COVID-19 and Return to SportCOVID-19, return to sport and return to play resources for the Canadian sport and physical activity sector. |
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The spread of COVID-19 has impacted the Canadian sport community in a number of ways. SIRC has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and has created this page as a source of information and news.
SIRC is also working on a variety of new content to ensure the sport community has access to credible information to stay healthy and continue to advance sport and physical activity in Canada. Looking for evidence-informed insight on something specific? Let us know! SIRC will also be showcasing the leadership and inspiring actions of other organizations and athletes to support our community. Stay in the loop by signing up for the Canadian Sport Daily, our daily newsletter delivering sport and physical activity-related knowledge, news and resources.
Check out SIRC’s blogs and articles discussing a range of topics from adjusting to working from home, the psychological implications of return to sport and much more:
SIRC’s COVID-19 Video Program
SIRC, alongside knowledge mobilization partner inMotion, launched a new program providing video storytelling opportunities to support sport organizations’ communications efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SIRC Active Breaks
Did you know taking an active break during the day can help improve your focus and productivity? Join Kim Gurtler, the SIRC Team and friends to get your creative juices flowing. Add a SIRC Active Break to your personal calendar or integrate one into your next online team meeting or virtual conference!
National Sport Community Initiatives
Organizations in the national sport community are leading a wide variety of initiatives to support their members and key stakeholders, including provincial/territorial and community sport organizations, athletes, coaches and parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please consult the following sources for information and guidance about COVID-19:
Provincial/ Territoritorial Resources
National, provincial/territorial and community sport organizations may find the following information useful:
- Financial support for sports organizations during COVID 19 on-demand webinar from Gowling WLG and Own the Podium
- Safe Sport During COVID-19 – Liability Considerations for Canadian Sporting Organizations from Gowling WLG
- Crisis Leadership Resources from Innoweave and the McConnell Foundation
- Tips for managing your sport organization through COVID-19 from Sport Law & Strategy Group
The COVID-19 pandemic is a source of anxiety for people across Canada, and around the world. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please consult the following resources:
As we adjust to life at home, physical activity is more important than ever to preserve our physical and mental health. Fortunately for us, there are also more options than ever for working out at home. So, to help you get the most out of your home-based exercise, we’ve rounded up 10 popular lists of online fitness classes, streaming services, apps and equipment.
- CBC: These are the free, no-equipment online fitness classes you need right now
- CNBC: The best at-home workout streaming services to try during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Paste Magazine: The 10 Best YouTube Channels for Full At-Home Workouts
- SELF: Everything You Need to Know About the 10 Best At-Home Fitness Programs
- Greatist: The 42 Best Health and Fitness Apps
- The Gamer: 15 Fitness Video Games That Will Actually Make You Sweat
- Outside Online: What are the best virtual races?
- CBC: How to add weight to your workouts without buying weights
- Rolling Stone: Start with these 10 items that experts recommend for an easy and effective at-home workout
- Harvard Health Publishing: Tips for choosing the right exercise equipment
Note: If you are not regularly active start slowly and with low intensity activities, like walking and low impact exercises. Start with shorter amounts, like 5-10 minutes, and gradually build up to 30 minutes or more continuously over a few weeks. It is better and safer to be active for short periods more frequently than to try and be active for long periods when you are not used to it.
The World Health Organization provides the following guidance:
- Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Stay home and rest, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
- If you are able to go for a walk or bicycle ride always practice physical distancing and wash your hands with water and soap before you leave, when you get to where you are going, and as soon as you get home. If water and soap are not immediately available, use alcohol-based hand rub.
- If you go to a park or public open space to walk, run or exercisealways practice physical distancing and wash your hands with water and soap, before you leave, when you get to where you are going, and as soon as you get home. If water and soap are not immediately available, use alcohol-based hand rub. Follow the directions of your local health authority in regards to any restrictions on the number of people with you and/or restrictions on the use of public outdoor play or exercise equipment.
- If you are not regularly active start slowly and with low intensity activities, like walking and low impact exercises. Start with shorter amounts, like 5-10 minutes, and gradually build up to 30 minutes or more continuously over a few weeks. It is better and safer to be active for short periods more frequently than to try and be active for long periods when you are not used to it.
- Choose the right activity so that you reduce the risk of injury and that you enjoy the activity. Choose the right intensity according to your health status and fitness level. You should be able to breath comfortably and hold a conversation while you do light- and moderate-intensity physical activity.
Athletics Canada has shared this infographic with tips for running outside.
Cycling Canada provides advice for outdoor cycling in these COVID-19-related FAQs.
From video conferencing to physical activity challenges, check out our blog to learn about some of the strategies the SIRC team has used to overcome the challenges of isolation and physical distancing.
Getting girls back in the game: A conversation with experts and community leaders
This blog recaps the first webinar in the 4‑part mini-series Engaging Girls and Women in Sport. SIRC and Canadian Women & Sport co-hosted the mini-series, which you can access or learn more about by visiting our SIRC Expert Webinars page. — The COVID‑19 pandemic continues to disrupt the sport in Canada and around the world. While temporary closures were predictable during a global pandemic, their lasting impact is cause for concern. For example, research shows that youth sport participation is […]