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INTRODUCTION:

Game Plan, Canada’s Total Athlete Wellness Program, is currently seeking a Research Fellow to assist in the completion of a research study on the experiences of the athletes competing in the following Pan American and Para Pan American Games of 2019. 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 their personal betterment and that of their communities.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this research project is to explore athletes’ experiences planning and preparing for life after the Pan American Games and Para Pan American Games. More specifically, this study seeks to explore the role that sport-life balance plays on the following: athletes’ preparation leading up to the Games; post-Games career planning, and actual performance during the Games. This study will provide each athlete with the opportunity to share their experiences, whether they are retiring or continuing in their sport, in a confidential manner.

STRUCTURE:

This research intend to be the first of a series for each Pan American Games, in the same manner as the post-Olympic and Paralympic Debrief research. As such, much of the content would be new, but could be strongly inspired by the tools used in the last Post-Olympic and Paralympic Games debrief. The research method would include a survey, and might also include qualitative interviews. The successful applicant will take on the role of “Research Fellow” and be responsible for:

  • Data collection

  • Data analysis

  • Generation of the final written report

Access to participants and data collection will be assisted by Game Plan and its partners within the sport system (i.e. the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network, Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee).

BUDGET AND TIMELINE:

The project carries with it a $2 500 CAD honorarium. Additionally, any data/reports generated may be used for professional purposes (graduate research and/or professional publication). The successful applicant will be granted first authorship, with relevant Game Plan team members listed as additional authors.

Timeline

  • Data collection (estimated) October 2019 - January 2020 (to be coordinated with the Game Plan team and the circulation of a complimentary survey produced by Sport Canada - usually ~1 month after the Para Pan Ams end)

  • Data analysis – January - April, 2020

  • Report generation – May 2020

  • Note – these are rough estimates of dates, and as such, some deviation may be expected. Finalized completion dates will be discussed with the successful applicant.

TO APPLY: This project would be ideally suited for either an advanced graduate student or academic professional with a pre-existing research interest in athletic career transition. The successful applicant will be required to follow the ethical guidelines for conducting research as set out by the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA). To apply for this opportunity, submit a current CV, and cover letter outlining the following:

  • Explanation of research done to date; and

  • Explanation of how the current project fits with your overall research interests and goals.

    Deadline for applications: March 15, 2019

All inquiries and submissions for this project should be directed to: Sophie Brassard, Game Plan Advisor, Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence du Québec, sbrassard@faeq.com

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