Navigating body image, relationships with food, and disordered eating with young athletes can be intimidating for coaches and caregivers. The stakes are high, and athletes aren’t always open to having honest conversations about these sensitive topics.

To support learning about a holistic approach to athlete well-being, the CCES developed BodySense – an interactive e-learning course that includes self-reflection and self-assessment activities as well as tools, resources, and useful links for athletes to explore. The course will:

• educate and enhance athletes’ awareness and knowledge on how to navigate body image,
• bring balance to both their physical and mental health, and
• work towards greater respect and compassion for their body within and outside of sport.

BodySense is designed for athletes of all genders, and the primary audience is adolescents in the Train to Train and Train to Compete stages of the Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity framework. BodySense also aligns with True Sport – an initiative designed to give Canadians a platform to express their commitment to good sport and foster positive sport experiences. The True Sport Principles are integrated into the course and are presented as actions that athletes can take to live the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun.

The course was developed with researchers and sport leaders to leverage their subject matter expertise. It takes a preventative approach to body image and disordered eating and aims to foster sport environments that provide positive, healthy, safe, and fulfilling sport experiences.

Visit the True Sport website for more information.