TORONTO (September 3, 2019) – Today, Game Plan announces that the University of Toronto has joined the Game Plan Education Network to offer Canadian National Team Athletes more flexible education opportunities while they are training and competing. The University of Toronto joins an existing network of institutions which includes Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Athabasca University, Ryerson University, Queen’s University, McGill University, Concordia University, and TÉLUQ University. The University of Toronto is offering the following support to National Team Athletes:
A University of Toronto contact to act as an advocate for this collaboration and for student-athletes at University of Toronto;
Orientation and introduction to main point of contact for any academic-related student-athlete inquiries;
Access to student-athlete services programs (e.g. academic counselling, career counselling, mental health counselling, peer-to-peer study group, etc.);
Flexibility for student-athletes (with approval from a student’s course instructor or professor) for reduced course loads and the ability to postpone and resume studies, when applicable and related to sport commitments
Alternative and/or flexible assignment deadlines and alternative tutorial times for student-athletes (with approval from a student’s faculty or professor), when applicable and related to sport commitments
Assistance to navigate the University’s process for requesting academic deferrals when applicable and related to sport commitments
Access, without charge, for student-athletes, to aquatic center and varsity strength training centres.
Game Plan’s Education Coordinator and Game Plan Advisors will work alongside the university’s appointed staff to ensure student-athletes are supported.
The Education Network was launched as part of Game Plan, a holistic athlete wellness and transition program initiated in September 2015. Game Plan, powered by Deloitte, is Canada’s athlete wellness program that strives to support national team athletes to live better and more holistic lives. Through the development of their skills and network, athletes are able to focus on health, education, and career opportunities both during their high-performance career and beyond. The program helps to develop mentally stronger athletes who apply what they have learned as leaders in sport for the betterment of themselves and their communities.
QUOTES: “The University of Toronto and the Varsity Blues are proud to partner with such an important initiative. We pride ourselves on supporting the holistic development of all student-athletes enrolled at U of T and providing them the best opportunity to achieve both high performance sport and academic goals. The integration of Game Plan is a natural fit and extension of U of T’s commitment in support of Canada’s goals for high performance sport.” - Beth Ali, Executive Director, Athletics and Physical Activity, University of Toronto
“Our goal is for every national team athlete to have the opportunity to complete a post-secondary education while training. We know that balanced athletes – those with pursuits outside of sport – tend to perform better, stay in sport longer and have a smoother transition from sport. Our education network allows us to show athletes what options are available at what school. Bringing the University of Toronto into the network will help athletes training in Canada’s largest city find the balance they need to succeed in sport and life outside of sport.” - Thomas Hall, Game Plan Senior Manager, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist.
About Game Plan Game Plan is a collaboration between the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).
Contact: Thomas Hall Game Plan Senior Manager [email protected] 514-709-1054