Sports should be challenging, fun and build physical, intellectual and emotional skills. They’re a great way to be physically active, to learn teamwork and to learn about both winning and losing competition – a vital life skill.
There can be barriers to participating in sport: expensive equipment and fees can get in the way and individuals or parents looking out for their kids may fear injury from sport-related physical activity.
The data around physical activity are alarming
- On average, Canadian children are still sitting too much and moving too little to reach their full potential, according to the 2020 ParticipACTION Report Card for Children and Youth.
- Only 39 per cent of 5- to 17-year-olds are reaching their recommended physical activity levels as outlined in the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth.
- Just 62 per cent of 3- to 4-year-olds are achieving the recommended activity levels for their age group.
Parachute wants all Canadians to live long lives to the fullest – and that means being physically active to stay healthy, while preventing serious injury. These guides show how to remove hazards from summer sport and physical recreation activities by following safety standards and using the right equipment.
Resources
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Particip
ACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, 2020 
This 2020 report card from ParticipAction provides an in-depth look at the physical activity levels and behaviours of children in Canada and ways families can support healthy movement.
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Particip
ACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults, 2021 
This 2021 report card from ParticipACTION provides an in-depth look at the physical activity levels and behaviours of adults in Canada and considers ways to age better.
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Active and Safe
This website provides evidence-based information on common injuries and injury prevention for 50 different sports and recreational activities.