Ten grants of $2,500 are available through program matching sport researchers with practitioners

OTTAWA, October 30, 2020 — Building on the success of the program’s inaugural year in 2019-20, The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) is very pleased to announce $25,000 in funding to support the Canadian sport sector. With the support of the Government of Canada, ten grants of $2,500 each will once again help connect sport organizations and researchers as they seek evidence to build programs that increase the participation of girls in sport.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support this program so that sport organizations and researchers can continue contributing to the advancement of sport and physical activity,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “This fund strengthens Canada’s research capacity in the sport sector, as well as our commitment to creating an environment where girls and women can safely engage in sport at all ages and all levels.”

“Based on feedback from the sport sector and research community, the value of this program was undeniable in its first year,” said Debra Gassewitz, SIRC President and CEO. “We are thrilled to offer the grants once again, which have proven to build capacity within sport organizations and strengthen long-term relationships with researchers.”

“The SIRC Match Grants program provided us with the expertise to develop evidence regarding the barriers to women’s participation in boccia,” said Peter Leyser, Executive Director of Boccia Canada, who partnered with the Université de Montréal. “The project will have a direct impact on how we move forward with our partners to develop strategies and increase female participation rates, based on the research.”

“Importantly, this program provided the opportunity for my graduate students to work closely with industry partners, towards a common objective,” reflected Katie Misener, an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, who partnered with the Woolwich Wave Swim Club and their local municipality. “Working directly with partners helps us ask more relevant research questions, develop theory and work together towards innovative solutions.”

“As the knowledge mobilization hub for Canadian sport, SIRC will work with partners to disseminate research findings and further enhance the impacts of each project,” said Sydney Millar, SIRC’s Manager, Content Strategy and the SIRC lead on the initiative. “The renewal of this project is a great opportunity to continue to contribute to the sector’s commitment to achieve gender equity.”

For more information on funding, expectations of applicants, evaluation criteria, and to download the application form, visit https://sirc.ca/research-to-practice/. The deadline for submissions is December 13, 2020.

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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. Visit sirc.ca to learn more. SIRC is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Media contact:

Peter Morrow
Knowledge & Communications Specialist
Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
pmorrow@sirc.ca
613-231-7472 (SIRC) ext. 3