On May 2-3, 2023, the University of Alberta in collaboration with the University of Ottawa, Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), will host a nation-wide dialogue called "The National Coaching for Para sport Summit."
Day 1 of the summit will consist of presentations and panels aimed at knowledge mobilization of current research and the identification of knowledge gaps on coaching for Para sport. Academics will present the most recent information and practitioners (sport organizations; athletes with a disability; coaches, etc.) will share their perspectives. Respondents from the community will also add their perspectives and ask questions to help work towards the development of a National Framework to guide inclusive coaching practices.
Key Themes & Topics include:
1. What do we know? (Research in Coach Education & Development for Para sport)
2. What do we still need to know? (Research-Practice Gaps; Barriers and Challenges)
3. What should be included and why? (Multi-sport and sport specific topic areas; Existing programs; Key issues)
4. What might a coach education framework for Para sport look like?
Day 2 will involve a smaller, in-person group of key stakeholders and involve breakout groups led by expert facilitators who will have analyzed the Day 1 data to create multiple options representing potential paths forward to support a more inclusive coaching system. The Summit participants will identify the opportunities and challenges/pain points for each scenario and use these tangible examples as a basis for break-out rooms and focused discussion, the participants will develop possible solutions and assess prototypical frameworks for a more inclusive coaching system.