Organizations equipped to increase awareness to prevent concussions and maltreatment
OTTAWA, July 9, 2021 — The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) is pleased to continue making sport safer in Canada with renewed efforts focused on the community level. Through SIRC’s Community Activation Grants program, 25 organizations have received grants to focus on education and awareness of concussion and safe sport in their communities, from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The education and awareness of both concussion and maltreatment are supported by the Government of Canada.
“Safety is a priority and Canada is taking a leadership role,” says Debra Gassewitz, SIRC president and CEO, in a new video. “Every single one of us is responsible for safe sport: be it the athlete; the coach; the guide; the administrator; the volunteer; anybody watching; even the spectators in the crowds. We all need to be watching out for everyone.”
“Thank you for supporting our goal of professional development for members of the Alberta gymnastics community,” says Brett MacAulay, Chief Executive Officer, Calgary Gymnastics Centre. “Our hope is to positively impact gymnastics and foster healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy journeys in pursuit of excellence.”
“We are delighted to work with SIRC to implement a concussion risk awareness program for our members and the wider Pickleball Community,” says Linda Kawamoto, President, Pickleball Hamilton Association.
“This is a really exciting opportunity to make a significant difference and we’re very proud to be supported by SIRC,” says Matt Greenwood, Program Lead, Soccability Canada.
Grant recipients will bring their own unique plans and strategies to life this summer, as they mobilize resources to support safer sport environments. The 25 recipient organizations include:
- Alberta Whitewater Association
- Association québécoise de sports pour paralytiques cérébraux
- Aurora Synchro
- Calgary Gymnastics Centre
- CARHA Hockey
- Castaway Wanderers Rugby Football Club
- Curl BC
- Edmonton North Zone Soccer Association
- Freestyle BC
- Gananoque Canoe Club
- Laurier Figure Skating Club
- Northwest Territories Amateur Speed Skating Association
- Ontario Curling Council
- Ottawa Sport Council
- Pickleball Hamilton Association
- Ringette Calgary – Ringette For All
- Scorpions Youth Volleyball Club
- Soccability Canada
- Sport North Federation
- Sport Nova Scotia
- Sport Yukon
- Taekwondo Canada
- Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF)
- Volleyball BC
- Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy
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About SIRC:
Incorporated in 1973, SIRC, the Sport Information Resource Centre, is Canada’s leader and most trusted partner in advancing sport through knowledge and evidence. SIRC is committed to engaging with organizations and individuals involved in the development of sport, recreation and physical education in Canada and around the world, to enhance the capacity of our shared community to foster growth and the pursuit of excellence. SIRC is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Media Contact:
Peter Morrow
Communications Specialist
Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
pmorrow@sirc.ca
613-600-5390