In today’s episode we're tackling a pressing issue that can have profound repercussions  on both physical and mental well-being: Bullying in sports. We're shining a light on behaviors that often carry significant implications for athletes, coaches, and the sport community as a whole. Bullying not only affects the targeted individuals as athletes, but can have a ripple effect in all areas of their lives.

Our guest today is no stranger to this topic. Joining us again is Lisa Dixon-Wells, founder and executive director of Dare to Care. Lisa will discuss an often overlooked group of athletes who are particularly susceptible to bullying: A group that Lisa and Dare to Care refers to as "provocative athletes", often referred to as neurodiverse athletes. These individuals exhibit characteristics that make them more at risk to becoming targets of bullying. Today, we will explore the common characteristics of these Provocative Athletes, and, more importantly, explore how all members of an organization can work together to understand and support these individuals.

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This episode of the Sporting Change Podcast was Powered by BRP and Dare to Care's "Tackle Bullying in Sports" program.

Thanks to BRP’s ⁠Ride out Intimidation⁠ program, the Sporting Change Podcast can continue to educate and empower sport leaders around the world. This program aims to raise awareness and implement meaningful initiatives on a global scale as they take a stand against intimidation.

⁠Dare to Care⁠ is a trailblazing organization committed to tackling bullying in sports not only in Canada, but around the world. Dare to Care is helping sport organizations foster safe and inclusive environments for all members.

Make sure to click on the Dare to Care link above if you want more information on how to get your free bully prevention sessions!

Simon will discuss the challenges newcomers to Canada face in feeling like they belong and highlight the potential of sports and physical activities to help integrate them. Simon will dive deeper into the power of sports in fostering a sense of community, the barriers newcomers encounter when trying to engage in sports, and the crucial role that sports clubs play in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Together, we will aim to shed light on how sports can be a powerful tool for building bridges and inclusivity in Canada.

Simon Barrick (he/him), is a highly accomplished academic and researcher specializing in the sociocultural aspects of sport and physical activity. He recently completed his PhD in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and now holds a teaching position at the University of Cape Breton, where he contributes to the "Sport and Physical Activity Leadership" and "Community Studies" programs with a focus on sport management.

To follow Simon:

Twitter: @Simonthecurler

Facebook: Simon Barrick

Instagram: @simonthecurler

LinkedIn: Simon Barrick

Extra resources:

Engaging Newcomer Girls & Women - Canadian Women & Sport 

In today’s episode, we explores the significant underrepresentation and lack of engagement of Canadians with disabilities in sports, addressing the critical question of how to rectify this stark disparity. to shed light on various facets of this issue, including how to approach athletes with disabilities, the language to use, accommodations for visible and invisible disabilities, and supporting athletes who are born with disabilities or acquire them later in life. Beyond athletes, we also explore the barriers faced by coaches, officials, fans, and family members living with disabilities in the world of sports. To navigate this complex terrain, we are joined by 4-time Paralympian Elisabeth Walker-Young, offering valuable insights and perspectives on the current realities and inequities within this field.

Elisabeth (she/her), a former Team Canada swimmer and 4-time Paralympian living with a congenital disability, has an impressive athletic career with 6 Paralympic medals and numerous national and world records. In 2015, she made history as the 2nd Paralympian and the first female to serve as Chef de Mission for Canada's Paralympic Team, a role that now exclusively goes to Paralympians, partly thanks to her advocacy. Additionally, in 2018, Elisabeth was honored with the Order of Canada. Today, she is a prominent national advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in sports, holding degrees in Physical Education and Occupational Therapy, as well as expertise as a facilitator for ViaSport's All Youth Matter Inclusion Training. Elisabeth has also launched Inclusive Experiences with Shawna Lawson, a business centered around the intersection of inclusion and innovation, emphasizing lived experiences and authentic engagement. 

To follow Elisabeth on Instagram: 

@A_Little_Bit_Every_Day 

@ewalkyoung 

https://www.inclusive-experiences.ca/

For young gay men, being a part of sports can be a traumatic experience. A study conducted in 2015 by “Out on the Fields'' claimed that 81% of Canadian participants witnessed or experienced homophobia in sports. Additionally, 70% believed that youth sports are not welcoming or safe for LGBTQ+ people.

Regardless of the barriers, LGBTQ+ athletes continue to work their way up the ranks in their respective sports to pursue their passions. However, these athletes often feel they must conceal their sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, which diverts their attention away from training and impacts their ability to focus on their sport. This sadly leads to a decrease in performance, a high level of LGBTQ+ attrition in sports and a significant impact on their mental health.

