Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)

SIRC at the CS4L National Summit: Governance!

2012-02-02T14:09:00.001-05:00

SIRC hosted the "Governance and CS4L" session at the CS4L Summit today. Good governance is critical to the success of asport organization. This session talked about how CS4L‐LTAD can beintegrated into the Governance of a sport organization and where to findpractical governance templates and resources that can be downloaded and modified for use. Panelists shared insights, including lessons learned at both the community andNational level, that can help with incorporating CS4L principles and LTADprograms into governance and strategic planning. Hosted by Debra Gassewitz (SIRC), panelists included Marg Jones (JUEL Basketball), Paul Jurbala (CS4L), and JD Miller (B2ten).

Highlights of the session included:

How to integrate LTAD programs into your governance
What the Board needs to do to implement the strategic plan
Who should be on the Board and How do we recruit them
Where the resources can be found: SIRC Sport Governance Online Resource Centre

Contact SIRC for more information on sport governance

SIRC at the CS4L National Summit

2012-02-01T18:06:00.000-05:00

In support of the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) movement SIRC is hosting an interactive Resource Centre at the National Summit (Wed & Thursday, Feb 1 & 2, 2012) and the World LTAD Symposium (Friday, February 3, 2012) in Gatineau, QC.

Among the resources we are making available:
In print:

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) from over 30 National Sport Organizations
SIRC Newsletters on CS4L & LTAD

Online:
SIRC's Sport Governance Resource Centre

Guidelines, templates and resources on governance related topics
Board Models, Board Orientation, Strategic Planning, Legal Issues, Roles & Responsibilities
Governance Expert Directory
Free Webinars

SIRC's LTAD Online Resources

Links to over 45 National Sport Organization LTAD documents
LTAD & CS4L Newsletters

What's being talked about at the CS4L National Summit, Day 1?

Big ideas for moving organizations and CS4L forward
Provision of family programs to promote active lifestyles modelled from one generation to the next
Educating parents on CS4L
Injury prevention for aesthetic and flexibility sport
Change from a focus on competing with each other to working together to achieve better results
Addressing governance challenges and changes at all levels of sport
Changing business behaviour to ensure sustainability

The Power and Peril of Social Media

2012-01-31T11:58:00.003-05:00

It is no longer a question of why should an organization use social media, but how should they use it. With social media the possibilities are endless. Social media allows for a sense of community and increases the speed for feedback and results. Organizations can have direct communication with their customers or members, coaches can send out training schedules and tips to their athletes, athletes can instantly inform their fans of their achievements and the list goes on.

With so many choices out there (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogger, Flickr, YouTube, …) you need to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve from social media before you even start. And as with any form of communication you want to ensure you do not get caught up in the instantaneousness of the medium and are still portraying the right message that represents you and your organization.

To help with this, today at the Canadian Sport for Life Pre-Summit Workshops SIRC presents “The Power and Peril of Social Media”.

Learn from experts how social media can help your sport organization achieve its objectives. This will be an interactive session that will be presented by SIRC and Janice Arnoldi.

Janice Arnoldi of Arnoldi:McPherson (Niagara's leading social media strategy company) will provide an overview of uses and applications of social media. Janice has been a partner in a successful web design and social media strategy firm for 13 years, with major business, non-profit and sport clients. Janice is a former radio journalist and worked in media relations/corporate communications for Ontario Hydro and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She has taught New Media at the International Academy of Design in Toronto and at Niagara College.

2012 NHL All-Star Weekend

2012-01-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

As the NHL season takes a break, the City of Ottawa is catching All-Star Fever! The 2012 All-Star Weekend Celebration kicked off yesterday in Ottawa with a parade of the NHL Trophies escorted by future NHL hopefuls, Timbits hockey players, down the Rideau Canal Skateway. Fans lined the canal, on the ice and on the banks, just to catch a glimpse of Lord Stanley’s Cup. Beyond the obvious highs of the All-Stars coming to Ottawa, the city will benefit from the excitement built up within the community.

All of Ottawa and Gatineau will be involved in the weekend. Events will be held at various sites around the city, including the Rideau Canal Skateway, Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, Ottawa Convention Centre, and Scotiabank Place. Not only is it an opportunity for the All-Stars to show off their skills but there is the NHL Junior Skills National Competition for the best 7-12 year old hockey players from across the country. Fans can also get a taste of being a pro at Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair at the Ottawa Convention Centre.

The weekend isn’t just about the greatest hockey players in the world coming together, there is also the Energizer Night Skate happening tonight at 7pm on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Participants will light up the night sky over the Rideau Canal while raising money for a good cause. Each participant receives an Energizer LED headlight and an Energizer Night Skate toque. All proceeds from the event go to the Sens Foundation which helps fund charitable organizations that improve quality of life for children and youth across Eastern Ontario.

Thursday, January 26

2:30-3:00pm Trophy Procession Down the Rideau Canal
3pm-10pm Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair
8pm2012 NHL Fantasy Draft

Friday, January 27

10am-10pm Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair
7pm Energizer Night Skate

Saturday, January 28

9am-noon 2012 NHL Junior Skills National Championship
10am-6pm Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair
7pm All-Star Skill Competition

Sunday, January 29

4pm 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game

For full schedule of events and details click here.

Contact SIRC for more information on hockey!

Growing into Biathlon

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

The word biathlonis of Greek origin and means "two tests".The sport of biathloncombines the two sports of skiing and shooting. Athletes must complete a cross country ski race stopping throughout thecourse to shoot at a series of targets.

The sport is challenging bothphysically and mentally. It is not just about being the fastest skier, athletesmust control their body and relax enough to hold the gun still and hit thetarget. Then without wasting anytime return to the fast pace of the race.

Youth participationand safety concerns have been issues faced by Biathlon. Many people are reluctant to put childreninto the sport due to the fact that you have to shoot a rifle. Looking to attractmore people to the sport and overcome these obstacles the sport of PaintballBiathlon was born. Inventors hoped toplay off the popularity of paintballing amongst young people and create a saferintroduction to the sport of biathlon.

In this sport athletesuse paintball guns (or laser guns) instead of a regular rifle, which allows theyoung athletes to understand the fundamentals of biathlon, without the use of arifle. Making for a great introductionto biathlon; kids can enjoy the fun of shooting the paintball gun while racingto finish first. Paintball (or laser) biathlon serves as a grass root programuntil the athletes are responsible enough to handle a riffle.

The first paintballbiathlon event was held in Vermont in 2006, since then the Nordic sport hasseen a large jump in enrollment and events can be found all around the world.

References from the SIRC Collection:

Grout, P. (2011). Paintball Biathlon. CrossCountry Skier, 31(2), p.30.
Hausermen. (2011).Laser Biathlon Motivates YoungSkiers. Cross Country Skier, 31(2), p. 28.

Beyond the Finish Line: A Walk Through the Mixed Zone

2012-01-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy
Polakoff Communications

Once an athlete gets to a certainlevel, there become many more obligations and expectations of them beyond theirperformance on the field of play. Walking through the Media Mixed Zone at amajor sporting competition is just one of those responsibilities. The MixedZone is designed to permit the broadcast and print media to “mix” with athletesfor the purpose of an interview in a designated area. Athletes are not obligatedto stop for interviews and you can imagine how tough it is if an athlete justhad the worst performance ever. But lots still do.

This dedicated and secured zone is in an area justbeyond the field of play that athletes must physically pass through when theyare finished competing. They don’t even collect their clothing first. This uniqueopportunity allows the media and ultimately the viewers to have a window tothat raw emotion and immediate thoughts of the athlete.

Some key points to a successful Media Mixed Zone experiencefor the athlete:

Limit interviews to one minute or less so that as manybroadcast and print media as possible have the opportunity.
Be positive, pleasant, insightful and gracious despite the stressful circumstances.
Act like a professional.
Give the viewer a reason to care about how you do.

Photo courtesy
Polakoff Communications

It does seem a bit strange tohave an athlete perform to physical and mental exhaustion, then ask them tosound eloquent just seconds after for an interview broadcast live around the world.Most well rested and prepared people have difficulty doing this. But this mightbe the one chance that the public has to hear from an athlete. It’s the 30second sound bite that will create a post card image of what the athlete is all about.If they act classy, then people will think they are classy. And vice-versa!

Just because the finish line iscrossed does not mean that the elite athlete’s job is done. It is important for an athlete to also prepare and train for the moments immediately following their performance.

Online Resource:
IIHF Media Guidelines & Access Policy

For more information on athlete interviews, please visit SIRC.

The Achilles Heel of the Achilles Tendon

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Achilles tendon is the large fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the muscles of thelower leg. Named after Achilles, theancient Greek hero of the Trojan War who was invulnerable except for one spoton his heel, it is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, so that itcan connect with the most powerful muscle group in the body - the calf muscles(plantaris, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) to the heel bone (calcaneus). The tendon is vital to such activities as walking, running and jumping, and it’s the sudden explosive starts in sports such as basketball, tennis and racquetball that does the most damage to a tendon that is weak and thinned with age or under-use. An acute ruptureof the Achilles tendon can happen to any level of athlete whether world classor recreational. However, research indicates that typically it is the “weekend warrior” male athlete betweenages 30 and 50 with no previous tendon issues and is intermittently active, whosuffers from this type of injury.

Diagnosis of aruptured Achilles tendon is made in a variety of ways.

