to make skateparks accessible for riders…
Diversifying concussion research
There is a significant gap in race and ethnicity reporting in concussion research. A recent review revealed that out of 854 articles, only 15.5% reported race, 7.6% reported ethnicity, and 84.4% did not report either. To better understand the impact of concussions across diverse populations, researchers should include diverse participants in their studies and accurately…
Inequities impacting youth sport participation
Cost is a significant barrier to sport participation, and the data shows it. A recent study from the US showed that students from affluent families had 3 times higher odds of meeting physical activity recommendations (middle schoolers) and ever participating in sports (high schoolers) than students from the least affluent families. Collaboration, funding, and policy…
Girls only sport spaces
Girls who are part of marginalized groups often miss out on sports, posing a big challenge for inclusion. A recent study found that much of the hesitancy to join sports comes from patriarchal norms and shyness. Promoting girls only sports with female coaches may lead to better rates of sport participation.
What Masters-level sports can learn from the Invictus Games
This week, the Invictus Games returned to Canada, with an incredible 8 days of adaptive sports that bring together service members and veterans from across the globe. This isn’t just another sporting event. The Invictus Games are an international sport competition that seeks to harness the power of sport to promote the recovery of service…
Gender equity for masters athletes
Masters athletes are often seen as examples of healthy aging, but research from the Australian Masters Games, drawing over 5000 participants, highlights class and gender inequalities that are leaving some people out. While celebrating the accomplishments of masters athletes, acknowledging varied aging experiences and providing equitable opportunities for everyone to participate are crucial.
Embedding EDI in Safe Sport
Every athlete deserves a safe and welcoming environment in sport. And while athletes from equity-owed groups may be more likely to experience harm, a recent study revealed that these athletes often perceive Safe Sport as an unrealistic and unattainable ideal. These findings suggest that integrating principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to safeguarding…
Gender equity for masters athletes
Masters athletes are often seen as examples of healthy aging, but research from the Australian Masters Games, drawing over 5000 participants, highlights class and gender inequalities that are leaving some people out. While celebrating the accomplishments of masters athletes, acknowledging varied aging experiences and providing equitable opportunities for everyone to participate are crucial.
Girls only sport spaces
Girls who are part of marginalized groups often miss out on sports, posing a big challenge for inclusion. A recent study found that much of the hesitancy to join sports comes from patriarchal norms and shyness. Promoting girls only sports with female coaches may lead to better rates of sport participation.