True Sport Backgrounder

Description:

True Sport is dedicated to the notion that good sport can make a great difference. It’s a series of programs and initiatives designed to give people, communities and organizations the means by which to leverage the many benefits of sport from a platform of shared values and principles.

Mission:

To be a catalyst that helps sport live up to its full potential as a public asset for Canada, making a significant contribution to the development of youth, the well-being of individuals and quality of life in our communities.

Key leaders:

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, True Sport Foundation.

History:

True Sport was set in motion by Canadians to advance the call for values-based and principle-driven sport in Canada. True Sport has thousands of members across Canada with growing numbers of schools, clubs, leagues, teams and communities joining each day.

In 2001, Canada’s Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for sport gathered to address the need to restore ethical and respectful conduct in sport. The leaders outlined that damaging practices – cheating, bullying, violence, aggressive behaviour, and even doping - were beginning to undermine the positive impact of community sport in Canada. Consequently, in August 2001 the London Declaration outlining the vision to incorporate ethics and ethical behaviour in sport was signed.

The following year the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport conducted a nationwide survey, which outlined the importance of sport in the lives of Canadians. The survey indicated that Canadians wanted sport that reflected positive values like fairness, inclusion, excellence and fun.

In September 2003, leading sport officials, sport champions, parents and youth from across Canada came together through a forum entitled, “The Sport We Want,” and several strong messages emerged from this gathering:

  • Canadians believe sport has the power to foster community engagement and teach young people important skills and principles;
  • Canadians feel sport can do more to fulfill its potential; and
  • Canadians at many levels of sport – from parents and community coaches to Olympians and other elite competitors – were eager for a national movement that engage communities and sport organizations across the country.

As a result, nine months later, True Sport was born. The seven True Sport principles are supported by those who declare – go for it, play fair, respect others, keep it fun, stay healthy, include everyone and give back.

General inquiries:

Address:

201-2723 Lancaster Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1B 0B1
Phone: 613 521-3340
Fax: 613 521-3134
Website: www.truesport.ca
Email: [email protected]

Contact:
  • Executive Director, Values-Based Sport
    Karri Dawson 
    Phone: 613-521-3340 ext 3213
    Email: [email protected]