Empowering Black Women Coaches
For women coaches of colour, increasing self-confidence is a priority throughout professional development. Relationship-building with the team they mentor, continuous professional skill development, and speaking up about their shared experiences with like-minded individuals are integral to this process. Providing opportunities for women coaches of colour to learn from others through mentorship can build confidence and…
Beyond food as fuel: Exploring women athletes’ relationship with food

Athletes’ relationship with food can be complicated. This is especially true for women in sport, who tend to have higher rates of disordered eating (Torstveit et al., 2007). The role of sport participation in athletes’ relationship with food is not straightforward. Some studies suggest that sport participation itself can make disordered eating more likely. Other…
No singular path through Para sport: Canadian Para nordic skiers on multi-sport and athlete transfer

This blog is a part of a series created in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Paralympic Athlete Transfer Task Force, spotlighting the opportunities and challenges of Para athlete transfer and multi-sport participation. In 2006, Robbi Weldon came across a copy of Abilities Magazine. The front cover featured Para cyclist Brian Cowie and…
Enhancing adult sport and physical activity
While long-term athlete development frameworks are meant for any age, adults report a lack of programming tailored to adult development. By emphasizing adult programming (for example, adult hockey or figure-skating programs targeted at those who did not learn how to skate as a child), organizations can bring more people into the game, grow their membership…
Patrick Reid ( preid@brocku.ca ) @ 11/10/2022 1:22 pm
Challenges and opportunities of dual sport participation

This blog is a part of a series created in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Paralympic Athlete Transfer Task Force, spotlighting the opportunities and challenges of Para athlete transfer and multi-sport participation. Not many athletes can claim both summer and winter Paralympian status. Liam Hickey of St. John’s, Newfoundland, is one of those rare athletes. He represented Canada…
Knowing your role
A role outlines the specific behaviours that are expected of an individual to achieve established team goals. On a team, each role should interact seamlessly to help the team reach its untapped potential. Members will perform better individually when they understand their role, and role clarity sets the stage for team success.
Push and pull: Paralympian Brianna Hennessy is stronger for her multi-sport participation

This blog is a part of a series created in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Paralympic Athlete Transfer Task Force, spotlighting the opportunities and challenges of Para athlete transfer and multi-sport participation. “Para sport, for me, it’s my purpose. It’s the only time I feel alive,” says Brianna Hennessy, Tokyo Paralympian. Hennessy was struck by a…
Collaborative coaching is key to successful Para athlete transfer

This blog is a part of a series created in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Paralympic Athlete Transfer Task Force, spotlighting the opportunities and challenges of Para athlete transfer and multi-sport participation. When COVID-19 hit, like the rest of us, Alexandre Hayward was stuck at home. Hayward, a member of the Canadian Junior National Wheelchair Basketball…
How “athlete transfer” is opening new avenues for development in Para sport

This blog is a part of a series created in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Paralympic Athlete Transfer Task Force, spotlighting the opportunities and challenges of Para athlete transfer and multi-sport participation. When Richard Peter retired from wheelchair basketball following a gold-medal performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the then-40-year-old didn’t think a second career…