Strategies to increase sport participation in Canada: the role of a coordinated network

Abstract

In an effort to address some of the issues facing sport in Canada, the Canadian Sport Policy suggests that improving collaboration among sport organisations is one strategy for creating a more connected and coordinated sport system. This research seeks to examine collaboration in community sport in order to understand the role and impact of integrated networks of sport organisations for driving sport participation. Swimming and basketball networks in one region were studied and findings reveal many unrealised ties between providers and organisations. A formal approach did not necessarily equate to a greater level of collaboration for swimming in comparison to basketball.