Knowledge Nuggets

The unique barriers that girls experience to accessing sport and physical activity have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls report that social connection is a top benefit of sport. Creating an environment that sets clear expectations for interactions between participants and fosters a sense of belonging can help organizations retain and engage girls in...

Intramural sports give students the opportunity to be physically active, regardless of their experience level. Participation in intramural sports is associated with improved physical health, self-confidence and stress management skills. Intramurals also give students the opportunity to experience a wide variety of sports, allowing them to pick and choose the ones they enjoy and want...

Trying out a new sport skill or exercise routine? Seeking feedback from others — whether health or fitness professionals, or friends and family — can increase self-confidence and help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Newcomers to Canada often struggle with feeling like they belong. Sport and physical activity can help foster feelings of belongingness, bringing Canadians of all backgrounds together. Providing newcomers with resources on how to become involved in sport and physical activity at all levels is essential to ensure all sport is inclusive. Sport for Life has...

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport’s new publication, “Power of Sport: The True Sport Report” presents research that addresses how community sport contributes to a spectrum of societal goals, including quality education, gender equality, health and well-being, reduced inequalities, and climate action. The report identifies that “how” sport is delivered is key to achieving...

Finding the time to fit in a home workout or exercise class can be challenging for moms. But small bouts of physical activity throughout the day, or “exercise snacks,” can be just as effective to achieve the health benefits of physical activity. Research shows that when moms reframe physical activity as “moving your body” instead...

People across the world live in areas affected by natural disasters, conflict and persecution. Sport can be used as a positive tool in these areas to promote positive change and give individuals the opportunity to be included in something meaningful. Through their Sport for Protection approach, the UN Refugee Agency uses sport for children and...

Youth who participate in multiple sports may be able to improve their performance in a given sport more quickly than their specialized peers. For example, in a study of 12-year-old soccer players, those who participated in multiple sports demonstrated greater improvements in match-play performance over the next 2 years than youth who were already specialized...

How athletes are portrayed on social media can influence sport participation among girls and women. An analysis of tweets during the 2018 Commonwealth Games shows that gender differences persist in athlete representations. Even seemingly neutral words, like “dedicated” and “hard working,” can have gendered connotations. Strategic use of social media during large sporting events can...

Community organizations across the country are experiencing a shortage of sports officials. Soccer referees have been in short supply during the pandemic, a problem worsened due to bad sideline behaviour of parents, players and coaches. The Teal Shirt Campaign allows first year referees to identify themselves on the job and encourages spectators to show respect...