Typically the patient will say that it felt like they were kicked orshot behind the ankle.
Presence of a gap in the tendon. However swelling can disguise thegap in acute ruptures.
Conduct a Thompson test. With the patient lying face down and feet hanging off the edge ofthe examination table, the test is positive if there is no plantar flexion ofthe foot when the adjacent calf is squeezed. Likewise, the test is negative ifthe foot moves in a plantar flexion direction signifying that the muscles thatthe tendon is still attached.

Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and non-surgical approaches and among the medical profession, opinions are divided as to which is preferred.

A few ways to possible prevent Achilles tendon injuries are:

Begin any new physical activity programs slowly over time.
Do not use equipment you are not familiar with.
Wear appropriate footwear.
Don’t be the “weekend warrior.” Exercise regularly.
Try to limit the amount of time exercising on hard surfaces,such as concrete.

For moreinformation on sports medicine injuries, please contact SIRC.

Mountain Sickness Can Happen to Anyone

2012-01-17T09:35:00.000-05:00

It is not uncommon for members ofnational sports team to go on mountain training camps at high altitudes, but tripsto the mountains can also include holiday excursions and recreational charges up the inclines. Whether it is for training or for pleasure, any altitude activity should be approached with the proper safety knowledge.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is an illness that canaffect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, athletes or travelers at highaltitudes (usually above 2400 meters). Incredibly fit athletes are not immune to the effectsof high altitudes either.AMS is caused by a combination of reduced air pressure and low oxygen levelsfound at high altitude and going too high too fast.

Symptoms of mountain sickness canrange from mild to life-threatening, affecting the lungs, muscles, heart andnervous system. In minor to moderate cases, an individual may experiencesymptoms that feel most like a hangover:

Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid heart rate
Shortness of breath with exertion

More severe acute mountain sickness symptoms include:

Chest tightness or congestion
Changes in complexion – gray or pale
Coughing (and coughing up blood)
Cyanosis (bluish discolouration of the skin)
Decreased consciousness
Dehydration
Inability to walk in a straight line
Mental confusion
Shortness of breath at rest

The most severe acute mountainsickness cases may result in death due to lung problems or brain swelling,therefore an early diagnosis is obviously important as is an immediate descentto lower elevations. Anyone climbing over 3,000 meters should be prepared to carryenough oxygen for several days. While engaging in high altitude activities, one should always drinkplenty of fluids (avoiding alcohol) and eat regular meals that are high incarbohydrates.

For more information on traveling to high altitudes, please visit SIRC.

Guidelines for Media Guides

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo credit: Michele Walker

Media guides produced by sports teams, organizations and committees serve as valuable resources to members of the media. Despite the fact that there is so much information now on theinternet about most teams and sports, a sports related press kit serves as anaccurate and factual resource tool for members of the media as it is produced directlyby the organization.

While media guide content mayvary based on the nature of the sport team, organization or the event – professional versus amateur, team versusleague, major league versus minor league – there are major components thatshould be included in most guides.

Table of contents to assist in the navigation of the guide
Staff directory listing office and mobile phone numbers andemail addresses
Media-specific information on how to make interview requestsand apply for media credentials for certain events
Schedule of events
Profile of the organization and its leadership
Team information including rosters and athlete biographies
Season preview including statistics, results andsuperlatives
History of the team (or event) including year-by-yearresults, all-time statistics, previous play-off information
Venue information
Governing body information and sponsor logos

Design elements can also play akey role in making sure that a media guide is as attractive and user friendly as possible for all media. Specific knowledge in desktop publishing withlayout and design skills are a valuable skill set to the media relationsprofessional, with special attention being paid to:

Cover – is it attractive and include key elements of the organization,such as name, logo and year?
Font type – is it easy to read and consistent throughout theguide?
Graphics - textboxes, shaded areas, logos and symbols?
Colour – how is this used to enhance the media guide?
Photos – types used (action and head shoots) and are they infocus, clear and have good contrast?
Format - will it be hard copy, electronic, compact disk, downloadable or all formats?
Size – small enough to put in a journalist or photographerspocket, or large enough to have space to make notes?

A media guide can incur production costs and require significant time to plan, research, develop andproduce but it will also reap positive publicity from journalists andbroadcasters who cover the team or event.

For more information on media guides, please visit SIRC.

Is the Sky Always Going to be the Limit?

2012-01-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

Year after year, games after games,championship after championship, athletes continue to set world records andall-time best results. But can athletichuman performance continue to improve indefinitely? One might contemplate thatthe time will come when athletes will no longer be faster, higher and stronger. According to a South Korean studyof athletics and swimming in the International Journal of Applied Management Science, analyzeddata proposes that human performance will reach its pinnacle within the nextdecade. Statistical analysis suggests that improvements in running and swimmingare slowing down, yet does not take into account variations in rules,measurements and environmental changes.

However, a current theory by Duke University engineers hasshown that Olympic swimmers and sprinters have gotten bigger and faster overthe past 100 years, having physically grown at a much faster rate than the normalpopulation. According to their data analysis, the average human has gainedabout 4.83 cm (1.9 inches) in height since 1900, and that the fastest swimmershave grown 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) and the best runners have grown 16.3 cm (6.4inches). Should those participating in sport over the next century continue to be taller and bigger athletes than today, there is a reasonable expectation that superior athletic performance will continue.

These days athletes are using bettertraining methods, much improved technology and are guided by better-than-ever prepared coaches and integrated support teams. Today's improved knowledgeand applications of physiology, biomechanics and psychology towards an athlete’sperformance, are something that could not have even been imagined a few decadesago, yet will most likely be outdated 20 years from now. While it is practicalto believe that some sports may be nearer to their upper limit than others, aslong as there is a will to continue to improve, we can only hope there is nolimit on how far athletic performance can go.

Contact SIRC for more information on athlete training.

Not Your Average Winter Sports - SIRC Newsletter

2012-01-05T14:13:00.003-05:00

Winters in Canada are filled with fun, lots of snow and hot chocolate! When we think of winter sports, the first that come to mind are skating sports such as hockey, ringette or figure skating, snow sports such skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing. But winter sport enthusiasts are always finding fun and unique ways to spend time outside. Some of these sports may sound familiar whereas others aren’t so much. We want to encourage you to stay active this winter and we think the best way to do that is to showcase all the amazing activities that are out there.

How about some ice-boating or ice-climbing for those of you who sail or rock climb during the summer months? Do you love camping? Then why not try it in the winter.

Read the Full Newsletter - http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/jan12/index.html

Olympic Legacy: Inspiration for 2012

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Gamesin London have made a promise to reach out the world’s youth in an effort toconnect them to the inspirational power of the Olympics, hence they havedeveloped the “International Inspiration” program. This legacy programme, a promise made by the 2012Olympic Games bid team, is already changing the lives of less fortunate kids inunderdeveloped countries. Inspiring them to choose sport gives them the chance tosee that they have a right to play and fulfil their potential by participatingin local sporting events with their peers, and in turn they will become leaders,positive role models and offer much inspiration. With a plan to steer youth away from riskybehaviours and towards healthy choices and inclusion, this popular program hasalready produced significant achievements with 19 countries (and counting) todate:

12 million young people haveactively participated in physical education, play and sport - many for thefirst time in their lives
Approximately 79,000 teachers,coaches and young leaders have been trained to lead sport, physical educationand play in their schools and communities, learning new skills
21 policies, strategies orlegislative changes have been implemented or influenced

International Inspiration, withtheir unique approach, works with policy makers, sporting practitioners as wellas with the youth themselves. By doing so, there are changes being made in theway that countries are promoting the role of sport in the community and theschool curriculum. Some of the countries already benefitting from this programare Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Jordan,Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, South Africa, Trinidad &Tobago, Turkey and Zambia.

This important project, in cooperationwith the London Olympic Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is supported by a uniquepartnership of organizations including UK Sport, UNICEF and the British Council. It will continue to focus on ensuring the program is sustainable andwill leave a lasting legacy in these countries after its final year in 2014.

Contact SIRC for more information on sport for development.

Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Healthy Holiday Eating

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Tis the season of good cheer and holiday celebrations. Keeping your basic dietary and exercise lifestyle habits on track helps to combat that holiday weight gain. Research shows that one-off over-indulgences do not cause weight gain, rather the weight gain is induced by the gradual and sustained caloric increases or dietary habits that are developed as long term behaviours. So while it is fine to indulge in those holiday treats, it is also important to remember a few key tips to help avoid the holiday over-indulgences.

When faced with a holiday meal or those groaning buffet tables, remember portion control and selecting from a variety of food groups
Drink a large glass of water just before the holiday dinner, liquid helps you feel fuller faster
Use a smaller plate
Cover most of the plate with vegetables and salad
While turkey is one of the lean proteins, keep portion control in mind
Keep stuffing portions small
Avoid "candied" vegetables and starches
Instead of watching football, why not suggest an activity of your own
Instead of having full portions of desserts or sweets, make thoughtful selections and just indulge in a taste of each
Cut down on alcohol consumption, it is a fast way to add up calories
Offer to make lighter versions of traditional dishes as your contribution to the table
Remember to maintain your exercise routine
Don't let the season begin before it should and end way after it should, those are the beginnings of lifestyle habits

The holiday season is about spending time with family and friends. Focusing on the enjoyment of the companionship instead of the food is the best way to head off the holiday calories. After all that is the true meaning of the season.

