Canadian sport leaders headline Safe Sport Session at 2020 RCA Conference

Dr. Gretchen Kerr (University of Toronto) and Lorraine Lafrenière (Coaching Association of Canada) will lead a Safe Sport session, sponsored by Row Ontario, at the 2020 RCA National Conference taking place January 24 to 26 in Ottawa.

Using recent findings showcasing the reality of maltreatment in sport to provide context, Kerr and Lafrenière will lead a discussion on the practical steps that various sport groups can take to create safe sport environments.

“Healthy discussions regarding safe sport topics are both relevant and necessary for all key stakeholders in the rowing community,” said Andrew Backer, Executive Director of Row Ontario. “It’s extremely important to educate clubs, coaches, athletes, umpires and volunteers about the reality of maltreatment in sport and also what preventative measures they can take in their local communities. Row Ontario is honoured to sponsor this session and we look forward to participating along with all members of the rowing community.”

Dr. Gretchen Kerr is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and Vice-Dean, Programs in the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses specifically on Safe Sport strategies that aim to realize the potential and promise sport has for individual health and fulfillment, collective well-being, and the public good. She has a long history of translating her research to practice and working with key sport organizations across Canada to advance Safe Sport initiatives.

Lorraine Lafrenière (CAC) leads Canada’s Coaching Education Partnership through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and Safe Sport initiatives within the profession of coaching and the Responsible Coaching Movement. Her career spans more than 30 years within the national sport system and she has participated in more than a dozen Olympic or Paralympic Games in various leadership roles.

The Safe Sport session and RCA Safe Sport Agenda session is scheduled to take place on Saturday January 25 at 1:00pm ET. It is included in the cost for all one-day (Saturday) and two-day conference delegates. Individuals can also choose to attend this session only for only $40.00

Thank you to our partner and supporter Row Ontario for sponsoring this critical conference session.

Register today for the 2020 RCA National Conference and Semi-Annual Meeting, taking place January 24 to 26, 2020, at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario.