The Sports Beat
By Brian Publicover
The past year has been a turbulent period for Canadian amateur sport, but several new federal initiatives seek to remedy the situation.
Heritage Minister Sheila Copps recently announced publication of a new handbook, “Speak Out . . . Act Now!”
The handbook is a belated response to last year’s Graham James sex scandal. James, a junior hockey coach, is serving a three-and-a-half year sentence for molesting his former players.
The guide offers a comprehensive look at abuse and harassment in amateur sport. It is a solid move towards presenting a clear definition of inappropriate behavior, introducing thorough screening processes for prospective coaches.
Copps hopes the guide will foster a safe environment for young athletes wishing to develop their skills. A cursory glance at “Speak Out . . . Act Now!” suggests the government is taking strides in the right direction.
Copps also announced the federal government would inject $50 million into high-profile amateur sports development. The grant fulfills a Liberal election promise.
With the Winter Olympics just a couple of weeks away, there has been an increased focus on amateur athletes. This is a welcome change from the 1996 Summer Games, which saw our Olympic athletes receive very little federal support.
Both the handbook and the federal grant have been met with enthusiastic approval from the sports community.
The handbook will likely prove to be an effective preventive measure, but it can’t conceal the indelible stain the events of the past year have left on Canadian amateur sport.
The funding proposal could not be more timely, which is why Copps’ motives are somewhat suspect. The feds are not willing to weather more criticism over their indifferent attitude to amateur sport. The Olympics stage is an ideal setting from which to wave a flag of support. The money will be useful, but not to athletes in Nagano. The timing of the announcement is deceptively opportunistic.
These initiatives may be positive, but they smack of damage control. The fact that these contributions have been a long time coming is overshadowed by the exuberant public response.
The government and Copps are applauded, and the community has little choice but to accept it with a smile.
You can’t bite the hand that feeds you, right?