References from the SIRC Collection:

Burrell, S. (2012). Avoiding the Holiday Body Hangover. Bicycling Australia (173), p.90.
Wuesthoff, S. (2011). 'Tis the season for holiday eating strategies. IDEA Fitness Journal, 8(10), p.56.

Winter Cycling

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

by Michelle Caron

Algonquin College Library Technician Student

SIRC Intern

Peering outside in the morning darkness whenit’s cold and windy outside is enough to discourage even the most determinedcyclists. However, making theappropriate adjustments for the climate in the winter months can make cycling in the winter months both positive and enjoyable.

Be Prepared:

Most people who ride in the winter get the question “howdo you stay warm?” But the issue is not how to stay warm, it’s how do youregulate your temperature once the body starts working hard?

The key to this challenge is layering:

The first layer should be snug to your body and made of amaterial that moves moisture away from you, synthetics or wool are your bestoptions.
The second layer is an insulator and should be a littlelooser on your body to trap the air and keep you warm.
The third layer is to protect you from the elements. It should be a zip-up with wind-blocking andwater resistant capabilities. Beprepared to dress up or dress down.
The most important to consider are the hands, feet andhead since these can get cold the quickest. Some items to check out would be lycra booties, polyester socks, windstopper gloves and wool hats with ear guards.

Wear bright clothing, winter consists of shorter daylighthours and flying snow can make it difficult for others on the road to spotyou. Attaching lights to your bike are agood idea and can keep you safer. Every year there are new items of cyclinggear on the market and a consumer should have no problem finding what they needto get started.

Weatherproof your bike

Road chemicals, salt, and sand can all deteriorate yourbike quickly. If you take 10-15 minutesto wipe down and lubricate your bike after each ride it can prevent corrosionand save you some money on repairs in the future. Equipping your bike with studded tires helpswith traction and increases control.

Hydrate

Since it is cold outside, riders tend to forget to stayhydrated. The reality is that biking isan aerobic activity, and with the added layers can actually make you feelwarmer. If temperatures are reallycold, you can keep your water bottle next to your body to prevent the water from freezing.

For more tips on winter cycling safety, comfort andmaintenance visit SIRC.

References from the SIRC Collection:

"Beat The Big Freeze." Cycling Weekly(2010): 38-41.
Bridge, M., and M. Febbraio. "Training In ExtremeConditions." In Jeukendrup, A.E. (ed.), High-performance cycling,Champaign, Ill., Human Kinetics, c2002, p.43-55. United States: 2002.
Michael N. Sawka, et al. "Glycerol Hyperhydration:Physiological Responses During Cold-Air Exposure." Journal Of AppliedPhysiology 99.2 (2005): 515-521.
"Pulling Out The Winter Gear As The TemperatureDrops." Cycling Weekly (2009): 33.

Feet First

2011-12-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

Like most things in life, a strong and balanced foundation is crucial and this also applies to the human body. The solution tosome of the body's most nagging ailments could quite simply be resolved by wearing the right type of shoes for your type of body and its mechanics.

Pronation is the term used to describe the normal motion ofthe foot when it strikes the ground during the gait cycle. Normal weight distribution travels from the lateral side of the heel (subtalar) to themedial (talocalcaneonavicular) side of the ball of the foot. Knowing if one is an “over pronator" or "supinator” is valuable information in diagnosing other areas of injury, as well as choosingthe correct footwear and/or foot supports.

Over pronation occurs when the feet rollinward excessively, creating a flat foot which can lead to a variety of injuries, especially in runners,including:

Achilles tendinitis
Anterior compartment syndrome
Bunions (Hallux valgus)
Patello-femoral pain syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Tarsal tunnel syndrome

For a supinator (under pronator), the foot will not roll far enough in a medial direction during the gait cycle, with excessive weight put on the baby toe (metatarsal) towards the lateral side of the foot, and therefore not allow the foot to provide efficient shock absorption. Extreme supination can lead to:

Ankle sprains
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Stress fractures of the tibia, calcaneus and metatarsals

In both excessive cases of pronation, the wearing patterns on the soles of the shoes can say a lot about how your feet are striking the ground during gait. Depending on the severity of thecorrection required, the proper shoe or insole can straighten things out. Thereare also custom orthotics, specially fitted devices, that can be made for sports and dress shoes.

If the feet are out of line, sowill everything else be. So don’t let misalignment create unnecessary wear andtear on the body.

For more information onbiomechanics, please visit SIRC.

Can endurance athletes be vegetarians?

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

by Michelle Caron

Algonquin College Library Technician Student

SIRC Intern

All athletes want to be better, faster and stronger than their opponents. On race days, athletes need food that will give them the energy to get through to the end of the day. In order to accomplish this goal, the right combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats are required. Endurance athletes need to consume more calories than the average person, so when an athlete makes the decision to become a vegetarian it can be a complicated move.

High performance comes with good health so many athletes have been exploring vegetarianism as a viable lifestyle change. There are various types of vegetarianism:

Vegan: This group excludes animal food and animal products. They eat only plant-based food.
Lacto-Vegetarian: This is a pure plant diet that includes dairy products.
Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian: Will not eat meat products but includes eggs and dairy
Pesco-Vegetarian: Does not eat meat but includes fish.

Comprehensive research is highly recommended so that athletes can make an informed decision before cutting meat out of their diet. Without that knowledge base, vegetarian diets have the potential to be unhealthy (saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, low protein, iron, zinc and calcium). That being said, vegetarian diets are able to support an athletes’ needs and with careful planning it can be done. Some tips to consider:

Prepare your meals at home
Vary the foods you eat
Make smart choices by monitoring protein intake
Try to eat small, frequent, nutrient packed meals throughout the day to keep energy and blood levels stable

Nutrition deficiency can happen very easily when someone is going through intensive training. This can be avoided if you incorporate nutrient rich foods. Some staples to incorporate into your diet should include:

Hummus
Beans – kidney, black beans and lentils
Nuts and nut butters – almond, cashew
Brown rice
Whole grains
Fortified soy milk
Seeds containing Omega 3 – flax, hemp, chia, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower
Good iron sources – spinach, broccoli, oatmeal and fortified cereals
Vitamin supplements

If you feel you are out of your depth regarding nutrition and vitamin supplements, Dieticians of Canada is a wonderful resource that provides comprehensive information on healthy nutrition for athletes. It is possible to maintain a healthy, plant-based diet and still perform at higher levels if you educate yourself and ensure all your nutritional needs are met.

For more information on vegetarianism and sport, please contact SIRC.

References from the SIRC Collection:

Crosland, J. "The Athlete's Guide To Turning Vegetarian: More And More Athletes Are Turning Vegetarian. But It's Vital They Follow Some Simple Guidelines. Jeanette Crosland Suggests How It Should Be Tackled." The Coach (Peterborough, England) 4 (2001): 42-44.
Eberle, S.G. "Vegetarian Diets For Endurance Athletes." Strength & Conditioning Journal 26.4 (2004): 60- 61. Fuhrman, Joel, and Deana M. Ferreri. "Fueling The Vegetarian (Vegan) Athlete." Current Sports Medicine Reports 9.4 (2010): 233-341.
Nisevich, Pamela M. "Training Tips For Vegetarian Athletes." IDEA Fitness Journal 6.4 (2009): 56-58.
Seebohar, Bob. "VEGETARIAN EATING Life Style." Triathlon Life 10.4 (2007): 36.
Venderley, Angela M., and Wayne W. Campbell. "Vegetarian Diets: Nutritional Considerations For Athletes." Sports Medicine 36.4 (2006): 293-305.

Dance for Fitness

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thedebate on the athleticism, physical requirements and benefits of dancingis finally being put to rest and the sport is gaining much deserved respect. Generally an aerobic exercise, regularsessions of dancing can bring well known health benefits, such as:

weight control
flexibility
strength
endurance
reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
a sense of psychological well-being

However, like any task done tothe extreme, there are health risks that come with the demands of professionaldancing, which can include:

Sport injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Stress associated with a higher than average risk of eating disorders and body image

There are as many types of danceas there are running shoes. From ballet, hip hop and swing to belly, Latin andcountry western, there is a dance for everyone. So turn on a favourite type of musicand dance like no one is watching getting fit in the process.

For more information on dance, please visit SIRC.

SAIT Slides into Sport Research

2011-11-28T10:01:00.001-05:00

We often speak about the significancethat participating in sport brings to improving our well-being socially,mentally and spiritually. But on thecompetition side, those involved in sport are also always looking for ways toimprove their performance, which will range from the psychology and physiology of sport toimproving the equipment used. These tools of the trade not only include movingthe human body faster and higher, but also refining any equipment used to transportthe body towards superior performances. Skates, pole vault poles, skis andrunning shoes are just a few examples of the type of apparatus utilized byathletes.

One institution that is taking alead role in such design changes is the SAIT Polytechnic (Southern Institute of AppliedTechnology) in Calgary, Alberta, who has become involved in the development andmodifications to sleds used for the winter sports of skeleton, luge andbobsleigh. Despite their relative inexperience in working in sport, the teamunder the direction of Principal Investigator Dr. Alex Zahavich, Director, ARIS-SAIT(Applied Research and Innovation Services), was initially commissioned by Bobsleigh Canada in2006 to design skeleton sledsthat would perform well at a reasonable cost, hopefully increasingparticipation in the sport. Long term goals were to develop high performancesleds for international competitions an area they have successfully moved in to.

