Knowledge Nuggets

SIRC’s monthly concussion newsletter is the go-to source for best practices from Canadian and international sport organizations, and recommended resources from Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The August edition highlights the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s data-informed approach to concussion management and prevention, Nova Scotia’s collaborative approach to concussion management, and more. Sign...

When an estimated 2,000 participants arrive in Whitehorse next March, they’ll be welcomed to the Traditional Territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, two of 11 self-governing First Nations in the Yukon. In today’s SIRC blog, learn about the steps the 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is taking to ensure...

The Transcontinental Race is a 4,000km self-supported single stage race from Bulgaria to France – the clock never stops. Earlier this month, winner Fiona Kolbinger completed the course in 10 days, 2 hours and 48 minutes – almost 6 hours faster than the second place rider. Learn more about the rider and the race here.

New research reported in the Journal of Sport Science examined the impact of a subtle grammatical difference in self-talk. When using second-person self-talk (e.g. you can tolerate the pain, you can keep going), participants completed a 10km cycling time trial significantly quicker, worked harder, yet did not perceive a difference in effort, compared to when...

Delegations from 33 countries will gather in one week for the opening ceremonies of the Parapan American Games. The Games, running from August 23 to September 1, will welcome more than 1,800 athletes competing in 17 sports. Watch SIRC’s daily News Hub and social media platforms for Games-related content! Visit the SIRC website to connect.

In the lastest blog in our #HeadstrongCanada series, SIRC talks to Dr. Andy Marshall, Chief Medical Officer of the Canadian Parapan Am and Paralympic Team, about the importance of clear protocols and proactive concussion prevention and management strategies. Click here to read today’s blog and access the others in the series.

“Don’t Retire Kid” is a new campaign from ESPN, in partnership with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, to address youth dropout from sport. The campaign draws attention to the causes of youth dropout – including early specialization, pressure from parents and coaches, and lack of fun. Practical resources are available from the Aspen Institute and...

Coaches can support positive youth development by intentionally supporting #lifeskills transfer amongst youth athletes. Key strategies include the integration of structured opportunities for athletes to reflect on the transfer process; creating opportunities for athletes to apply life skills in other contexts (e.g. volunteering in the community); and engaging others in supporting the transfer process, such...

Congratulations Team Canada! The Pan American Games closed yesterday, with Team Canada winning 151 medals (35 gold, 64 silver, and 52 bronze), including a number of first-ever Canadian Games medals (e.g. wrestling, golf, triathlon mixed relay, and taekwondo poomsae). Canadian athletes also earned seven qualifications for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Sport fans across the...

Wondering how athletes at the Pan American and Parapan American Games cope with the pressures of social media? Learn how one Olympic team managed their social media use in this SIRC blog by curler Lisa Weagle.