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Keep up to date on sport information by checking back here regularily.

Check out SIRC's recent newsletter on Sport and Social Development.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/november08/index.html

Sport is a tool that has far-reaching affect on society. From Africa to Canada it can be used to educate youth, reduce the risk of disease, prevent crime, provide economic development, aid in social inclusion, increase environmental awareness and bring communities closer together.

On November 6th the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) released a new report from the True Sport Movement. What Sport Can Do: A True Sport Report outlines community sport in Canada and how it is an integral part of Canadian society by examining how it improves health and well-being, puts children on a positive life course, builds stronger and more inclusive communities, contributes to Canadian economy and promotes environmental sustainability.

SIRC is on the road this week

Tuesday November 18, SIRC is in Vancouver, BC., presenting at the ANADO Extraordinary Meeting of Members. Debra Gassewitz, President and CEO of SIRC, has been asked to talk to the members of ANADO (Association of National Anti-Doping Organizations) about the services available to them from SIRC.

Thursday November 20, Debra will be presenting to Environment Canada in Niagara, Ontario. Her presentation, Communicating the Air Quality Message to the Sport Community highlights some of the vehicles used to communicate with the sport and fitness community which are available through SIRC. Debra will also give a brief description of Canada’s sport resource centre and the resources available to Canadians; as well as an outline of the activities about to be undertaken together with Environment Canada to promote the message of Air Quality to the sport community.

SIRC Newsletter -Periodization

Check out SIRC's recent newsletter on

Periodization

Periodization can be explained as the process of varying a training program to bring out optimal gains in performance. Periodization training is effective for athletes from the grassroots level to the elite level. The most important thing to consider before starting a periodization training schedule is the design of the program. When creating your program it is important to take into account the ability of the athlete, type of sport and goals the training schedule is designed to meet.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-nov08/Index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Top 10 Requested Articles of 2008

Check out our latest Newsletter - Top 10 Requested Articles of 2008

SIRC receives requests for articles everyday from sport medicine doctors, researchers and coaches from across Canada and around the world. With over 6.5 million pages of sport related material SIRC is the world’s leading sport information resource centre.
Articles are available online or through SIRC’s document delivery service. In this issue of the SIRC newsletter we would like to share ten of the top requested articles of 2008.
SIRC is also pleased to share with you five of the top research topics of 2008.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/january09/Index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Health Promotion

Check out the latest SIRC newsletter -Health Promotion

Health Promotion is often defined as the science and art of helping people change their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health. A key component of healthy living is exercise. Just doing moderate levels of exercise every week has proven to decrease your risk of disease and improve your quality of life.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-jan09/Index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Running

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Running

Have you ever noticed that there always seem to be more runners when the warm weather hits? Whether you are just starting out, run for physical activity or are competitive, there are many things to you can do to keep motivated and running all summer. Injury, heat, boredom, and lack of motivation are just a few obstacles runners face. However, simple things like warming-up and warming-down, picking the correct time of day to run, and selecting the correct route and distance will all assist in making your runs more enjoyable and injury free. So lace up your runners and get out there!

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-april09/index.html

SIRC Newsletter - Board of Directors

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Board of Directors

Effective management is very important within your organization; a critical part of this is the board of directors. The board of directors is made up of volunteers elected because of their expertise. Their responsibilities are to assist and advise your sport organization on governing, managing and developing the organization. As the role of a sport organization is continuously changing and beginning to resemble more of a business model, organizations rely on members of their board in areas such as finance, human resources, technology and marketing. Finding the balance between the sport organization’s management and the board of directors is essential, it is important that the board knows what is expected of them and the sport organization

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/may09/index.html

On the Road Again

You can check out the SIRC Mobile Resource Centre at the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine's (CASM) Sport Medicine Conference in Preparation for 2010 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, Thursday June 4 and Friday June 5 in the Exhibitors Hall (booth 61).

Our Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams, will be on-hand to showcase the resources available at SIRC and to answer any questions you may have.

For more information on the conference or CASM, check out thier website at http://www.casm-acms.org/

Many thanks,

SIRC

SIRC Newsletter -Weather

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Weather!