The SAIT incremental strategy wasto buy technology (i.e. equipment) from other countries and then reverseengineer their sleds. Also vital to the process was that the design team, includingjourneymen machinists and welders, had to actually slide their prototypes downa sliding course so that they fully understood the experience. So extraordinary is their contribution to thesliding world, the advancements accomplished at SAIT, in conjunction withCanada’s Own the Podium (OTP), was featured by the Discovery Channel.

Using research anddevelopment to change equipment - construction design and materials - is one veryessential tactic to keep competing athletes on the cutting edge, giving them anadvantage on the world stage.

For more information on sportsresearch and development, please visit SIRC.

The Art of Waxing

2011-11-23T15:46:00.001-05:00

Seeing as it’s the end of November,some areas of Canada have already seen snow, while others are one big snowstorm away. If you are thinking of taking up cross country skiing, now is agood time to start thinking about preparing for the ski season before thetrails are calling your name. As Cross Country Canada says, cross-country skiing is easy to learn and its benefits for health and wellness are unmatched.

If you walk into any ski shop,the sheer number of colourful wax tins may be enough to create some confusion. Gettingyour skis ready for the season does include the need to grasp the art of waxingbut that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. However, the sooner you learnthat the type of wax you use on your skis can make or break your ski day, thebetter off you will be.

There are basically two types ofski wax: grip and glide. The grip wax goes on what is called the kick zone ofclassic cross-country skis, while glide wax goes on the rest of the classicski, on the entire length of skate skis (as on downhill skis and snowboards). Theselection of waxes is influenced by some or all of the following:

The outside temperature
Type of snow – new, dry, wet, old
The snow and air temperature
The relative humidity: high (over75%), normal (55%-75%), low (below 55%)
The structure of the snow: old,coarse, icy, dirty, new or fine granule
The distance to be skied
The technique used: free(skating) or classical (diagonal stride)

There is no doubt that ski waxing is not a science, but anart. You’d be well advised to attend a ski waxing clinic or refer to the many ski waxing guides thatare available to insure you get it right the first time you hit the trails.

For more information on cross country skiing, please visitSIRC.

When is it Right to Return to Play?

2011-11-21T14:51:00.001-05:00

The comeback of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins began last night when he took to the ice forthe first time since suffering a concussion against Tampa Bay on January5. Now the poster child for concussions,Crosby, recognized as the best player in the world, actually suffered two hitsto the head just four days apart and went on to miss 61 regular season gamesand the playoffs. At times it takes a high profile all-star player like Crosbyto bring the seriousness of a condition like concussions from the shadows andinto the limelight, doing everyone a favour in the long run. The concussion education that has been gained over the past year has provided much neededawareness to athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, teachers, fans, media andsponsors. SIRC's Concussion Resource page compiles the latest and relevant resources on concussion in sport, where everything from research articles to assessment tools to youth videos can be found.

According to ThinkFirst and the Return to Playguidelines, there is an order of activities that the concussed patient must followand be symptom-free before moving on to the next step. If symptoms re-occur,the patient must return to the previous stage until the symptoms are gone.

No activity, only complete rest.
Light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling.
Sport specific activities, such as skating, throwing, jumping, running, etc. canbegin.
Drills without body contact.
Game play.

Anyone can suffer from aconcussion on the ice rink, the playground, the basketball court or the skihill. The same guidelines must be followed as it is very important to neverreturn to play while still experiencing symptoms of a concussion. It is ofvital importance that concussion management include cognitive and mentalfunction, not just any physical demands, in order to achieve the proper recovery.

For more information on concussions and return to play guidelines, pleaseread SIRC's latest Newsletter on concussions.

University of Toronto Gets Green Light for New Sports Lab

2011-11-15T16:47:00.001-05:00

The Faculty of Physical Education and Health at the University of Toronto has announced that the build is on for a dazzlingnew sports lab facility geared towards high performance sports science research. With inspiration and direction fromthe previous Dean of Physical Education and Olympian, Bruce Kidd, the The Goldring Centre for High Performance Sportwill open its doors in 2014 in downtown Toronto, Ontario, just acrossfrom Varsity Stadium.

In 2006 Warren Goldring, a 1949graduate of the University of Toronto, and his family gave an $11 million giftto establish the high performance research centre. The green light came inNovember 2011 when the province’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities contributed $22.5million towards the construction.

Under the direction of the new Dean Ira Jacobs, the centre is said to be the first facilityin Canada to dedicate itself to the rudimentary science of elite athleticsadvancement. The vision behind Goldring is to create synergies that bolster research in the areas of sport and exercise research, sport medicine, training and competition. A much needed resource tothe University of Toronto and the province of Ontario, the Centre will house the necessary laboratories and testing equipment to analyze athletic performances and test scientific hypotheses. And with a name like "Goldring", there will no doubt be gold medal research and success that is produced to benefit athletic performance and sport in Canada.

For more information on sports science research, please contact SIRC.

Multiple Intelligences for Learning Martial Arts

2011-11-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

by Philippe-Aron Muma
Algonquin College Sport Management Student
SIRC Intern

Taijiquan or taiji is an excellent mind- body exercise that is practiced throughout the world. This Chinese art form incorporates several disciplines including; philosophy, medicine and martial arts. In order to learn taiji a student can utilize multiple intelligences:

Logical and mathematical learners can breakdown sequences to solve numerical patterns. In taiji these “reasoning smart thinkers,” can link postures into small sequences, small sequences into sections and combine the sections into routines.
Linguistic and verbal intelligence learners are “word smart” who excel and demonstrate strong speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. These students would learn by verbalizing the instructions step by step.
Spatial or visual learners are ones that learn from seeing how it’s done. They are “picture smart,” such resources as pictures, diagrams charts and other visual media can assist in their training.
Kinesthetic intelligence is a hands- on method to learning. Teachers can demonstrate by physically modeling the taiji principles through body language and structure.

No matter what kind of learner an individual is, he or she may use any sort of intelligence to enjoy taiji. These learning principles also extend to all sports and activities. No matter what kind of learner an individual is, there are multiple ways to apply themselves to an activity.

Source from the SIRC Collection:
BROWN, D. (2011). Multiple Intelligences in the Process of learning Martial Arts Using Taijiquan as an Example. Journal of Asian Martial Arts. 20(2), 8-21

SIRC Gets in the SPIN of Things

2011-11-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

The 2011 SPIN (SPort INnovation) Summit is in its second day at theWestin Harbour Castle Hotel in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Canada’s greatestminds in sport science have come together for a conference focusing on premierapplied sport science, sport medicine and research that services the highperformance sport community. Themes this year include bullet proofing the 2012 Olympic Games plan (London), solidifying the 2014 Olympic Winter Games strategy (Sochi) and otherhot topics on research and innovation.

Amongst those sharing their knowledgeare experts from the Canadian Sport Centre system, Own the Podium (OTP) andhealth care practitioners who focus on optimizing athlete’s health. Opening the conference were presentations in athlete planning where Dr.David Smith, Director of Sport Science from the Canadian Sport Centre – Calgary, talked about“Preparing for the Podium” and how successful podium performance at the OlympicGames requires a foundation of reliable World Cup or World Championshipsperformance in the years prior to the Olympic Games. He was followed by Rowing Canada’sPeter Cookson and Terry Paul who gave examples on how appropriate and necessarychanges in their preparations have led to success with the rowing team.

SIRC is joined by a select group of exhibitors at the SPINSummit, including:

Fusion Sport
Normatec
Sports Tec
Sports Physiotherapy Canada
Coaches of Canada
Crim
Sport Dispute Resolution Centreof Canada

The Summit, which closes on Thursday evening, will highlight bestpractices in performance on demand from competitive experiences at Olympic andParalympic Games.

For more information on sport science, please contact SIRC.

Two Cities Vie for the Friendly Games in 2018

2011-11-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

Logo credit:
Commonwealth Games
Federation

The host city of the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be announced by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) this Friday, November 11, 2011 at 6pm local time from Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. In the running are two cities, one on the Asian continent and the other on the Oceanic continent. The south coastal Sri Lankan city of Hambantota was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami which was reported to have killed a large portion of the town's population. Their bid for the 2018 Games is part of the major facelift for the city in developing Hambantota as a sports hub, having already hosted matches for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The Australian east coastal city of Gold Coast, located 94km south of the Queensland state capital Brisbane, will be the fifth Australian city looking to host the Commonwealth Games. Australia hosted the Games four times previously, in 1938 (Sydney as British Empire Games), 1962 (Perth), 1982 (Brisbane) and 2006 (Melbourne).

Often referred to as the "Friendly Games," the first Commonwealth Games (then known as the British Empire Games) were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada with 400 athletes from 11 countries competing in six sports and 59 events. Showing a tremendous growth in participation since those days in Hamilton, the 2010 Games in Delhi, India hosted 71 nations in 17 sports (272 events) for 4352 athletes. The 2014 Commonwealth Games will be held in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

Who will it be? Watch“live” online when 71 member Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA’s) vote to announce ifHambantota or Gold Coast is the host city of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

For more information on the Commonwealth Games, please contact SIRC.

