The True Sport Experience: A values-based tool for educators

Can you tell us a little about The True Sport Experience and what inspired the development of this resource? 

The True Sport Experience is a three-volume resource designed for educators working with children and youth from age 6 to young adolescence. The resource provides a series of physical activities that help participants understand and apply the True Sport Principles and has been endorsed by PHE Canada.  
 
The True Sport Experience was inspired by previous initiatives like Fair Play for Kids, which focused on promoting fair play in sport. This resource takes a broader approach, integrating values-based learning alongside physical development to ensure that sport remains inclusive and enjoyable, and emphasizes character-building for all participants. It was developed by educators, for educators, and is focused on both physical literacy (basic movement skills) and ethical literacy (understanding and applying values) to support well-rounded development. 

What makes The True Sport Experience unique compared to other sport programs or resources currently available? 

The True Sport Experience is focused on both physical literacy and ethical literacy, which sets it apart from other resources in this space. Many programs focus on skill development or fair play, these three volumes integrate the seven True Sport Principles throughout every activity. The activities can be done in a variety of settings including physical education classes, club sports, after-school programs, and even in the classroom for academic subjects like social studies or language arts. 
 
It is unique because it employs a holistic approach, which includes developing physical literacy through fun, engaging activities, emphasizing ethical literacy by teaching children to make responsible, values-based decisions that are aligned with Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity (LTD) stages, ensuring that learning is appropriate for each child’s developmental stage. 

A Values-Based Approach 

True Sport is grounded in the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun. How do these values come to life within The True Sport Experience resource? 

The True Sport values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun are at the core of The True Sport Experience. The resource is designed to bring these values to life in tangible ways. For example: 

• Fairness and inclusion are emphasized in group activities where everyone participates equally, regardless of skill level. 
• Excellence is nurtured through challenges that encourage personal growth and strive for improvement. 
• Fun remains a key motivator, ensuring participants enjoy their learning experiences while developing both physical and ethical literacy skills. 

The seven True Sport Principles are a further articulation of the four values. When Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back are intentionally and consistently activated, it helps to create positive experiences and good sport cultures. To help realize these benefits, every activity in the resource aligns with one of the seven principles, allowing hands-on experience for participants. 

How can sport leaders, educators, and coaches use The True Sport Experience to promote a positive culture in their classroom or sport environment? 

The True Sport Experience provides educators, coaches, and recreation programmers with a framework to foster a positive sport culture. Leaders can create an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and focused on both personal growth and community building by integrating the seven True Sport Principles into activities. Using the resource will: 

• Promote a sense of belonging: Activities encourage teamwork and collaboration within a community or group, while also helping participants feel valued. 
• Instill core values: Educators can model the True Sport Principles and use the language in the resource to guide participants through a reflection of their behaviour and core values.  
• Create a fair and safe space: Activities foster inclusive competition and allow all participants to thrive, regardless of skill level. 

Impact on Children and Youth 

What are some of the key benefits of engaging children and youth in values-based activities like those in The True Sport Experience? 

The True Sport Experience has the potential to positively influence children and youth in multiple ways. There are several benefits that contribute to athletic growth and nurture them to become responsible, community-minded individuals. Through physical activity, participants develop both essential movement skills and a positive attitude toward physical activity, which increases the likelihood of a lifetime of participation in sport. Life skills like respect, responsibility, and teamwork can be emphasized through the True Sport Principles, which extend beyond the field of play to positively impact their social, academic, and personal lives. An intentional emphasis on ethical literacy encourages participants to reflect on their behavior, learn how to make decisions that align with the principles of good sport, and help them develop strong character and integrity. 

Have you noticed any specific challenges that young people face today that The True Sport Experience can help address? 

Today’s youth face increasing pressures related to mental health, body image, and social media. The True Sport Experience directly addresses these challenges by promoting positive sport experiences that focus on fun, respect, inclusion, and fairness. This approach helps combat negative behaviors like bullying and exclusion and helps to foster a healthy, supportive environments where participants can thrive. 
 
True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that supports the development of emotional well-being, helping children and youth navigate challenges in sport, school, and life. By focusing on the principles of good sport, the resource provides a foundation for participants to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. 

Can you share any success stories or feedback you have received from individuals who have implemented this resource? 

Educators and coaches have shared positive feedback about The True Sport Experience: 
 
Grant McManes, a retired educator and former True Sport Champion, shared: 
“I truly believe everyone deserves and should expect a positive sporting experience. Through this resource, educators, coaches, and others may set the stage for introducing the True Sport Principles in a fun and interactive way to children as they’re beginning to explore sport. This will allow them to both understand the principles and embody them throughout their daily and sporting experiences.” 
 
Amanda Stanec, owner of Move Live Learn, added: 
“Sport and physical activity don't magically teach life lessons, even though both are excellent vehicles to do so. The True Sport Experience resources help teachers, coaches, and recreation leaders be intentional about teaching the True Sport Principles in inclusive, fun, and upbeat environments. One of my favourite things about these resources is that they were created by physical educators, for physical educators, and so they exemplify quality teaching and best practices.” 

Inclusivity and Community  

How does The True Sport Experience ensure that sport is inclusive and accessible for all, regardless of skill level or background? 

The True Sport Experience places a strong emphasis on inclusion. Activities are designed to be accessible to participants of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate meaningfully. The resource also incorporates elements of Indigenous teachings, honoring the values of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth—principles that align closely with the True Sport Principles. This ensures that the resource is culturally responsive. Additionally, activities include differentiation instruction, and special considerations which ensures it is adaptable to diverse communities. 
 
The language and terminology used throughout the resource are also designed to be culturally responsive, inclusive and decolonized, ensuring that the content resonates with a broad range of participants, including newcomers. The resource also encourages a participant-centered approach, where educators and coaches can tailor activities to the specific needs of their participants.  

Practical Implementation 

For educators or coaches who are new to values-based sport, what advice would you give on getting started with The True Sport Experience? 

 
The resource is designed to be straightforward and easy to use. Getting started with The True Sport Experience is simple for those new to values-based sport - download any volume from the True Sport website, choose an activity, and follow the clear instructions. Every activity includes: 

• A description of the activity 
• Grade level and learning objectives tied to True Sport, ethical literacy, and physical literacy 
• Equipment and playing area requirements 
• Activity instructions, including Minds On, Activate, and Consolidate stages 
• Assessment tools, differentiation instruction, and special considerations 

Are there any supporting tools, workshops, or professional development opportunities offered alongside The True Sport Experience? 

In addition to the core resources, educators can visit the True Sport website to access tother tools and resources that are designed to deepen their understanding of the True Sport Principles. This flexibility ensures that True Sport can be implemented effectively in a variety of educational and community settings. 

Looking Forward 

What are your hopes for the future of The True Sport Experience and values-based sport in general? 

Looking ahead, the hope is that The True Sport Experience will become a central tool for educators across Canada. By fostering a culture of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun, educators and coaches who implement this resource, can inspire a generation of children and youth to live by the True Sport Principles and carry positive values with them throughout their lives. 
 
Download volumes 1-3 of The True Sport Experience for free and bring values-based sport to your classroom or community today! 
 
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