The summer months are full of unpredictable weather conditions, with everything from lightning to extreme heat. Partner the extreme weather conditions with poor air quality and you are facing months of potentially dangerous situations not only for your health but in some cases your life. Taking the correct safety precautions including observing the 30-30 Rule, keeping hydrated and exercising at the right time of day, will allow you to stay active and safe all summer long!

Sport organizations/clubs are encouraged to read the article regarding Lightning and the Law: Lessons from a Soccer Game since it describes a situation last summer involving a coach, referee and U11 girls soccer team in Toronto. We are fortunate to have the legal counsel involved in the case share their story with us and highlight the lightning rule the Toronto Soccer Association has included to encourage the safety of its participants.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/june09/Index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Cycling

Check out SIRC's Latest Newsletter on Cycling!

Cycling is an outstanding means of physical activity. Whether you cycle to compete or just hop on your bike for a little exercise, cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise which will build muscle at the same time. Injuries are very common among cyclists, primarily involving the knee. The number one way to prevent injuries is to make sure your bike is the right fit. The first step towards riding injury free all summer long is to ensure your frame size, saddle configuration (height, position and tilt) and handlebar position are correct. Another key component to staying injury free is safety equipment. Every cyclist should wear a helmet however, bike shorts and shoes can also play a roll in preventing injuries.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-june09/Index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Hydration

Check out SIRC's latest newsletter on hydration!

Remaining well hydrated is very important especially during the summer months and for anyone participating in physical activity. Dehydration can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches and sluggishness, resulting in loss of playing time and a decrease in performance. When it comes to hydration there are many things to consider: Which is better water or sports drinks? Are there times when one is better then the other? How do you determine how much to drink? Is it possible to over-hydrate yourself? And does a hydration strategy change with age?

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/july09/index.html

"Capture the Moment" -Photo Contest!

Submit a photo to the SIRC Capture the Moment Photo Contest!

Do you like taking sport photos? Here’s your chance to win great prizes, get international exposure as well as have your photo included in Canada’s National Sport Library. SIRC is holding a “Capture the Moment” photo contest! We are trying to collect photos that capture all the various moments of people in sport.

For more information and to submit a photo click HERE!

SIRC Newsletter -Concussions

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Concussions

A Concussion is an injury that should be taken seriously by coaches, parents and players. Although usually associated with sports such as hockey, soccer, football, equestrian and boxing, a concussion can occur in any sport. Since you cannot see a concussion, often athletes will continue to play and not report their symptoms, thinking it was just a bump on the head. This can have catastrophic outcomes, continuing to play with a concussion or returning to play too soon after a concussion can result in permanent brain damage and in rare cases lead to death. Any athletes exhibiting symptoms of a concussion should stop playing immediately and consult a doctor. Remember it is better to miss one game then the entire season.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/august09/index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Canada Games/Youth Athletes

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Canada Games/Youth Athletes

Whether you are a parent, athlete or coach it is important to remember younger athletes often have different requirements when it comes to training, nutrition and competition. For this reason it is important to keep informed about the various aspects of a developing athlete. Stress, sleep, conditioning and nutrition can play a huge role in the performance of young athletes. All are challenging in a typical teenage lifestyle being informed and learning how to manage these areas is essential to a competitive athlete.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-aug09/index.html

SIRC is at the 2009 Canada Games

SIRC is excited to be attending the 2009 Canada Games held in PEI from August 15-29. As Canada’s National Sport Library, we will be there with the SIRC Mobile Resource Centre providing athletes, coaches, parents, officials and the media with access to the latest sport resources. Our Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams, will be on-hand to showcase the resources available at SIRC and answer questions. Make sure that you check out the SIRC Blog, Twitter and Facebook pages for updates throughout the event!

Keep your eyes out for SIRC at the athletes, coaches and Officials’ lounge, media briefings, athlete focus groups and forums and cheering on athletes as they go for the gold! Look for daily athlete and ambassador bios in SIRC’s Emailservice and be sure to check out our Canada Games’ webpage for even more resources!

The 2009 Canada Games have started!

Hi, my name is Brandie Adams and I am the Reference Librarian at SIRC. I’m very excited to be attending the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island. If the energy and the weather continue like this they are sure to be the best Games yet! I could be slightly bias, I’m from PEI and it is a wonderful feeling to look around and see the whole Island get involved and support Canadian sport.

