Resilience Through Adaptation: How Sport Organizations Responded During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Directions from public health organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the sport sector, causing many sport decision makers to reconsider what their organization does and how they do it. Although the full scope of the short- and long-term impacts are yet to be seen, some organizations have not survived. Others have used this period…
The Ripple Effect of the Pandemic: Supporting Athletes With a Holistic Approach
“Athlete career excellence” is a concept from sport psychology concerned with an athlete’s ability to sustain a healthy, successful, and long-lasting career in sport and life. It means the athlete is striving to achieve meaningful goals in sport and life while satisfying basic psychological needs and maintaining health and wellbeing (Stambulova, Ryba & Henriksen, 2020)….
Tokyo postponement
“I’ve often described a Major Games environment as the world’s largest petri dish…It’s like a quadrennial convention of the world’s active viruses and communicable diseases” says Antoine Atallah, General Manager of Major Games Canada. Learn how Canadian and international experts are working together to keep athletes safe at upcoming Major Games.
NBA bubble
In addition to helping protect players from COVID-19, the NBA playoff “bubble” in Orlando may be an example of a competitive equalizer by eliminating team travel. Researchers analyzing the results of nearly 500 NBA playoff games over six seasons found that a team’s direction of travel and the number of time zones crossed were associated…
Bell Let’s Talk Day
Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, national initiative to build awareness, acceptance and action relating to mental health. Small actions can help support mental health and strengthen our communities during this difficult time – from recognizing the signs of stress, to taking care of yourself, to being there for a loved one. For additional support,…
Innovative return to play
From adapted equipment and modified play, to the appointment of a Chief Medical Officer, sport organizations are leveraging innovation and expertise to inform the development and implementation of their Return to Play plans. Learn more in the SIRC blog.
Mask wearing
As gyms and sport facilities resume their operations, Canadians are wondering about the impact of masks on their performance. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan found that wearing a mask does not affect performance and has minimal effect on blood and muscle oxygenation.
Silver linings of the Tokyo Games postponement
For many national athletes, the postponement of Tokyo 2020 has let them build their physical and mental performance. Athletes have addressed longstanding physical issues like chronic injuries, biomechanical and technique corrections, and strength deficits. Mentally, Seyi Smith, Chair of the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, suggests the postponement was probably the “best mental resilience training…
Looking Back – 2020 SIRC Content Highlights
Although 2020 was a challenging year, it was rich with learnings and silver linings for the Canadian sport and physical activity sector. Featured below are highlights of SIRC’s top content from the last 12 months. Whether you’re looking for insightful reading during a quiet moment over the holidays, or a quick video to get your…
Pandemic contingency plans
“Even if the risk is low, even extremely low, event hosts need to take the time to discuss the issue and put a plan in place. Pandemic contingency plans will be an unexpected, and important, legacy of these events.” Moira Lassen, General Manager of the 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, shares her lessons learned…