This report highlights the findings of a 2021 research study between Jumpstart and Ipsos to understand the impact of COVID-19 on community sports and recreation.

Two surveys were conducted in January 2021:

  • Among 1,000 parents of children aged 4 to 17, to understand the mental and physical impact on children/youth due to loss of access to sport and play (Ipsos Omnibus); and
  • Among sport organizations, to understand the pandemic’s impact on programming, as well as organizations’ ability to continue operating during the crisis. (389 registered charities, 574 non-profit organization and 139 other organizations, representing municipal parks and recreation organizations (n = 247), multi-sport facilities (n = 214), sport organizations/clubs/associations (n = 422), provincial sport organizations (n = 143), national sport organizations (n = 44) and other organizations (n = 199).

Concerns of sports organizations in Canada continue to be focused on the health and wellbeing of youth and the impact recreational closures are having on youth. Survey findings include:

  • 52% of community sport organizations not permanently closed are concerned about the permanent closure of their organization in 2021.
  • 81% of sport organizations not currently closed are worried about their ability to offer programming in 2021.
  • The majority of parents say their kids are feeling isolated and lonely and are finding it hard to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • 69% of parents say that their kids are already showing signs of being less physically fit.

Three ‘Key Takeaways’ are cited:

  • Infrastructure of recreational sport in Canada is crumbling
  • The impact on Canadian youth is severe
  • A ‘return to normalcy’ in sport won’t be quick or easy

Published by: Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Publication date: March 2021

Click here to view: Jumpstart State of Sport Report