As the Milan Cortina Winter Games unfold, Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s Secretary of Sport and a celebrated Olympic champion, shares his insights into the current state of Canadian sports. With the nation’s athletes striving for success on the world stage, the discourse surrounding funding and sport accessibility remains paramount. Van Koeverden’s reflections highlight both the achievements and challenges faced by athletes as they pursue Olympic glory.
A Personal Perspective on Olympic Spirit
During an event at the Canadian consulate in Milan, van Koeverden, a former Olympic kayak champion with a decorated background, expressed his admiration for athletes competing in winter sports. “Watching these competitors, not just from Canada but around the globe, fills me with a deep sense of respect and awe,” he remarked. As a Liberal MP representing Burlington North-Milton West, van Koeverden has been an advocate for sports since his election in 2019, and he is acutely aware of the pressures that accompany the Olympic spotlight.
With Canada currently standing at three silver and four bronze medals but yet to claim gold, the nation finds itself in a precarious position. This marks a significant moment in history, as Canada’s Olympic team has not reached the top of the podium since the 1988 Calgary Games, where the home team faced a similar fate.
The Call for Increased Funding
The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees are actively lobbying for enhanced core funding from the federal government, seeking a $144 million increase by 2025. Core funding is crucial for national sport organisations (NSOs) as it underpins the operations necessary to support athletes, coaches, and support staff. The last adjustment to this funding occurred in 2005, leading many to describe it as the “blood in the veins” of the sports system.
Despite recent federal budgets passing without any increase in core funding, the government did manage to raise athlete assistance cheques by $410 in the 2024 budget. However, David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, has pointed out that athletes are being forced to accomplish more with diminishing resources.
Van Koeverden acknowledged that while the federal government allocates approximately $266 million annually to sports, there remains room for improvement in funding distribution, especially concerning core support. He emphasised that over the last seven years, the athlete assistance programme has seen a 45 per cent increase, alongside expanded mental health services and support for student-athletes.
The Vision for Inclusive Sport
Van Koeverden believes that the objective of the sport system should extend beyond merely cultivating Olympians. “We need to ensure everyone has access to sport, regardless of their financial situation or background,” he stated. His vision focuses on lowering barriers to participation, arguing that funding should not only be about enhancing Olympic performance but also about fostering community engagement and inclusivity in sports.
The Secretary of Sport highlighted that while performance at the Olympic Games is important, the broader benefits of sport, including social development and community health, must also be recognised. “When we invest in sport for all, we indirectly support Olympic success, as a vibrant sports culture lays the groundwork for elite performance,” he explained.
Infrastructure Investments and Future Prospects
The federal government has begun to channel funding into sports infrastructure, with plans in the 2025 budget to support the construction and revitalisation of facilities such as pools and arenas. Van Koeverden noted a substantial increase in funding for these projects, emphasising the importance of building new venues to support future generations of athletes.
When discussing the potential for Canada to host future Olympic or multi-sport events, van Koeverden pointed out that the initiative primarily rests with local governments rather than the federal administration. However, he believes that the infrastructure developed for such events can leave a lasting legacy, benefitting communities long after the Games have concluded.
He cited the Milton velodrome, built for the 2015 Pan American Games, as a prime example of how multi-sport events can lead to enduring facilities that serve both athletes and the public.
Why it Matters
The challenges faced by Canadian athletes and the broader sports community are critical as the nation aspires for excellence on the global stage. Funding dynamics, the push for inclusivity, and infrastructure development are all vital components in sustaining a thriving sports ecosystem. As Canada prepares for future competitions, ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to shine—and that the support systems are in place to foster this talent—will be essential for the country’s success and for inspiring the next generation of athletes.
