Blog • Sport for Life

Calgary gang intervention program empowers new to Canada youth through quality sport, mentorship

April 24, 2023

You can’t over-emphasize the power of having a good coach. As far as Noël Bahliby is concerned, having a positive role model in a child’s life is crucial to their sense of well-being and self-worth. And as the Director of Youth Programs for the Centre for Newcomers in Calgary, he knows that offering newcomers to Canada the opportunity to get involved with a quality sport team and providing them with one-on-one instruction is one of the most powerful ways to keep them on a positive trajectory as they acclimatize to their new country.

Sport for Life debuts Catalysts for Change web page focused on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility

April 20, 2023

Sport for Life is proud to announce the launch of its equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) web page, Catalysts for Change, which went live earlier this month.

Montreal Summit hosts sell-out Francophone crowd

April 20, 2023

The organizers of this year’s Sport for Life Summit in Montreal are still glowing after a sold-out event of 170 delegates that featured hard-hitting talks on the importance of safe sport, how to create a collaborative environment and breaking through unconscious biases.

Physical literacy training empowers PL4C observers in Atlantic Canada

April 18, 2023

Thanks to mentors from the Physical Literacy for Communities (PL4C) project, teachers, recreation instructors and physical activity leaders are being trained in physical literacy observation in Atlantic communities using PLAY Tools. Participants are being empowered to share what they’ve learned with other instructors using a train-the-trainer model, improving the leadership and culture around physical literacy awareness in Atlantic Canada.

Hip Hop Public Health brings the HYPE to IPLC 2023

April 17, 2023

A fantastic stage is set for the beginning of the International Physical Literacy Conference (IPLC) 2023. After a day of optional pre-conference workshops, the conference itself will kick off in style at the New Yorker Hotel, with Hip Hop Public Health providing the keynote and hosting the opening reception on the evening of May 2. Hip Hop Public Health works with internationally-recognized hip hop artists to create research-based educational resources by harnessing the power of music, art and science to promote healthy behaviours, health literacy and health equity.

New to Canada Para-badminton powerhouse Rishav Sharma prepares to inspire quality sport innovators at the 2023 Sport for Life Summit in Prince George

April 11, 2023

Sport for Life is thrilled to announce that Rishav Sharma, a Para-badminton powerhouse and coach from Fort St. John, will be sharing his insights into the culture of sport during the 2023 Sport for Life Summit in Prince George on April 14 and 15. Speaking to an audience of quality sport and physical literacy enthusiasts, he will showcase how his life has been impacted by badminton, his intersectional identity and his life as an immigrant.

New York Road Runners CEO to take the stage for IPLC keynote

April 5, 2023

When the International Physical Literacy Conference kicks off in New York City from May 2 to 5, it will be co-hosted by the New York Road Runners (NYRR). Taking the stage as one of the keynotes will be CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, who took over leadership of the premier running organization in late 2022. His May 5 presentation will be focused on mental health and comes during Mental Health Awareness Month.

International Physical Literacy Conference welcomes Melanie McKee and Sheelagh Quinn as keynote presenters

April 4, 2023

Sport for Life is thrilled to welcome Sport Ireland’s Physical Literacy Lead Sheelagh Quinn, and Melanie McKee of Stranmillis University College to its lineup of keynote presenters for the upcoming 2023 International Physical Literacy Conference being held in New York City from May 2-5. As two of the leading voices tasked with developing sport in their country, they are responsible for driving physical literacy progress. Together they developed a transnational physical literacy consensus statement that unites northern and southern Ireland.

Basketball star and motivational speaker Kevin Atlas joins keynote lineup for the 2023 International Physical Literacy Conference

April 4, 2023

Kevin Atlas is the latest motivational speaker to join the keynote lineup for the 2023 International Physical Literacy Conference. At nearly seven feet tall, with his left arm discontinued just below the elbow, the basketball star faced his fair share of adversity during his early life. Now he will share his experiences in a talk titled “Believe in You” on May 5.

Sport for Life revitalizes resource for New to Canada Participants

March 22, 2023

According to statistics, approximately 40,000 people a month arrived in Canada throughout 2021 and 2022 from all over the world. Some of them were students, others were immigrants or temporary foreign workers, and an increasing number were refugees from countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria. With this complex new social reality comes both opportunity and challenge, which is why Sport for Life has chosen to revitalize its resource Sport for Life for Every New to Canada Participant.

Move for Life champions hockey mental health support initiative

March 22, 2023

White Rock hockey players will receive innovative mental health support following a community tragedy, thanks to the financial support of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s Move for Life project. According to Semiahmoo Ravens U18 head coach Josh Daley, this support is coming at a critical time.

Sport for Life celebrates World Health Day

March 22, 2023

What does it mean to accomplish health for all? This year on April 7, there will be a global celebration of the 75th anniversary of World Health Day – which was first observed in 1949 and marks the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO). Each year the organization chooses a different theme selected by WHO’s Director-General, and this year’s is Health for All.