The opening ceremonies were in Summerside on Saturday. The athletes entered the Credit Union Place with big smiles waving their provincial flags. Each athlete was able to meet Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. We listened to uplifting speeches and were entertained by a variety of local musical talent.

With the first day of events complete the Games are well under way. Today is sure to be filled with activity. After attending the media briefing I'll be spending time in the Coaches of Canada Coaches’ Lounge before heading off to the watch some of the events. With basketball, beach volleyball, rugby, tennis, rowing, diving, softball, tennis, cycling, soccer and sailing happening there are lots of things to choose from today! In two days I’ve met some fantastic people so I'm looking forward to seeing what today brings.

2009 Canada Games - Lots of Sports and Inspirational Athletes!

The last few days of the Canada Games have flown by. With all of the events taking place it can feel overwhelming to try to see everything. So far I’ve managed to catch some of the beach volleyball, rowing, triathlon and basketball however that is just the tip of the iceberg. Each event has been fantastic to watch as all the provinces are showing their strength.

Today was a treat. I was able to sit in and listen to the AthletesCan Ambassadors speak to athletes about their experience in sport from grassroots to the podium. David Calder highlighted the importance of setting goals. He had aspired to win an Olympic Gold Medal in rowing at age thirteen while rowing in Victoria with Silken Laumann on Christmas Day. (He passed his Olympic Silver Medal around and we all got to hold it - yeah!) Erin Carter enthusiastically highlighted what sport can mean to the athlete and how the skills that they are learning can transfer to all aspects of their lives. Kevin Stittle and Heather Moyse spoke about how now more than ever being an athlete is an attainable dream to have as a career. All encouraged the athletes to make the most of their experience at the Canada Games.

At the end of the AthletesCAN Forum the floor was open for questions. One of the athletes asked the Ambassadors how they knew that sport was what they wanted to focus on because he was at a crossroads between choosing a normal life of that of an athlete. After some humorous jabs at athletes being normal each, athlete took a stab at answering his question and overall their answer had a common thread. They all had an overwhelming passion to competing in their sport, it was their passion in life. They evening ended with, Michael Smith, convener of the evening commenting that each athlete in the room was an ordinary person but they were doing extraordinary things.

Check out the daily Athlete Ambassador on the SIRC Press Release!

What a week!!

First off, a big thanks to the publishers to donated materials to the mobile SIRC Resource Centre! It was a hit during week one of the Canada Games and I can only imagine that it will be just as popular next week with the coaches and the athletes!

With Friday coming to a close there is only one day left of week one. Everyone has been enjoying their time on PEI and the weather has been phenomenal! There is a feeling of celebration as the medal rounds are being completed. For the most part everyone can relax and enjoy their final night tonight.

Today I was able to catch wrestling, women’s soccer and beach volleyball. If you are a friend of SIRC on Facebook you will be able to see some of the pictures I’ve taken so far.

Things I’ve notice through week one:
- Every province in Canada is a strong contender in the 2009 Canada Games.
- Some provinces go all out with fan gear to make as much noise as they can during the Games.
- There is a camaraderie surrounding the Games no matter if you are a parent, athlete, coach, officials, volunteer … or librarian.
- People are familiar with SIRC!!
- Coaches like resources. The books and journals I brought are disappearing. It’s fantastic!!
- Volunteers are great! If they are not volunteering they are cheering on the athletes in the stands.
- Fans, there are lots of them. The stands were filled at all the events I’ve attended.

Week one is almost finished and it went by in a blur. I’ve had a great time so far.

Rain, rain, rain

Today is the first day of week two at the Canada Games. The athletes should have an interesting practice day with all the rain PEI is going to get this Sunday. The good thing is that Hurricane Bill should have passed us by tonight.

I'm off to Charlottetown to set up the mobile SIRC Resource Centres in the athlete and coaches' lounges. This week will be an exciting one with men's soccer, athletics, swimming, women's wrestling, canoe/kayak, golf, volleyball and baseball taking place in the Eastern part of the province. If you want to see where it is all happening check out the 2009 Canada Games virtual tour of the campus.