Today’s guest, Brock McGillis, a leading activist in the LGBTQ+ community,  will share his revealing story of the struggles he faced as a gay athlete in hockey. From his accomplishments, to his darkest moments. He will talk about his coming out journey and his experiences in an attempt to help end homophobia in sport.

For some listeners, you may relate to his story because you, or someone close to you, has lived it. For others, we hope it will open your eyes to a new, and unfortunate reality that many gay men face when playing the sport they love. As you listen, keep in mind that roughly 1 in 4 people are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. These are your teammates, your coaches, your referees, or even the fan sitting next to you and all of them need your support.

To follow Brock:

IG: brockmcgillis33

Twitter: brock_mcgillis

LinkedIn: Brock McGillis

Prior to Title IX in 1972, over 90% of female collegiate teams were coached by women. Title IX was a landmark gender equity law which prohibited gender-based discrimination in sport programs. It created equal opportunity to both male and female athletes in areas such as scholarship opportunities, access to training facilities, trainers, equipment and more.

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Today only 43% of the coaches for NCAA Div 1 female teams are women. When looking at men’s teams, that number drops to only 5%. This reality is not much different for Canadian Universities where only 26% of USport head coaches are women.

Sporting Change is honoured to welcome, Lynn Kachmarik, a trailblazer in the world of coaching. In 1986 she was appointed as the head coach of Bucknell’s Men’s water polo team….making her the first female to head coach a men’s NCAA Div 1 team sport.

In today’s episode we discuss not only how far women’s coaching has come, but how far we still have to go.

“Black people can’t swim”... This is a common stereotype that is so widespread in our culture that many people actually believe that it is true. While it is a myth…sadly, there is some degree of truth behind it. Due to the repeated history of segregation, Black communities still struggle to access basic swimming lessons around the world and the reality is, knowing how to swim could be the difference between life and death.

This is a race-based barrier that has existed for generations and in order to address it, we must first understand the history that has contributed to it. Today we welcome Ashleigh Johnson to the podcast to share her story of becoming the first Black female American water polo Olympian, to explore the history of segregation and exclusion in aquatic sports, and to learn how education is the key to breaking down barriers.

To follow Ashleigh:

Twitter: @theashjohnson 

Instagram: @ashleighjohnson

Conversations surrounding trans-athlete inclusion are more important than ever. Transphobia is a systemic issue and sport is still not a safe, welcoming or inclusive space for trans and non-gender conforming individuals. Unfortunately, sport has a long way to go in this space….however, we are starting to see organizations update their policies and regulations to become more inclusive to the trans and non-gender conforming communities.

Today we are honoured to welcome Dr. William Bridel and Eva Bošnjak: Two leading influencers when it comes to Canadian trans-athlete inclusion.

Reading list/other resources:

To follow Eva:

www.linkedin.com/in/ehbosnjak

In the first of a special two-part episode, Mat joins the podcast as a guest to share his story of being a gay coach and athlete in sport. For gay members of the sports community, homophobia and microaggressions are a reality of their sports experience. In this revealing episode, Mat shares his struggle coming out in the sports community, the impact that “being in the closet” had on his performance and mental health, and his 20+ year journey in sport.

Reading list and Extra Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please look at the following links:

How to Follow Mathieu:

Instagram: @mathieucons

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieu-constantin-mc5/

In the second half of this special two-part episode, Mat Constantin dives deeper into his mental health journey and the challenges he faced growing up gay in a heteronormative society. Lyle Brooks, founder of Men4More, guides us through Mat’s never before told story through the lens of mental health. With great courage, Mat shares his extreme highs and devastating lows to help listeners gain perspective on what is often experienced, yet seldom discussed, in the mental health journey of a gay man in today’s society.

Reading list and Extra Resources:

The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World

By Alan Downs Ph. D.

How to Follow Lyle:

Instagram: @lyfeoflyle_

Instagram: @men4more

Facebook: @men4more

By the age of 13, 7 out of 10 athletes in North America have quit organized sports. Many of these athletes say that the continuous yelling and criticism from coaches and parents is the number one reason why they quit the sports they once loved. The ‘fun’ in sport has been replaced by a ‘win at all cost’ attitude. Sadly, this shift in approach has led to increased dropout rates, childhood obesity, and mental health issues in youth.

Bullying in sports is a systemic issue that impacts athletes, teams, and sport clubs at all levels. Whether it’s players, coaches, parents or even fans, disrespectful behavior has become a growing concern in sport communities.

Join Lisa Dixon Wells, founder of Dare to Care, as we explore the crippling impacts of bullying in sport and what can be done to change it.

Reading List and Extra Resources:

www.daretocare.ca

To Follow Lisa:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daretocare

Instagram and Twitter:  @daretocare2

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadixonwells/