Theory, Practice, and Policy of Sports to Enhance Human Well-Being

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic led society to reconsider its personal and social priorities. The widespread implementation of lockdown policies reminded us of the importance of social connection and connection with nature to our mental and physical health and wellbeing (Dickson & Gray, 2022). However, research conducted during the height of the pandemic from Canada (ParticipACTION, 2022) demonstrated our dependence upon structured and organized physical activity. This also reflects previous research that identified the barriers to participation for disabled people (Darcy et al., 2020) and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Well-being should not be an economic, social, or environmental privilege; it should be universally available.

Thus, as we transition to the new normal, post-pandemic, it is important to address the disparities in sport and recreation priorities and participation. We must seek to democratize and decolonize our research (Spaaij et al., 2019), policy, and practice to ensure that the future of the sport, physical activity, and recreation meets the needs of people of all ages; promote the healthy development of the human body and mind; and enhance human well-being and sustainability for all.

Potential topics may include (but are not limited to):

1. Exploration of the benefits of exercise and physical activity for human health, the mind and the body, especially for under-represented groups.
2. The role of volunteers in organizing, operating, and maintaining sports, including facilities and programs.
3. Submissions focusing on mainstream and organized sport, exploring adaptations that have been made to retain relevance in the face of changes in sport, society and the economy.
4. We are particularly interested in hearing from underrepresented researchers and participants who may be outside the mainstream narrative.

References

Darcy, S., Ollerton, J., & Grabowski, S. (2020). “Why Can’t I Play?”: Transdisciplinary Learnings for Children with Disability’s Sport Participation. Social Inclusion, 8(3), 209-223. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.17645/si.v8i3.2750

Dickson, T.J., & Gray, T.L. (2022). Nature Based Solutions: A vaccine and a salve in a neoliberal and COVID-19 impacted society. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 22(4), 278-297. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2022.2064887.

ParticipACTION. (2022). Lost & Found: Pandemic-related challenges and opportunities for physical activity. The 2022 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. ParticipACTION. https://www.participaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-Children-and-Youth-Report-Card.pdf

Spaaij, R., Broerse, J., Oxford, S., Luguetti, C., McLachlan, F., McDonald, B., Klepac, B., Lymbery, L., Bishara, J., & Pankowiak, A. (2019). Sport, refugees, and forced migration: A critical review of the literature. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 1, 47.

Dr. Tracey J. Dickson
Prof. Anne Terwiel
Guest Editors

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