Knowledge Nuggets

Research shows that sexual minority youth are less likely to participate in organized sports than their heterosexual peers. Encouraging all sport participants to display the rainbow pride sign, for example, by using pride tape on their hockey sticks or baseball bats, can help LGBTQI2S youth feel included and welcomed in sport environments. 

Female athletes may be at a higher risk of sustaining a concussion than male athletes. Evidence-informed strategies to help reduce concussion risk among women, girls and female athletes include encouraging them to check their helmet’s fit regularly and incorporating neck strengthening exercises into their training programs. 

All marathon runners know the feeling of “hitting the wall,” when their pace slows dramatically due to fatigue and depleted energy stores. In fact, new research finds that most runners hit the wall in the 33rd kilometer of a marathon, and that it is as much a psychological phenomenon as it is physiological. Being cheered...

A region’s active economy includes all organizations and individuals who directly or indirectly contribute to the development and delivery of sport and active recreation experiences. Strategies that maximize the impact of an active economy can drive economic growth, employment and the development of skills essential to innovation and economic diversification.

When moms get regular physical activity, they report feeling better, sleeping better, and feeling better able to ‘unwind.’ But finding the time to be active or experiencing feelings of guilt or selfishness over prioritizing oneself can stand in the way. For SIRC’s Mom’s Got Game initiative, read about the experiences of Olympic and Paralympic athletes,...

Older adults participate in sport for several reasons, with some of the most common motivators including improved health, a desire to age with ease, and opportunities for social or community connection. Providing older adults with a variety of program types, including programs that cater to individuals with health limitations, is important to ensure older adults...

Whether recognized formally or informally, athletes should occupy leadership roles to support a team’s functioning. Like some NHL teams, improving the number and effectiveness of athlete leaders can enhance team motivation, communication, cohesion and performance. Shared leadership among teammates can be an effective way to increase team dynamics and success.

Research shows that active transportation, such as walking, wheeling or cycling to get to and from places, is associated with improved physical and mental health. But only 7% of adults living in Canada use active travel. Time spent outdoors interacting with nature and green spaces can improve our mental well-being and decrease our environmental footprint....

“Communicating evaluation findings is like giving a TED Talk. The story you should tell is inside of you.” In the SIRC blog, Chris Penrose, Director of Programs and Operations at Lay-Up Youth Basketball, shares insights on learning from and communicating the findings of a program evaluation.

Boys are less likely than girls to seek help for mental health concerns, but a new evidence-based mental health literacy program in Australia is aiming to change that. Boys that participated in the 45-minute workshop reported increased confidence and intentions to seek and provide help for mental health concerns. The boys in this program preferred...