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 to breaking down barriers in youth sports, we’ve been proud to fuel the conversations that drive change.
SIRC would like to thank all the contributors that partnered with us this year, academics, sport leaders, athletes, coaches, organizations and more, throughout the country. We’ve covered everything from safe sport, athlete development, mental health, and coaching to major games, Para sport, gender equity and inclusion, reconciliation, youth sport and more. These articles have allowed SIRC to reach all provinces and territories, and 900 communities across Canada from grassroots sports to high-performance.
So, ready for the top highlights of the year? Here are the 6 articles (we had a tie for the 5th spot) that grabbed your attention, stirred thought, and sparked action in 2024:
Starting with the 2 articles that tied for 5th spot:
#5: Leveling the playing field: Accessibility in youth basketball
Basketball is often celebrated for its simplicity: just a ball, a hoop, and a court. Yet, in cities like the GTA, playing on a basketball team is harder and more expensive than you might think, costing more than hockey in many cases. Chris Penrose from Lay-Up takes you into the hidden barriers behind this widely loved sport and explore how innovative solutions are reshaping the game to make it truly accessible for all.
#5: The state of coaching sport: Landmark report reveals new insights and data
Coaches shape more than just athletes—they shape lives. A groundbreaking report on Ontario’s coaching landscape reveals surprising truths about this vital role in sports. From alarming gaps in safety training to the hidden prevalence of hazing, the Ontario Coaching Report exposes both challenges and opportunities in creating safe, inclusive environments. With 1 in 4 Ontarians stepping into coaching roles, Eric McLoughlin shows why this is a must-read for anyone invested in the future of sport.
#4: Smooth sailing: The evolution of adaptive equipment in the sport
Discover the transformative impact of adaptive technology in sailing in this article by Jenny Davey. Through captivating narratives, learn how innovative equipment empowers individuals with disabilities to conquer the open waters, redefining the boundaries of possibility and creating a more inclusive sailing community. From sip-and-puff controls to customizable setups, witness how these advancements are reshaping the sport and breaking barriers.
#3: The evolving role of coaches in athlete mental health
Heather Wheeler lays out how coaches are no longer just trainers; they’re key players in safeguarding athlete mental health. As young athletes and their families speak out about mental health struggles, the spotlight is on coaches to create safe, supportive environments. But where does their role end, and professional help begin? With new challenges and evolving responsibilities, today’s coaches need more than technical skills—they need trust, empathy, and tools to navigate this delicate balance. Can they rise to the occasion?
Parents are often painted as either the heroes or villains of youth sports but what if the narrative is all wrong? Beneath the sideline cheers and occasional outbursts lies a complex, misunderstood role. From funding fees to fostering friendships, parents are critical to shaping young athletes’ experiences. This piece by Jean Côté, Mia Kurtz Favero, Haley Hunter Smith, Stuart Wilson, and Alex Murata unpacks the overlooked contributions of parents, explores why conflicts arise, and offers practical steps to empower them as partners in the youth sport system. Ready to rethink the parent-coach dynamic? Discover how collaboration, not confrontation, can transform the game.
#1: The power of mentoring in sports: Who, what, and how?
What’s the secret behind many successful athletes, coaches, and sports professionals? Mentorship. From breaking barriers for marginalized groups to fostering career growth, mentoring has the power to transform not just performance but lives. But who truly benefits? And what makes mentoring initiatives impactful? Dive into the science-backed answers by SIRC’s Gabrielle Cadotte and Veronica Allan and discover how mentorship is shaping the future of sports.