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Did you know...
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Although Beijing is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world (according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards) Olympic teams will also be challenged with extreme heat and humidity as the temperature soars over 35 degree C and the humidity ranges from 75-90%.
See Report
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Environment Quizzes
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Member Resources
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Contact Us |
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Sport Information
Resource Centre (SIRC)
180 Elgin Street, Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K2P 2K3
Tel.: +1 (613) 231-7472
Toll Free +1 (800) 665-6413
Fax: +1 (613) 231-3739
www.sirc.ca
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Environment
Hot, hazy, and humid are not the ideal conditions for physical activity, but often athletes are forced to compete during these conditions. With summer now in full swing, it is important to understand that poor air quality can have a major effect on an athlete’s performance. Although it is impossible to avoid environmental factors it is best to understand them, take steps to remain safe and healthy, and learn how minimize their effects on performance.
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Feature Articles |
30-30 Rule
Be sure your sport association has a lightning safety policy and that everyone knows the 30-30 rule.
- When you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder, head for safe shelter
- Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
To help you recall this important rule of thumb, Environment Canada and SIRC are providing wallet-sized business cards with the 30-30 rule on them along with some lightning safety tips. Print out and distribute these wallet sized lightning safety cards.
... Print Cards » |
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Outdoor Exercising
We walk, run, play or compete in nearly all temperatures. Because of this we must be aware of the dangers of being too hot or too cold. We must also recognize the importance of replacing our body fluids before, during and after our workouts. Excess heat not only negatively affects our performance, but it also can be a source of serious health problems. As the outside temperature increases it becomes less and less possible to get rid of the body heat exercise produces.
... Read More » |
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Are Runners an Endangered Species?
The 2006 Hong Kong Marathon, which was held on Sunday, February 12, attracted over 40,000 enthusiastic participants, a remarkable number for the relatively small population. After days of weather that was cool and pleasant if somewhat overcast, Sunday morning was marred by thick gray clouds of polluted air that made it difficult to see even the massive high-rise office and apartment buildings for which the Hong Kong area is famous.
... Read more »
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Environmental Factors in the Summer Olympics
The relationships between ‘the environment’ and sports are wide-ranging and multifaceted. The physical environment influences outdoor sports in many ways. Environmental factors range from climatic and weather conditions during a competition, to varied altitudes, slopes and the distinctive settings of a running or cycling course.
... Read more »
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Pollution Climate and Athletic Performance
Exposure to elevated ozone concentrations has been reported to give rise to symptoms that include cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, headache, eye irritation and a decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second. All of these effects are likely to impact upon performance, and several studies of cyclists suggest this to be the case.
... Read more »
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Smoggy Conditions
Many of us live in areas which have high levels of air
pollution—or must travel to such areas for competitions.
What’s unfortunate for athletes is that heavy smog can
impair their performance. As a result, it’s important for
coaches to know how to reduce the effects of pollution
on our athletes.
... Read more »
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Focus on Beijing |
Hong Kong Heat; How Harmful?
The Olympic equestrian events were switched from host city, Beijing, to Hong Kong because of difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone on the Chinese mainland.
... Read More »
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Ask A SIRC Librarian |
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SIRC members have access to SIRC librarians and we are pleased to share some of your questions.
Dear SIRC Librarian:
I am inquiring about Canada's fitness participation. Do you have any lists showing the exercise participation of Canadian citizens by FSA, Provincial, or Metro Area? An example of what I am trying to look for is there could be 100,000 people in Ottawa that exercise, is there some sort of list that breaks participation down into how many exercise by postal code?
Sincerely,
Jason, Research Consultant
... See Response »
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