Saving Face

2011-11-04T11:07:00.002-04:00

The position of goaltenderin the game of professional hockey is so specialized that no goalies play otherpositions, and likewise, no other players play goalie. Because of thetremendous power of the shots of the puck towards the net, the goaltender wearsspecial equipment designed to protect the body from direct impact. Goalies mayuse any part of their bodies to block shots, including their face and head.After receiving a seven-stitch laceration to the face in 1959, Jacques Plante of theMontreal Canadiens, was the first goaltender to employ the practical fiberglassmask to protect his face, and since then the goalie masks have evolved to thefull fiberglass helmet and cage combination most popular today. However, whilethe National Hockey League (NHL) specifiesmaximum dimensions of goaltending equipment to prevent goalies from having anunfair advantage, there is no agreement on the standards for goalie masks, onlyfor other player’s helmets.

Every goalie wants to havethe advantage – they want to see better, have an improved range of motion, uselighter and better fitting equipment, and they are willing to wear belowstandard equipment in protecting their head in order to have those advantages.Concussions have dominated the hockey news for the past year, losing some ofits top players to the sidelines. According to CBCTV Sports, $118 million worth of goalies were injured by shots off the maskin the past year.

The NHL and its GeneralManagers want three things to insure proper protection for the goalies:

an inability for sticks and pucks to get through holes in the cage
evidence that the forehead/jaw of a mask can withstand the most extremeforces the game can bring
a minimum of ½” foam inside the shell

While comfort is important, safety for the goalie shouldalways come first.

For more information, contact SIRC.

Knowledge in Action!

2011-11-02T12:26:00.001-04:00

November is a busy month in the world of sportinformation sharing and knowledge transfer. With a variety of conferences andsummits on the calendar, SIRC will be presentin the following locations:

Sport CanadaResearch Initiative Conference (SCRI) – Aylmer, Quebec (November 3, 2011)

SIRC hosts sport researchers, policy makers and practitioners sharingtheir knowledge and expertise with a vision to maximizing the practicalapplications of sport participation research and its potential contribution tosport participation policy in Canada.

SportInnovation Summit (SPIN) – Toronto, Ontario (November 8-10, 2011)

Be sure to drop by the SIRC Resource Centre booth andcheck out the latest issue of the High Performance SIRCuit.

PetroCanada Sport Leadership Sportif Conference – Toronto, Ontario (November 10-12, 2011)

Debra Gassewitz, SIRC's president and CEO, will be presenting the SportManagement Stream Workshop 'Recruitment, Nominations and Orientation – How toattract and train sport leaders' on Saturday, November 12th.

Canadian SportPolicy Renewal

The discussion paper "Towards aRenewed Canadian Sport Policy" is now available along with other sportpolicy renewal resources on the SIRC website.

For more information on our resources for these events, please visit SIRC.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Leads World Judo Day

2011-10-27T15:19:00.001-04:00

Photo courtesy Judo Canada

“Respect” is the theme for the first ever “World Judo Day” scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2011. An initiative of the International Judo Federation, judo organizations of all levels all over the world will dedicate this day to promoting global awareness on the values of the sport of judo and its education system. A sport foundation that rests on the building blocks of respect was the greatest legacy left by its founder, Master Jigoro Kano, when he created judo in 1882.

As outlined by Judo Canada, thevalues associated with the sport shape its organizational culture, theirmanagement philosophy, and govern and guide the way of their actions. Beyondultimate respect for others, Judo Canada, along with the global judo community alsorecognizes at the highest level:

Fair play and sportsmanship
Integrity
Competing in a safe environment
Positive and valuable leadership
Opportunity to participate coast to coast in Canada

Kelita Zupancic (CAN)
Photo courtesy Judo Canada

October 28 was the birthday ofJigoro Kano and from this year going forward, this day has been claimed “WorldJudo Day” - the annual global day of awareness for judo and its values. With200 national federations and five continental Unions, over 20 million people participatein judo on a daily basis in every corner of the planet. From high levelathletes and coaches to small clubs and groups, judo is recognized as more thanjust a sport. World Judo Day can be celebrated in any way from a conference,competition, extraordinary news day, a special training session, or an openhouse. Judo’s contribution as an educationaltool demonstrates to everyone on how they can live their lives with others respectfullyin harmony.

For more information on respectin sport, please contact SIRC.

Networking is also Face-to-Face!

2011-10-25T11:44:00.001-04:00

Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that everyone is, on average, about sixsteps away, by way of introduction, from any other person on Earth. The ability to successfully network in the sports world is a talent on its own, and isone that is a necessary component to supporting a career in coaching, sports administration, communications or marketing, along with many more areas. The world is a much smaller place now due to the advents of technology, and there is an entire generation who do not understand the value of face-to-face networking. So exactly what is this and howdo you do it?

First of all, anetwork is the web of people that you know, like and respect, and not just a measureof social distance between people. The more people you know and connect with,the more far-reaching your network will extend. Powerful networking skills are not to be underestimated, giving you an edge in any job market. When done properly, networking can be an influentialtool that will put you in contact with the right people at the right time whichwill ultimately assist you in making your career path soar! There is significant value in meeting new people at sports competitions, conferences and meetings.

Like all worthy relationships, a network offriends and colleagues needs to be maintained and nurtured. It is important tonot hide behind your computer and text messaging every day and get out there to actuallymeet people face-to-face. This will pay off in the long run!

Some key tips to successful networking include:

Stay in touch with people you like even if they can’t help you right now.
When at a function, make efforts to speak with people you don’t know. Sit at a table to eat with strangers. Do not cling to your friends and colleagues.
Really listen when someone is speaking with you and cue off their comments to keep the conversation going. Ask open ended questions.
Remember a person’s name using it frequently during your conversation. They like this.
Utilize your passion about a topic to share a story. Your energy will be infectious.
If you are extremely shy, do not let this handcuff you. Seek some guidance to find the right tools for you to overcome this.

For more information on networking and careers in sport,please visit SIRC.

Canadian Athletes Continue to Lead by Example

2011-10-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

When you pull in a cool couple milliondollars plus per year in salary and sponsorship, like many professionalathletes do, it’s relatively easy to share the wealth. But despite the factthat many of Canada’s high performance amateur athletes live well below thepoverty line for most of their athletic careers, they continue to leadby example and give back. Time is as valuable as money. The presence of an Olympianat an event can most certainly create excitement and encourage others to give moreof their time and hopefully even their money to a worthy cause.

For example, in a few days time, agroup of approximately 40 national team and Olympic athletes will be donatingtheir time and fund-raising efforts to the United Way of Canada, by taking part in the EnbridgeCN Tower Climb in downtown Toronto. Joining 2008 Olympic high jumper and 2010 CommonwealthGames champion Nicole Forrester on the 1776 grueling steps to the top will be Olympicchampion kayaker Adam van Koeverden, Olympic silver medalist bobsledder Shelley-Ann Brown, and Paralympic cross-country skier Tyler Mosher, to name just a few.

Another charity that benefitssignificantly from an Olympic presence are the Ronald McDonald House’s across the country, who areoften visited by World figure skating champion Patrick Chan, Olympic championhockey player Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Olympic silver medalist diverAlexandre Despatie.

Canadian-based Right to Play is an internationalhumanitarian organization that utilizes athletes to serve as global ambassadorswho go into some of the most disadvantaged regions of the planet to improvehealth, foster peace for children and develop life skills through sport andplay programs.

These are just a few shining examples of how Canadian athletescontinue to lead by example, in so many facets of life.

For more information on sports related charities, please visit SIRC.

SIRC Newsletter - Volunteering

2011-10-20T11:10:00.004-04:00

Volunteers are critical to the success of sport and recreation! Appreciating our volunteers and providing well managed programming and tools will assist in the retention and positive experience for everyone involved. Typically volunteers feel a strong identification with the activity, a passion for giving back and want to make a meaningful contribution. How do organizations keep people coming back? From local clubs to national organizations, recruiting, managing and retaining volunteers can be difficult and daunting but there are tools out there to help.

CHECK OUT THE NEWSLETTER ONLINE

Analyzed By The Wind

2011-10-18T08:23:00.002-04:00

One of the most vital fundamentalsof sport is the science that goes into producing an Olympic athlete. Teams ofexperts must all work in tandem to coordinate the best path to success. Forthose sports where incredibly high rates of speed, position in the air andfriction are involved, such as alpine skiing, skeleton/luge, speed skating, skijumping and swimming, part of the technological scientific advances include theuse of wind tunnel testing. A windtunnel is a research tool used in aerodynamic research to study the effects ofair moving past solid objects. Normally reserved for the automobile industry,wind tunnels are a research tool whose information can find a millisecondadvantage – the difference between gold and everyone else.

Erik Guay (CAN)
Photo credit: AUDI AG

In previous decades, Canadianathletes used the NRC Institute for Aerospace Research in Ottawa to test their aerodynamictechnique and equipment. Just a few weeks ago, the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, were involvedin testing at one of the most modern wind tunnels in the world. The Audi Wind Tunnel Centre, based at Audi’s European headquarters inIngolstadt, Germany, hosted the Canadian team for the first time ever. Intelligence gathered during these sessionsallows engineers to measure real time drag co-efficient data for such things asthe new speed suits that the team will sport this season. Other important essentialsof the sport that were analyzed were the aerodynamic qualities of racingpositions, goggles, helmets, gloves, boots and skis. This data in turn assiststhe coaches in making important corrections and providing valuable feedback tothe athletes.

Such world-leading researchservices will provide the Canadian team many advantages as they start the 2011-2012 International Ski Federation (FIS)season, which opens this weekend in Soelden, Austria.

For more information on the science of sport, please visit SIRC.

¡Fiesta de las Americas!

