Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches are set to receive $3.11 million in funding for mental health services this winter. The announcement was made by Secretary of Sport Adam van Koeverden, an Olympic kayak champion, in Montreal. The funding aims to ensure continuous support for athletes leading up to the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Van Koeverden emphasized the importance of providing certainty in services for athletes well ahead of the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics. He highlighted that mental health services are crucial for athlete well-being and performance, stating that it is fundamental to all aspects of their endeavors.
The Winter Olympic Games in Italy are scheduled to take place from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 6 to March 15. The funding stems from the federal government’s commitment of $16 million in the 2024 budget to support the holistic well-being of athletes and coaches.
The allocated funding over two years is dedicated to addressing and preventing maltreatment, supporting individuals with concussions and mental health issues, as well as promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the sports community. The $3.11 million for 2025-26 will be divided among the national network of sport institutes, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
Karen O’Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, stressed the importance of mental health support in creating a healthy and athlete-centered high-performance environment. Part of the funding will go towards Game Plan, a collaborative initiative aimed at assisting athletes in their development and wellness throughout their careers and into retirement.
Van Koeverden highlighted the trust athletes have in their support systems, including performance psychologists, emphasizing the significance of open communication for managing stress and anxiety. The International Olympic Committee’s Mental Health Action Plan, launched in 2023, recognized the prevalence of anxiety and depression among elite athletes, further underscoring the importance of mental health support in the sports realm.