Signals versus noise: Gender equity in Canadian sport
Highlights The Government of Canada is committed to achieving gender equity in sport at all levels by 2035. Ongoing research has demonstrated the majority (over 90%) of Canada’s sport’s media coverage is focused solely on men’s sport, and that women and girls have lower sport participation rates than men. This article provides an overview of women and…
Data for change: Embracing demographics to advance equity in sport
Highlights The “who” is as important as the “what” when sport organizations are planning for data, analytics and evidence-based change related to equity, diversity and inclusion. When it comes to race and intersectionality, the power of data practices is its ability to help an organization better understand the realities and experiences of those too often…
Mentoring Black women coaches: Developing confidence through relationships and learning
Photo credit: Conestoga College Condors Athletics Highlights Some coaches are the “only” in their organization: the only woman, only racialized person or only racialized woman. Being the “only” relates to feelings of otherness and isolation, threatening coaches’ confidence. Social support and environmental comfort can build coach confidence. Racism and sexism in sport in Canada can…
Shaping inclusive sport policy and programs
Highlights Over the past few years, the racism and discrimination brought to light throughout society and within the sport sector have forced a necessary reflection on policies and practices. There’s a renewed urgency for sport stakeholders to adopt new policies and programs to bring about cultural change that can ensure the future of sport includes…
Why youth sport isn’t just for kids: it benefits mom too!
Highlights With approximately 75% of Canadian youth involved in organized youth sport, it’s uniquely positioned to promote mothers’ mental health and wellbeing. Youth sport offers opportunities for moms to: gain meaning through coaching and leadership experience pride and joy from observing their child compete interact with other adults and expand their social networks strengthen their family…
Blossom where you’re planted: Mental health considerations for Indigenous sport participants
Highlights: The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took place on September 30, 2021. This day honours the survivors of the residential school system, their families and their communities. Reflecting on truth and reconciliation in Canadian sport, this article explores mental health considerations for Indigenous sport participants. SIRC sat down with Sharon Anne Firth,…
Opportunities for mental health promotion in Canadian university sport
Highlights Evidence suggests that university student-athletes experience poor mental health at higher rates than the general population. To better understand and support mental health in the university sport setting, a research team at the University of Alberta studied how mentally healthy women student-athletes approached their season. The student-athletes in the study took a different approach…
The mental health strategy for high performance sport in Canada: What national sport organization leaders and staff should know
Highlights The Mental Health Strategy for High Performance Sport in Canada aims to improve the mental health outcomes for all Canadian high performance athletes, coaches, and staff. The strategy was developed by Canadian experts in mental health and sport based on scientific evidence, applied experience, and international best practices. The newly formed strategy focuses on…
Lessons about mental health from the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo
Highlights For athletes, coaches, and others who worked tirelessly to make the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games a success, the global COVID‑19 pandemic increased stress and added to the already pressure-packed environment. When USA Gymnastics legend Simone Biles put her mental health ahead of the competition, she elevated discussions around mental health to historic levels….
Activating Safe Sport communities
Highlights In summer 2021, the Sport Information Resource Centre launched the Community Activation Grants program to help sport organizations promote Safe Sport and concussion initiatives at the community level. This article spotlights 6 of the 25 successful grant recipients from across Canada. These recipients share why Safe Sport and concussion awareness initiatives are crucial for their community, and…