Representing the needs of athletes with a disability

Recent research on sport participation has shown that >25% of athletes with a disability report negative experiences in sport, and a disproportionate number report being subjected to abuse and discrimination at the hands of organizers, coaches and other athletes.  Our partners on the Sport & Exercise team, in collaboration with the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability, recently met with Katherine Schlosser, Senior Policy Analyst in the Sport System Development Unit of Sport Canada.  The purpose was to introduce their definition of Quality Sport Experience, and to advocate for adoption of that definition in policy and funding decisions at Sport Canada.  According to their research, Quality Sport Experience cannot be assured with a checklist of objective standards, but must also take account of the athlete’s experience in 6 important domains:  Autonomy, Belonging, Challenge, Engagement, Mastery and Meaning.  Click here to see the briefing note used to facilitate this consultation.