Sport participation for individuals with disabilities
Sports offer numerous physical and mental health benefits for individuals with disabilities; however, many remain inactive despite these advantages. The health benefits of sports participation across various disability groups include socialization opportunities and enjoyment, highlighting the positive aspects of sports participation.
The Big Five: SIRC’s Most Impactful Reads of 2024
As the curtain falls on 2024, it’s time for a quick pit stop to catch our breath and reflect on the ride. The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) has been right there, navigating the twists and turns of Canadian sport and spotlighting the stories that matter most. From mentorship that goes beyond the locker room…
Injury in recreational athletes
Research on sports injuries often focuses on high performance athletes, potentially overlooking the risks for recreational players. This study on recreational tennis players found that they experience different injury patterns, with most injuries being caused by falls and twists.
Sport performance in cold weather
Cold weather can impact sports performance, making specific guidelines for competing in cold conditions necessary. This review offers insights on how cold affects the body and provides tips for athletes and coaches to stay healthy and perform well in winter sports.
How coaches can increase athlete enjoyment and commitment
How a coach interacts with athletes can be significant predictor of athletes’ enjoyment and intentions to stay in sport. A study of 202 elite-level artistic swimmers from 22 countries showed that athletes under the guidance of democratic-style coaches reported elevated levels of athletic enjoyment and expressed greater intent to pursue their athletic careers.
Does Culture Really Count in Sport?
For the past several years, the word culture has become a familiar buzzword across Canadian sport. Headlines about “Hockey Canada’s toxic culture”, a “culture crisis at Gymnastics Canada”, and “the culture of abuse and discrimination” in several national sport organizations (NSOs) have brought the issue to the forefront. Athletics, Soccer, Skating, Rowing, Bobsled and Skeleton,…
Increasing quality of life for individuals with disabilities through community activity
Children with intellectual disabilities and developmental conditions often experience difficulties with certain tasks and limited eye contact. Active participation in community activities such as sport has been shown to enhance their overall happiness, indicating the significance of engagement in improving their well-being.
Leadership behaviour of youth coaches
In youth sports, coaches wield significant influence on athlete development. A recent study explores why coaches use specific leadership behaviours and their intended outcomes. Results reveal how different leadership styles correspond with distinct coaching objectives, aiding in enhancing our understanding of coaching practices for improved athlete experiences.
Swimming lessons in underserved communities
Swimming skills and water safety are crucial for all water-based activities and sports, particularly for children and youth. Research on extracurricular swimming programs in underserved communities demonstrates significant improvements in participants’ swimming abilities and safety knowledge, leading to increased confidence in their skills.