The role of LGBT-focused sport group involvement in reducing minority stress  

Project Summary  OBJECTIVES  Sexual minority identity (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans; LGBT) is largely stigmatized and stigmatization has been linked to detrimental mental and physical health outcomes.  Sexual minority individuals are often motivated to conceal their identities to protect themselves from rejection but this concealment comes with the costs of anxiety about disclosure and preoccupation…

Getting the ball rolling: Sport and leisure time physical activity promotion among individuals with acquired physical disabilities 

Project Summary  Despite the physical and psychosocial benefits on engaging in sport as a form of leisure time physical activity (LTPA), only 3% of individuals with acquired physical disabilities participate in sport. This project was composed of four studies that the theoretical and contextual factors that influence sport participation in this population. The first study…

International Day of the Girl

Research shows girls and young women’s involvement in sport and physical activity is influenced by a number of people, including parents, siblings, coaches, and physical education teachers. In recognition of International Day of the Girl Child (Sunday October 11, 2020), consider your role in enhancing the participation and quality of sport experiences for girls.

Rwandan girls’ perspectives on their lived experiences of physical education and sport: Challenges and solutions to sport participation  

Project Summary  The objectives of this research were to:   Though this research took place in Rwanda, the tools developed to gather girls’ perspectives and feedback and to integrate them into decision-making processes are relevant and can easily be adapted to a Canadian context in order to contribute to a better understanding of physical education and…

Parents in Sport Week

Whether it’s driving kids to games and practices, teaching them to deal with wins and losses, or being an active role model, parents play an important role in supporting the participation of children and youth in sport – especially during COVID-19. From October 5th to 11th, join Active for Life for Parents in Sport Week – a time to celebrate the…

Adapting Sport and Physical Activity for Individuals with IDD: Highlighting a Decade of Inclusion and Outcomes

The Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) Research Group at the University of Windsor leverages the transformative power of sport and physical activity through inclusive, barrier-free programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). In collaboration with Community Living Essex County, APEX delivers volunteer-led, one-on-one fitness training at the University of Windsor’s fitness facility. The purpose of this article is to summarize our key findings and recommendations from…

Parental support of sport participation for youth with a mobility impairment  

View the summary of this research here. Project summary  Parents have an important influence on their children’s sport participation. The objective of this research was to examine parental support for youth with a mobility impairment’s (MI’s; limitations to musculoskeletal or neurological systems which impact movement) sport participation. This objective was accomplished through two studies. Study…

Barriers to Physical Activity for Rural Communities

Common barriers to physical activity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities include limited access to recreational facilities, lack of sidewalks, uneven road surfaces, wildlife, and inclement weather. Learn more about evidence-based strategies for promoting physical activity in these communities.

Participation in Masters Sport

For many sport organizations, older adults represent an untapped cohort of potential members. Research on Masters athletes points to the importance of both a social environment and competitive opportunities in facilitating participation.

Building capacity for sport participation through events 

Project Summary The demonstration effect is the assumption that sport events stimulate sport participation. This phenomenon is widely debated (e.g., Weed et al, 2015) given there is little evidence that sport events create new participation in sport. Local sport organizations (LSOs) can play a pivotal role in taking advantage of sport events to create new participation opportunities. In order to do so, LSOs must be willing and able to create that opportunity for enhanced…