{"id":7087,"date":"2020-04-27T15:49:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T21:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hi8lvmqnx7.wpdns.site\/?p=7087"},"modified":"2026-01-16T12:53:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:53:44","slug":"impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-local-sport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportcalgary.ca\/impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-local-sport\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Local Sport"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CALGARY, Alberta \u2013 <\/em>Sport Calgary today announced the results of a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on local sport organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe results of our Sport Calgary survey show that sport organizations in our city are facing a generational challenge in their response to COVID-19,\u201d said Catriona Le May Doan, President & CEO Sport Calgary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe financial impact of missing sports, registrations, and tournaments will be enormous, and is becoming clearer every day. Our Sport Calgary members have told us they aren\u2019t sure if families have the funds to participate in sport this year, or if they will feel safe putting their kids back in activities right away when restrictions are lifted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe know from Sport Calgary\u2019s independent research<\/a> that the Gross Municipal Amateur Sport Product in Calgary is over $1.2 billion annually, and that amateur sport supports over 2% of Calgary\u2019s employment. The shutdown of the sport sector will be felt across the city.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSport has had to look at digital opportunities. Many of our member organizations are moving coaching and athlete training online, offering the sessions for free, although they recognize it is not sustainable in the long-term. They are learning quickly about new technologies and models. Even with Sport Calgary, we\u2019ve started a new Original Six Feet Conversations podcast series to tell Calgary\u2019s sport stories during a time we\u2019re searching for positive stories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe demand for financial support for people to get involved in sport when we emerge from the pandemic will be overwhelming, and charitable groups like KidSport Calgary will need the community\u2019s support more than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen we look at the most vulnerable \u2013 seniors, persons with physical\/intellectual disabilities, low-income, and more \u2013 that is also an area the community needs to support. We need to be ready to support Calgarians and their families who experience financial hardship and strain. Sport will play an important part of bringing people back together, through the benefits of sport: social, emotional, and mental.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to be ready for this, and ensure supports are in place to ensure every Calgarian can continue to live healthy, active lifestyles. We\u2019re a sport city at heart, and we\u2019ll come through this crisis with a stronger sense of the importance of sport than ever before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Findings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n