2011-10-13T08:42:00.001-04:00

In four years time, Canada willbe hosting the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Thelocal organizing committee, Toronto2015, is already hard at work preparing the venues and logistics forthis immense event. Canada has hosted the Pan American Games twice—both timesin Winnipeg (1967, 1999).

Photo credit: Mike Ridewood / COC

But in just 24 hours time, the 2011Pan American Games will begin in Guadalajara, Mexico, the city referred to asthe “Pearl of the West”, and known for its’ culture, theatre and museums. This is the third time Mexico has hostedthese Games, making them the first country to three-peat (1955 and 1975 were thefirst two times). The 2011 Games with their motto Fiestade las Americas (The Americas' Party), will be the largest multi-sport event ofthis year’s sports calendar, with approximately 6,000 athletes from 42 nationsexpected to participate in 361 events in 36 sports. Fifteen of the 26 Summer Olympic sports willuse the 2011 Pan American Games as a qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games inLondon, including handball, canoeing and modern pentathlon to name just a few.

Team Canada is made up of 493 athletes (257 men and236 women), with all ten provinces and theNorthwest Territories represented. The youngest Canadian athlete is TableTennis player Anqi Luo of Mississauga, Ontario (age 15), and the oldest will beEquestrian veteran, Ian Millar of Perth, Ontario (age 64).

The 2011 Pan American Games will be held from October 14 –30, with the Parapan American Games (the multi-sport event for athleteswith a physical disability) starting on November 12.

The first Pan American Games took place in Buenos Aires,Argentina in 1951.

For more information on multi-sport events, please visit SIRC.

Olympism is a state of mind

2011-10-12T11:31:00.001-04:00

"Olympism is not a system, it is a state of mind. It can permeate a widevariety of modes of expression and no single race or era can claim to have themonopoly of it." Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern dayOlympics.

James Worrall (CANADA). A 1936 Olympian. Aflag bearer for his country. A hurdler. A lawyer. A president of theCanadian Olympic Committee. A member of the International Olympic Committee. Afriend. An author.A mentor. A member of the Order of Canada. A Hall of Famer.

And if "Olympism" is a philosophyof life, this was most definitely James Worrall's philosophy. One who combined a balancebetween quality of life, mind and soul, and had respect for universal ethicalprinciples. One who combined sport with education and culture.

An Olympian in the truest sense of the word.

The oldest living Canadian Olympian,James Worrall, O.C., B.Sc., LL.B., Q.C. passed away this weekat the age of 97.

We honour him.

Once an Olympian, always anOlympian.

Career Highlights:

1934 BritishEmpire Games (Commonwealth Games), 120-yard hurdles, silver medalist
1936 Olympic Games, 110mH & 400mH
Assistant Chefde Mission, Team Canada (1948 & 1952 Olympic Games)
Canadian OlympicAssociation (COA), President (1964–1968); Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Honorary LifePresident (1989)
Amateur AthleticUnion of Canada, President (1951-1953)
NationalAdvisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport (1963-1967)
InternationalOlympic Committee (IOC), Member (1967-1989), Executive Board Member (1974-1979), HonoraryMember (1989-2011)
Order of Canada (1976)
Canada Sports Hall of Fame (1987)
Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame (1991)

SIRC Newsletter - Physical Education

2011-10-06T15:04:00.000-04:00

The broad definition of physical education (PE) is instruction in the development and care of the body incorporating sport and hygiene. PE classes are available any time in life however they are primarily associated with primary and secondary schools and for good reason, 80% of schools provide intramural and interscholastic classes in Canada. There are countless benefits to PE. Children involved in sport do better academically (studies have shown physically active children and those involved in sport score higher in the classroom), develop strong life skills and are less likely to develop severe health problems. This makes it important to ensure classes are as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

CHECK OUT THE NEWSLETTER ONLINE

Flock to a Turkey Trot

2011-10-06T14:50:00.001-04:00

The thought of Canadian Thanksgiving elicits those lingering smells from the kitchen of the turkey roasting and piesin the oven. But before you eat enough calories in one meal that can last you forthree days, why not take part in a bit of exercise?

In true Canadian style, on Thanksgivingweekend there are many opportunities throughout the country to fit in a bit offitness before sitting down to wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Doesn’t matter if you are a walker, runner orNordic skier, why not get the family together and participate in one of these localevents. How could you possibly not have a blast together partaking in the “GibletJog”, “The Galloping Gobbler” or the “1km Wattle”? Makes you hungry justthinking about it!

From coast to coast, there is anevent this weekend to sign up for. In the spirit of giving thanks and givingback, “The Granville Island Turkey Trot” in Vancouver, British Columbia generously donates cash andfood to the local food bank. What about “The Gobbler Gallop and Giblet Jog” inLondon, Ontario, or the “Winkler's Thanks for Giving Half Marathon, 10k & 5k Run” in Winnipeg,Manitoba? For our friends in Alberta, there is the “21st Investors Group Thanksgiving Memory Walk and Run” in Calgary, which draw attention to more and more individualswho become affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. In 2010, this eventhad over 1200 participants and raised over $170,000.

Sofind a Turkey Trotnear you. The weather is going to be amazing and there is no better way to starta family Canadian Thanksgiving tradition.

Fromthe entire team at SIRC, we wish you a safe, enjoyable and fit HappyThanksgiving weekend.

Formore information on nutrition and fitness, please visit SIRC.

Squash Leaders Partner to Produce Champions

2011-10-04T10:24:00.000-04:00

Recently, the national governingbody for the sport of squash, Squash Canada, announced an agreement with the National Squash Academy (NSA) to create SquashCanada’s National Centre of Excellence. Theunion provides a much needed central training base for Canadian National Teammembers, who will now train under the guidance of Squash Canada’s newPerformance Director, Jamie Hickox, one of the most recognizable squash professionalsin the world. Also providing world classcoaching at the Academy are Canadians Jonathon Power (former world-ranked #1) andGary Waite (former world-ranked #12 singles, and #1 hardball doubles player)who were responsible, along with Jaime Nicholls, for building the facility thatopened in 2010.

Located in Downsview, Ontario inthe Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the NSA’s 10-court squash facility hasprograms for all levels aiming to notonly build a broader base of squash players in Canada, but to produce worldclass players. It includes eight glass back international courts, and an allglass exhibition court with the world’s first all-glass North American doublescourt being installed in early 2012. Withover 10,000 square foot of squash stadium, seating for 1500+ people, and anin-house filming studio for streaming and television broadcasts, the NSA is fitto serve as one of North America’s premier event spaces.

Fully aligned with Long Term Athlete Development(LTAD) objectives, the NSA will provide necessary elements for competingathletes to excel, including:

Access to world class coaching
Dedicated court time for athletes in training
World class training and fitness facilities
Therapy and rehabilitation services

Open to the public withmembership, the NSA will also provide a junior academy for all ages and levels,and community and school programs.

For more information on highperformance sport and LTAD, please visit SIRC.

Photo 1: Samantha Cornett(Ottawa), Credits: Darren Adam / Squash Canada
Photo 2: Miranda Ranieri (Waterloo), Credits: Darren Adam / Squash Canada

Start2Finish Battles Child Poverty

2011-09-29T10:55:00.000-04:00

“Poverty is the state of one who lacks acertain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty ordestitution refers to being unable to afford basic human needs, which commonlyincludes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing andshelter.” (Wikipedia)

What is mosttroubling about poverty is that as Canadians we think that poverty refers to other people in another land. But itis not. It is right here in Canada. Thereare children living in poverty, who are at great risk and require guidance,academic and physical support, and most importantly, hope for a brighterfuture.

This is whyorganizations such as Start2Finish are stepping up to break the cycle of childpoverty in Canada by providing ongoing educational support and physicalactivity opportunities to children at risk during their school years. By investingin their future and developing their mind, body and social health, Start2Finishis empowering poverty-stricken Canadian children to succeed, giving them opportunitiesthey might not otherwise have ever had.

One of thehighly successful Start2Finish programs also addresses the all-important needfor physical literacy, by including “The Running & Reading Club”after-school program. This 32-week program is led by 1984 Olympian SylviaRuegger, the Canadian record holder in the women’s marathon, who combinesenhanced literacy with physical activity to economically challenged children.The program operates directly within local inner city schools, and runs fromOctober to June. This unique opportunitytakes children on a journey that improves their physical, mental, emotional andsocial health, fostering discipline, goal-setting and literacy. They build their endurance and strengththrough fitness activities and also receive individualized tutoring in readingand writing. At the end of the year, the children participate in theStart2Finish 5 km “Run for Change and Reading Challenge” followed by an awardsceremony acknowledging their achievements. So far over 1,400 children, fromHalifax to Vancouver, including several First Nations communities, have benefittedfrom this program.

For more information on child’s health and fitness, pleasevisit SIRC.

Long Live the King of Pollen Allergies

2011-09-27T09:12:00.000-04:00

Images of the fall season includefootball, the return to school, the changing of the leaves, crisp and cool daysand evenings, and the autumn harvest. It’s also the time forfall allergies caused by weed pollen that will last until the first frost. Weedpollen, the fine coarse powder containing the microgametophytes of seed plants,is the origin of the allergy problem. Often referred to as the “King of PollenAllergies,” ragweed isthe number one offender for the fall season in North America.

