Specialization in Youth
Growing up many youth athletes goals and aspirations are to be professional or high performance athletes later in life. This fixation on wanting to be high performance often leads them to want to specialize in sport as early as possible. However, a recent study suggests that to maximize athletic development youth under 12 should avoid…
Motor Learning
Motor learning is the process of acquiring and refining new skills like movements and strategy through practice. By understanding the principles of motor learning, coaches can create an environment where athletes can learn and develop their skills more effectively. This SIRC blog gives a brief explanation of 2 motor learning concepts and provides examples on…
The Anti Aging Effects of Physical Activity
As we grow older our daily routines and activities change to meet how we feel both physically and mentally. A common activity that is engaged in less with age is sport and overall physical activity, as it can be hard to move in ways that we used to be able to. However, a recent study…
Women in sport
In trying to strive to create more inclusive spaces for everyone, one piece that is still missing is equality in sport media representation. With over 90 percent of Canadian sports media coverage being focused on men’s sport the Government of Canada has committed to reaching gender equity in sport. This SIRC article has a collection…
How to foster inclusive physical activity for immigrants in Canada
One in 4 Canadians is an immigrant, and this number is expected to reach 30% by 2036 (Statistics Canada, 2017). When immigrants arrive in Canada, their health is often good to optimal. As time passes, they may experience the multiple challenges of immigration, which can include finding housing, employment, community, and friends. In turn, immigrants…
Helping Injured Athletes Recover
Injury is an unfortunate part of sport that many athletes will have to deal with during their time participating and competing. Often when assisting athletes recover from injury it is common for the focus to solely be on the injured athlete instead of the larger team. This SIRC blog dives into how injury recovery using…
Breathing Exercise
In modern times it is easy to get overwhelmed by stress from day to day life. Constant pressure from school, work, or relationships can lead to a dip in both mental and physical health. With all of these stressors it can be difficult to find time and strategies to slow down and recenter your thoughts….
ParticipACTION’s Sneak It In Week
Research shows that taking workday physical activity breaks helps employees feel happier, more focused and less tired. In fact, three in four workers in Canada feel some benefit from doing so – almost half (44%) feel enhanced mood, and 38% feel better able to focus and increased energy. To experience these benefits, ParticipACTION encourages you…
Four strategies to support girls through sport-based mentorship
Sport has the potential to foster girls’ healthy development, leading to outcomes such as enhanced self-esteem, physical health, and mental well-being. Sport can reduce adverse health outcomes for girls, such as depression (Canadian Women & Sport, 2022; Eime et al., 2013). Yet in Canada, girls are dropping out of sport at alarming rates, with recent…
International Day of the Girl
Creating a positive social environment that intentionally fosters a sense of belonging is integral to the retention of girls in sport and physical activity. This resource is designed for coaches who are ready to intentionally support equitable sport. She Belongs offers practical recommendations to create social connection and better engage girls in the Learn to…