Athlete Forum Summary

BC Athlete Forums Summary...

In conducting athlete forums, BC Athlete Voice and it’s partners engaged over 50 athletes from 12 different communities in an in depth and interactive process to gain constructive feedback and a collective perspective from athletes in the community. Below is a concise summary of the consistent themes that have emerged through the athlete forums.

Athlete’s Perspective on Strengths in Sport in the Community:

Community support for sport and athletes
Passionate volunteers and coaches who support and drive programs in the community
New facilities coming online and the increase in multi-sport capabilities
Numerous opportunities available for people to participate in sport in the community
Support from Provincial Sport Organizations, Multi-Sport Organizations and regional PacificSport Centres

Athlete’s Perspective on Weaknesses in Sport in the Community:

Lack of funding for athletes at all levels
Lack of exposure and promotion of sports, especially non-mainstream sports
Access and cost of facilities
Lack of alignment and connection in the sport system
Quality coaching at all levels, but especially in high performance

Athlete’s Perspective on Threats to Sport in the Community:

Reductions in funding for high performance coaching and athletes
Decreased focus on sport after the 2010 Winter Olympics
Aging volunteer and coaching base
Not having athletes connected to the sport system through information and leadership
Athletes not staying in Canada due to better training and competition opportunities in other countries

Athlete’s Perspective on Opportunities in Sport in the Community:

Leveraging the positive benefits of the 2010 Winter Olympics, now and after the event
Sports link to healthy living and other social benefits
Building programs in conjunction with new facilities as they become available
Utilizing successful high performance athletes in the sport system and the community
Linking athlete pathways to the Canadian Sport for Life model to ensure no gaps

Athlete’s Recommendations for Sport in the Community:

Establish leadership councils and a provincial network to connect athletes together to provide a collective voice
Establish an innovative strategy for recruiting, training, rewarding & retaining volunteers
Construct one plan across the sport system to provide one direction that connects all the dots
Develop an athlete funding strategy that provides allocation through out the development pathway
Create a centre point for all sport communication, marketing, promotion, information and advocacy.
Establish engaging programs that connect athletes to their community and to the sport system
Increase media awareness and community promotion of all amateur sport