2027 Canada Games: Supporting young athletes’ mental health

2027 Canada Games: A toolkit to support young athletes’ mental health🏃

Sport can help young people build a sense of belonging, develop social and emotional skills, and grow their confidence. But the pressure to perform, high expectations and disappointments in sport can also take a toll on their well-being.

To support young athletes’ mental health, Youth in Mind Foundation is joining forces with the 2027 Canada Games and the Aléo Research Chair at Université de Sherbrooke. Together, we are developing resources and awareness initiatives to support young athletes, their parents and their coaches before, during and after competition.

The 2027 Canada Games will take place in Quebec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027. The resources developed through this collaboration are designed for Games participants as well as young athletes at all levels and in all sporting settings, helping them have a positive, balanced experience in sport.

Bringing three areas of expertise together for young athletes

We bring our experience in youth mental health prevention to the partnership and work with our partners to develop the content. The Aléo Research Chair contributes its expertise in psychosocial support for athletes, while the 2027 Canada Games provides audiovisual production resources and shares the content across its platforms.

This partnership builds on our collaboration with the Aléo Research Chair, with whom we have been developing sport-related content and resources for more than a year.

“Young athletes navigate an environment that combines the drive to push themselves, high expectations, pressure to perform and the many changes that come with adolescence. By joining forces with the 2027 Canada Games and the Aléo Research Chair, we hope to strengthen the support network for young athletes so they receive healthy guidance and develop skills through sport that will serve them in every area of their lives.” Mélanie Boucher, President and CEO, Youth in Mind Foundation

“The 2027 Canada Games aims to offer every participant a memorable, positive experience. This partnership reflects our commitment to putting young athletes’ well-being at the heart of that experience. By working with Youth in Mind Foundation and the Aléo Research Chair, we are helping create an environment where young people can find support, resources and guidance that will stay with them long after the Games.” Denis Servais, President, 2027 Canada Games

A toolkit for before, during and after competition🎯

How can you support a young person facing disappointment in sport? How can you help them recognize that their worth goes beyond their results?

Our Sport and Mental Health Toolkit: Before, During and After Competition brings together resources for young athletes and the people who support them. Available online, the toolkit will continue to grow as new content is added.

Explore the first two resources

Created through this partnership, these two complementary resources explore the emotions surrounding selection outcomes and the role sport plays in young people’s identities.

For young athletes: Coping with the uncertainty of selection outcomes🏀

The article “Understanding and dealing with the uncertainty of selection outcomes” offers practical advice to help young athletes navigate the wait to find out whether they have qualified for a competition or team and prepare for both possible outcomes: being selected or not.

It helps young people care for their well-being when facing disappointment or pressure to perform, focus on what they can control, and maintain a healthy relationship with sport. Its central message: their self-worth goes beyond selection outcomes and athletic results.

Read the article

For young athletes: Discovering who you are beyond your results🏅

The fact sheet “I’m More than My Athletic Performance” invites young people to explore their roles and personal qualities beyond sport, reflect on why they play their sport, and speak to themselves with kindness. It also offers questions to help lower the pressure and recognize what they can be proud of beyond their athletic achievements.

Download info sheet

The Balance Zone: Spaces to recharge 💙

During the 2027 Canada Games, the Balance Zone will feature three rooms dedicated to relaxation, recovery and creativity. Young athletes can take a break, recharge and enjoy activities such as drawing, reading and puzzles. Youth in Mind Foundation and its partners will offer an informal, accessible and welcoming space where young athletes can find tools and support to care for their mental health.

Are you a young athlete, a parent or a coach? Explore our toolkit and check back for new resources. By the end of the 2027 Canada Games, you’ll find around 10 articles to explore!

📌Explore the Sport and Mental Health Toolkit