Masters Sport
Carol LaFayette-Boyd is one of Canada’s rising track and field stars – at the age of 77. The multiple world record holder is one of a growing number of Masters athletes forcing us to consider new frontiers in human performance. Learn about the physical, social and psychological benefits of Masters sport in the SIRCuit.
The Benefits of Masters Sport to Healthy Aging
Carol LaFayette-Boyd is one of Canada’s rising athletics stars. Notably, LaFayette-Boyd is “rising” to exceptional athletic status at the age of 77 years. Setting a new world age-group record in the W75 200-meter race at the 2019 Canadian Masters Indoor Championships in Edmonton, the Saskatchewan native added to her plethora of age-matched world records and…
Spring 2020 SIRCuit
Check out the Spring SIRCuit! This collection of articles, provides timely and relevant research and insights relating to leadership, athlete development, and high performance sport: The Role of Nutrition in Sub-Concussion Injury Protection Engaging Youth in Evaluation Processes An Official’s Journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Supporting the Psychological Wellbeing of Athletes: What can Coaches…
Lifespan Analyses of Social Influence on the Sport Commitment and Participation of Masters Athletes
Project Summary This research aimed to identify the nature of various social influences determining increased commitment to continue sport involvement among middle-aged and older sport participants. Research was conducted among samples from international-, national-, and regional-level masters sport (> 35 yrs old) events, as well as from Senior Games (55+ yrs) events. First, results showed…
Participation Motives
In sports like swimming that tend to revolve around “best times,” it’s important to have reasons for participating that aren’t related to performance. There will always come a time when an athlete hits their limit and can’t go any faster. Having other reasons to participate, like friendships and fitness, will keep them involved long-term. Learn…
The Role of Motives in the Transition from Youth Swimming to Masters Swimming
Masters sport is a great way for adults to have fun and stay active. Dionigi (2015) identified three categories of masters athletes, based on their pathway into masters sport. “Late bloomers” are those who don’t start participating in sport until adulthood. “Continuers” are those who began their sport involvement as youth and never stopped. Finally,…
Getting Physical! Engaging Seniors in Sports
Whether you are young or old, sports are an incredible way to strengthen friendships, meet new people, and to stay healthy. There are many physical and mental health benefits of active aging and lifelong sport participation. Statistics Canada shows that young Canadians between the ages of 15-19 are participating in sport at a 54% rate,…
Three Key Training Elements for Masters Athletes
Masters athletes is a term that encompasses a wide range of active men and women over 35 who compete in sports at a very high level; they can range from the weekend warrior to elite competitor. Baby boomers are a large part of the growing number of older adults who are either picking up a…