Mental health paradox
Improving mental health is a great motivator to being physically active, but stress and anxiety can stand in the way—a paradox that has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at McMaster University have created an evidence-based exercise toolkit for mental health that is freely available to all.
Importance of relationships to sport organization resilience
Research shows relationships have been a game changer for sport organization resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong networks and knowledge of key systems and stakeholders enabled the pivot of programs and services, and access to wage subsidies and rent relief arrangements.
New and expecting mothers
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and physical activity levels of new and expecting mothers. Finding ways to stay active during the pandemic (e.g., going for walks or participating in online fitness classes) can reduce mothers’ feelings of depression and anxiety, benefitting both mom and baby.
World Juniors
“Until we had gold medals awarded on January 5th, I think we always felt there was a little bit of risk that we weren’t going make it through.” Read how Hockey Canada collaborated with federal, provincial, and local health authorities and implemented compliance officers to successfully host the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior…
LGBTQI2S inclusion
The effects of COVID-19 are significantly impacting the physical and mental health of the LGBTQI2S community. For sport organizations, participating in LGBTQI2S inclusive training opportunities, using gender-neutral language in policies and communications, and creating sanctions for anti-LGBTQI2S behaviour are just a few ways to be more inclusive of LGBTQI2S people and communities both now and when we return…
Impact of COVID-19 on athlete education
Athletes often plan to re-engage in educational pursuits the year after the Games, which is often less busy. With the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games, an analysis of comments from 74 national team athletes in a Game Plan survey revealed 39% had to refuse or defer admissions to focus on training.
Exercise & COVID-19
Did you know that adults who meet the recommended physical activity guidelines may be at a lower risk of suffering from hospitalization and death due to COVID-19? Socially-distanced activities, such as a walk or bike ride, are a great way to keep active during public health restrictions.
Team Canada logistics for Tokyo
The master project plan for an event like the Summer Olympic or Paralympic Games is approximately 20,000 lines long. The postponement of the Tokyo Games has provided the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee the opportunity to review, evaluate, and refine their policies and practices. These enhancements will ultimately benefit Canadian athletes and their…
Parenting stress
With the closure of schools and daycares to limit the spread of COVID-19, many parents are experiencing increased levels of parenting-related stress. Moderate intensity physical activity (e.g., cycling at a steady pace) can help to reduce parenting stress and improve the quality of life for mothers who may be struggling to balance work and family…
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented sport events: Competition During COVID-19
Highlights Sport leaders from Hockey Canada, Curling Canada, Gymnastics Canada, Equestrian Canada, Swimming Canada, and Sail Canada share their learnings from hosting a sport event during the COVID-19 pandemic. When planning a pandemic sport event, collaboration with key stakeholders, including federal, provincial, and local health authorities, is critical. For in-person competitions, minimize the amount of…