For a human that is sensitive to pollens, there can be allergic responses any time of the year, known as “hay fever” or “allergicrhinitis” which is the inflammation of the nasalairways. With approximately one in three people having an active allergy at anygiven time, and knowing that at least three in four people develop an allergicreaction at least once in their lives, this is an enormous problem to a veryhigh segment of our society.

As an athlete, managing allergies in relation to training or activity is of high importance. Ragweed is tough as nails and growsaggressively in an assortment of places. So for someone who suffers from fallallergies associated with ragweed, pollen levels peak for this plant peakbetween 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.

The management of allergic rhinitis includes:

Checking your local pollen counts (go to the The Weather Network)
Minimize exposure to pollen
Consider staying indoors
Keep windows closed
Prevent and reduce symptoms by taking over-the-counterantihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids

Taking these particulars into consideration whenplanning outdoor activities no matter if it’s a run, bike ride, or dog walk, willgo a long way in safeguarding that an allergy sufferer is not outside at thepeak of the potential misery.

For more information on health, fitness and the environment, please visitSIRC.

Beyond The Sugar Bowl

2011-09-23T15:04:00.002-04:00

Some people do it every day without hesitation. They grab a soda from the fridge or convenience store. There is nothing like it to satiate a thirst. But did you ever stop to evaluate just how much sugar can be found in a regular soft drink? Companies that produce some of our favourite pop flavours report that a 355-millilitre can have as much as 39 grams of sugar, a whopping nine teaspoons. Can you even imagine putting nine teaspoons of sugar into one cup of coffee or tea?

Even though we have evolved to be such a health conscious society, news releases this week brought dramatic attention to a Statistics Canada report, stating the fact that Canadians still acquire about 20 per cent of their daily calories from sugar, and they consume on average 110 grams of sugar a day, the shocking equivalent of 26 teaspoons. While soft drinks might be the guiltiest party here, and teenagers are still the top sugar consumers peaking at 41 teaspoons daily, sugar does come from other sources.

The top five sources of sugar intake for Canadians age 9 to 18 are:

Soft drinks: regular 14.3%
Milk: 14.0%
Fruit: 10.6%
Confectionery: 10.3%
Fruit juice: 9.1%

Sugar does come in all shapes and sizes, not just the sugar bowl. Whether it’s from our food pals fruit and milk, or it has been added to improve the taste in things like soft drinks, candy, salad dressings and syrup, the body handles naturally occurring and added sugars in the same way. The difference being that foods high in additional sugars are known to have lower nutrient densities, and therefore provide little nutritional value for the body. Foods with naturally occurring sugars tend to be higher in nutrients and of greater benefit to the body’s energy systems.

So next time you are making a decision to fuel your tank for your fitness routine, an active day, or picking a snack for your child’s lunch, try to stick to the natural sugars. They, along with other forms of glucose from carbohydrates, provide so much more efficiency in making the body go.

For more information on nutrition, please contact SIRC.

Curling for Everyone!

2011-09-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

While fall proclaims a new school year for parents andchildren, it also signals the beginning of the new curling season. Canadians havealways taken their curling very seriously, and can justifiably look for medals(gold preferably) when it comes to the World Championships and the OlympicWinter Games.

As leading experts of the game, an important element ofcontinuing high levels of participation and global domination is to ensure thatthe grassroots level is continuously developed. One of the great benefits to the sport of curling is that it is a highlysocial sport that can be enjoyed across the lifespan.

Introducing this safe and inexpensive game to children ina way that they would not otherwise have access is key to attraction and retention,building the sport’s foundation. The Capital One Rocks & Rings program is designedto introduce the Olympic sport of curling to elementary school children, bybringing the curling rink to the school gymnasium. The unique floor curlingequipment provides a realistic curling experience without the need for ice! A highly interactive program with an emphasison fun, the program is now entering its’ fourth year reaching over 160,000Canadian students coast to coast, a testament to the popularity of the sport. Theprogram also employs 40 instructors across the country this season, creatingjobs for youth and providing them with opportunities to develop coaching andleadership skills.

So, while the Canadian Curling Association and clubsaround the country gear up for a new curling competitive and recreationalseason, maybe now is the time to find out if your child will become the world’snext great curler and enjoy a generation of curling fun!

Contact SIRC for more information on curling!

SIRC at AthletesCAN Forum - Recap

2011-09-20T08:22:00.000-04:00

Jaime, SIRC's Project Coordinator, had a successful time talking with the High Performance Athletes at the AthletesCAN Forum in Edmonton this past weekend. AthletesCAN and the athletes themselves are very excited about the new partnership. Alexandra Orlando, @FreshFromAlex, tweeted, "Big shout out to @SIRCtweets for supporting Canadian Athletes and partnering with @AthletesCAN". @AthletesCAN retweeted and added,"Knowledge=Power".

Ryan Ferguson, athlete rep for Lifesaving Sport team, can't wait to start sharing this new resource with the rest of his team. The SIRC library will be able to help the athletes by providing the resources they need to find information on training, nutrition, and many other tools.

Craig Buntin, rep for the figure skating athletes, is looking forward to finding information to help him with his MBA.

SIRC is looking forward to working with and helping the athletes get to the next level!

SIRC at AthletesCAN Forum

2011-09-16T12:06:00.000-04:00

To kick off a new partnership Jaime McLean, SIRC's Project Coordinator, is attending the AthletesCAN Forum which is being held at the Westin Edmonton Hotel, September 15-18. SIRC is onsite to help familiarize and answer questions from the AthletesCAN members.

This partnership provides our athletes with easy access to the most comprehensive competitive and training resources; a sport librarian to help answer any questions; and the latest opportunities related to careers in sport. An athlete is always searching for ways to improve; now it’s easier to find the resources and strengthen their competitive intelligence.

Drop by the booth and see how SIRC can help you!

A Different Kind of Athlete

2011-09-16T08:31:00.002-04:00

Athletes. They come in all shapes,size and types. They are high performance, professional, amateur, recreational,college and high school. They are also industrial. Unlike the sporting athletewho is physically trained to participate in their sport, encouraged to take theappropriate amount of rest, receives professional sports medicine andnutritional advice, the industrial athlete is not. They do not have the luxuryto rest for a few days after many sessions of physical labour, and most oftendo not receive physical support services. Injuries to the industrial athletecan cause down time in production, lost revenue, and an increase in injuryclaims.

The “Industrial Athlete” is an industrialfitness and rehabilitation service provider for the company whoseemployees’ normal work day in the manual material handling (MMH) world requiresrepetitive carrying, lifting, twisting, turning and moving, often under extremeconditions. Companies such as Cintas, reported by Report on Business Magazineas one of Canada’s Best Employers, have incorporated a new training initiativefor thousands of their employees, who wash and move products such as heavy matsand uniforms, to some 800,000 businesses across North America. In an effort toreduce the risk of injuries to their service representatives on the road, andworkers in the plants and distributioncenters, Cintas uses the Industrial Athlete Sports Medicine Model program whichincludes daily warm ups (“Stretch and Flex” exercises), proper lifting andcarrying training, rehabilitation, advice on nutrition, and how to achieve theall important work-life balance. For this effort, Cintas’ Workers’ Compensationpremiums are 22 percent better than the industry average.

Companies that have implemented similarprograms have found that employees are responsive to exercises and appreciatethat getting their bodies ready for work makes good sense. So treatemployees like professional athletes by respecting them as industrial athletes.This not only affects the bottom line financially, it also allows workers tolead safer, more comfortable lives on and off the job.

Contact SIRC for more information on athlete injury prevention!

SIRC Newsletter - Coaching

2011-09-15T09:39:00.006-04:00

Whether you are a grassroots or high performance coach, in the boardroom or in the field, this is an excellent time to think about your coaching style. When is the last time you thought about your coaching philosophy, evaluated guidelines or policies related to your work or took a coaching education course? There are great national and provincial associations out there to help you like Coaches of Canada, Coaching Association of Canada, Coaches Association of British Columbia, and Coaches Association of Ontario. As well as upcoming events this Fall such as the SPIN Summit and the Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Conference.

For more information check out the SIRC Newsletter online!

The Science in Football

2011-09-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

The fall classic of sports, football, is going full-on both north and south of the 49th parallel. Professionals in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL) are back playing in stadiums all over Canada and the United States. High school students are also starting their new seasons. Without even knowing it or stepping into the classroom, the science of football is continuing to teach a multitude of lessons on physics.

Just throwing or punting a football includes the laws of physics, the quantitative science. The nature with which an athlete can adjust to their every changing sporting environment in a highly organized mental and physical way, is a reflection of their specific skill set and physical prowess. Seldom do they even realize how they are incorporating parts of physics into their game – acceleration, velocity, force and speed. Many factors of physics affect the movement of the football and thus how the athlete needs to respond in order to successfully kick, throw or catch the football. Some factors include:

The vertical direction of the ball once released by the hand due to the influence of gravity
The rotation of the football
The velocity or speed at which the ball leaves his foot
The angle of the kick

Given the number of collisions involved in the game of football, science is also incorporated in the way in which players displace their energy while negotiating themselves into and around each other. When two bodies try to occupy the same space at the same time, the force of that collision depends on the mass and speed of the bodies in motion. The faster the hit, the more force it generates.

So next time you are watching a football game, or coaching a football team, be sure to examine that while highly skilled players seem to make it all look so easy, imagine how many little scientific calculations need to occur in that endeavor.

For information on football in Canada, contact Football Canada and come check out what is in the SIRC Collection.

