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…
Crises require “all hands on deck”
Developing a response to crises like COVID-19 pandemic requires “all hands on deck.” To help develop their return to sport strategies, the Rocky Point Sailing Association reached out to founding members who were in their 70s and 80s, and recruited new leaders from amongst their membership. This helped ensure they had diverse perspectives and experience…
Pandemic Silver Linings in Canadian Sport
This article is the second in a special series that explores how Canadian sport leaders are adapting and innovating to safeguard the wellbeing of athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and other Major Games during a global pandemic. Read the first article here. The challenges facing Canada’s top summer athletes have never…
Navigating COVID-19: A Community Sport Perspective
In the winter of 2020, the Rocky Point Sailing Association (RPSA) in Port Moody, BC was preparing for the upcoming season. RPSA is primarily run by volunteers and employs ten seasonal full-time staff who deliver long-term athlete development (LTAD) programming to more than 600 participants annually. When the COVID-19 pandemic was announced, summer programs were…
Solution-Focused Mindset
Is focusing on the negatives of the COVID-19 pandemic increasing your stress and decreasing your motivation? Adopting a solution-focused mindset means challenging yourself to find new and better ways to cope with the current realities. Research shows this shift in mindset can increase self-confidence and promote a positive mood.
Returning to Sport Post-Isolation
Following a reduction of public health restrictions, some athletes may be excited about being with friends, returning to training, and looking forward to competition; others will experience fear and anxiety relating to the risk of infection, the effects of detraining, or being behind competitors and teammates. Coaches can learn more to prepare for this range…
Mind over COVID? Mental health tips for coaches, athletes, and sport administrators
During epidemics, the number of people whose mental health is affected tends to be greater than the number of people affected by the infection. Past tragedies have shown that the mental health implications can last longer and have greater prevalence than the epidemic itself and that the psychosocial and economic impacts can be incalculable if…
Return to Play Communications
“Know before you go” is a mantra driving organizations’ return to play communication, ensuring participants know what to expect, are familiar with protocols, and feel confident that health and safety is the #1 priority. Learn about this and other key factors in successful return to play plans.