Recruitment of officials

Community organizations across the country are experiencing a shortage of sport officials. Research shows that nearly 80% of sport officials across Canada are either previously or currently active as an athlete in the sport they officiate. Individuals already involved within a sport are likely candidates to recruit as officials due to their passion for the…

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…

Integration of refugees in sport

Sport can provide refugees opportunities to make social connections. To successfully integrate refugees into sport, sport organizations need an active approach needs by managers, coaches and volunteers. A positive and welcoming environment, an inclusive narrative, and making the club feel safe and fun are other factors that can contribute to 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…

Long-term sport participation models

As sport leaders and organizations, we’re often concerned with participant retention. We rarely consider how dropout may play an important role in sport development pathways, or potential pathways for sport re-engagement later in life. The inclusion of sport dropout as a potential pathway in long-term sport participation models could push for a dialogue on how…

Girls’ return to play

The unique barriers that girls experience to accessing sport and physical activity have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls report that social connection is a top benefit of sport. Creating an environment that sets clear expectations for interactions between participants and fosters a sense of belonging can help organizations retain and engage girls in…

Psychosocial readiness to return to sport following a sport-related concussion

Did you know that 1 in 450 Canadians suffered a sport-related concussion (SRC) or other type of brain injury in the past year (Gordon & Kuhle, 2022)? A SRC is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head (McCrory et al., 2017). For example, being struck by a soccer…

Intramural sport participation in students

Intramural sports give students the opportunity to be physically active, regardless of their experience level. Participation in intramural sports is associated with improved physical health, self-confidence and stress management skills. Intramurals also give students the opportunity to experience a wide variety of sports, allowing them to pick and choose the ones they enjoy and want…

Trying a new sport

Trying out a new sport skill or exercise routine? Seeking feedback from others — whether health or fitness professionals, or friends and family — can increase self-confidence and help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Newcomers and sport participation

Newcomers to Canada often struggle with feeling like they belong. Sport and physical activity can help foster feelings of belongingness, bringing Canadians of all backgrounds together. Providing newcomers with resources on how to become involved in sport and physical activity at all levels is essential to ensure all sport is inclusive. Sport for Life has…