Get in the Game with Sports Day in Canada

2011-09-08T10:18:00.000-04:00

Love is in the air! Yes, sportslove. The second annual Sports Day in Canada is right around the corner. On Saturday,September 17, 2011, all Canadians will come together as a sporting nation tocelebrate all the good things that sport brings to their lives. There is stilltime for Canadians to plan and share the events they have happening in theircommunities for the entire week actually, from September 10 – 17, 2011. Haveyou registered your sports-related event yet to share in the country’sexcitement!?

Hosted by CBC TV Sports, ParticipACTIONand True Sport, Sports Day in Canada is a national celebration of all levels ofsport across the country. From grass roots to elite sport -- local organizations,house leagues, schools, clubs, gyms, national teams – they are all encouragedto be part of the powerful and united message of the importance sports play inour lives, and how sport is woven into the very fabric of this nation.

In 2010, hundreds of thousands ofCanadians tuned in to CBC TV Sports to watch the broadcast, while over onemillion people took part in events as participants, spectators or volunteers.Awareness statistics showed that over six million people were involved in somelevel with Sports Day in Canada.

It’s ok to boast. Be proud totell the nation what is going on in your community. Get involved. Or find anevent in your town and bring a friend to join in on the fun. From sports tofitness to promoting healthy lifestyles, make sure to share in the country’scelebration of this fabulous day!

Sports Day in Canada is made possiblewith financial support from the department of Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada) with the Government of Canada.

For more information on sport or fitness activities, please contact SIRC.

International Paralympic Day Celebrates Sport Unity

2011-09-06T16:14:00.000-04:00

The Paralympic Games are elite sport events for athletes with a disability and they focus on emphasizing the athlete's achievements rather than disability. With the movement growing dramatically since its early days, the number of participating athletes has increased in the Summer Paralympic Games from 400 representing 23 countries in Rome 1960, to 3951 from 146 countries in Beijing 2008. In just over 500 days, London, England will host the 2012 Paralympic Games. And just one day before tickets go on sale, Friday September 9, 2011, International Paralympic Day will take place in Trafalgar Square in London.

On Thursday, September 8, 2011, International Paralympic Day will enable spectators to experience, up close and personal, the inspiration, motivation, excitement, and abilities of Paralympic athletes. This globally recognized day celebrates how sport continues to unify people around the world, but also the particular challenges sport represents for persons with a disability.

This year International Paralympic Day will showcase 20 sports that are included in the 2012 Paralympic Games program, with demonstrations in power lifting, rowing, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and more. Almost 100 British and international athletes, including 100m Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius of South Africa fresh off his competition at the able-bodied IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, will be in attendance. There will also be a Guinness World Record attempt in Sitting Volleyball.

The event in London this week will be the fifth ever International Paralympic Day and the first time the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will host it outside of Germany, their home base.

The Paralympic Games have always been held in the same year as the Olympic Games and in 2012, they will be hosted from August 29 through to September 9.

Contact SIRC for more information on sport for athletes with a disability!

SIRC Newsletter: High School Sport

2011-09-02T12:52:00.013-04:00

September means back to school for most Canadians. Getting ready for the arrival of students can be a major task for teachers, coaches, and administrators. Questions may arise on anything from planning a fitness program to creating risk management strategies. As a student-athlete, knowing what coaches are looking for in tryouts or how to prepare for your university or college athletic future may be on your mind. SIRC wants to help you get prepared for the upcoming school year.

For more information check out the Newsletter online!

Knowledge in Action ... Attend a Conference!

2011-09-01T09:43:00.007-04:00

Our age of technology has brought us advances that we could have never even imagined just 20 years ago. However, while technology has increased our ability to communicate, it has also decreased face-to-face interactions as well. Thankfully in the sports world, events and competitions still happen every day of the year bringing people together to share experiences. Included in this category of people gathering in sport are the all important sport conferences. They bring components of the sporting community together into one place to share in the exchange of information, which ideally feeds back into the sports system. Spending quality time with like-minded individuals is the best way to continue to share information, expand upon ideas, develop creativity and foster stronger relationships.

Conferences come in all shapes and sizes. Some are close to home, some are not. Some are national, some are international. Some people are attendees, some are guest speakers, and some are hosts. No matter what, there is probably a conference for all areas of interest and levels in sport.

Most conferences focus on specific sports area, such as:

Coaching (Petro Canada Sport Leadership Sportif Conference),
Television/new media (Sportel),
Sports medicine (CASEM Sport and Exercise Medicine Conference)
Research (Sport Canada Research Initiative (SCRI) Conference)
Olympic and Non-Olympic Sport Member Federations and Organizing Committees (SportAccord)

Conferences motivate and unite the sports world and better prepare its professionals to face the many challenges and changes in sport. Part of staying current and up-to-date on your subject matter or area of expertise means being engaged with your colleagues, and transferring knowledge amongst your peers.

When was the last time you attended a conference?

Please visit the SIRC Conference Calendar for more information on global sport conferences taking place!

The Erg. Friend or Foe?

2011-08-30T09:42:00.004-04:00

Ask any rower what they think of the ergometer. Friend or foe? The “erg” is a rowing machine that allows an athlete to simulate the very demanding rowing motion on the water. Like the treadmill, imagine putting in that much physically demanding exertion on an indoor rower and going absolutely nowhere! But what a full body work out! So efficient is this machine, erg testing is often used as part of fitness selection criteria for many national teams, including Team Canada, which is currently competing at the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia.

Today’s ergs have flywheels and digital readouts, allowing the rowers to measure strokes per minute, power output and distance covered, which are all significant components to analyzing performance and staying motivated. It’s no secret, elite rowers are amongst the most physically fit athletes in the world, as the sport demands all that the human body can physically and mentally deliver at once. And when a rower can’t be on the water, they use the erg as a training alternative. And since rowing is an incredibly effective whole body exercise, recreational fitness buffs can also benefit from the erg in various ways, and depending on their program, can have the following gains to their physical conditioning:

Aerobic and anaerobic fitness
Intense calorie burning
Muscle strength
Muscle endurance
Resistance training
Flexibility
Low impact
Coordination / Skill

The erg doesn’t lie, which is probably why it is one of the most feared pieces of equipment in the fitness world. No matter what your relationship is with the erg, nemesis or not, it in fact allows the body to train efficiently, stay focused, and develop great power and fitness all at the same time.

Contact SIRC for more information on ergometer training!

Track World Continues to Run with State-of-the-art Technology

2011-08-25T10:26:00.006-04:00

The 2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics start this weekend in Daegu, South Korea, and Team Canada is sending 32 athletes, 13 of which are making their first appearance at a World Championships. The venue, Daegu Stadium, previously hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2003 Universiade.

Sport and technology continue to join forces, as this major sporting event on the global calendar will benefit from state-of-the-art technology with high-definition electronic signboards and high-tech unmanned equipment, including the sand arranger at jumping pits and the radio controlled throwing event implement retriever.

Of particular anticipation for these World Championships is the implementation of the new Video Distance Measurement (VDM) system. Previously, officials measured the horizontal jumps with the Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) system which computes the jumpers distance via a light signal exchange from a module placed in the sand pit. Used for the first time ever at the track championships, the VDM utilizes two high-definition video cameras placed in the stands, overlooking the landing pits. When the jumper leaves a mark in the pit, the cameras capture a series of images of that mark, placing a cursor to the right point, and then the computer calculates the distance. This information is immediately validated and distributed to the results service, scoreboards and TV. The benefits of the VDM are that it produces a result much faster (saving 15 seconds per jump), the risk of human error is reduced, the system offers complete accountability (video archives), and the VDM enhances the visibility and excitement of the sport by making the jumping pits less cluttered with people and equipment.

The IAAF World Championships in Athletics has never been staged in mainland Asia, although it has taken place twice in Japan. Over 2500 athletes from 207 countries will compete over nine days starting on Saturday, August 27.

Contact SIRC for more information on sport and technology!

Photos courtesy of the International Association of Athletics Federations

Getting in Touch with Massage

2011-08-23T08:14:00.003-04:00

Massage is considered to be an essential part of an elite athlete’s training and recovery program. The physical manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, serves to aid in the healing and recovery process, as well as to promote relaxation and well-being of the human body. This is why many cultures around the world have been using massage as a form of treatment for centuries, for both the layman and the sportsman. So, whether it is for stress relief, pain management, work-out recovery or just a special luxury, there can be definite value in incorporating massage into any health-care or training program, for both physical and mental reasons.

Physically, massage therapies can benefit the body by:

Reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing blood circulation and lymph flow
Relaxing muscles, improving range of motion, and increasing the release of endorphins
Providing pain relief
Increasing energy levels
Enhancing the quality of sleep
Reducing fatigue
Improving the range of motion on joints and limbs

Mentally, some of the benefits of massage include:

Decreasing anxiety
Improving concentration
Fostering a peace of mind
Creating body awareness
Promoting a relaxed state of mental alertness
Improving the ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately

There are quite a variety of professionals that provide massage services, including athletic trainers, certified massage therapists and physical therapists and their techniques and methods can vary as much as they do. Regardless if it’s reflexology, deep tissue or trigger point, when deciding to include massage into a training protocol (or for general healthcare), it is important to find the style that fits. While not all techniques will work for everyone, it doesn’t matter if it’s sore muscles from a hard run, an overuse injury from repetitive motion or built up stress, there is a body work massage technique to benefit from.

For more information on massage, please visit SIRC!