News

The Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies (GARLS) will host its 33rd annual Research Symposium on May 8, 2026 at the University of Waterloo. Centered on the theme “Leisure for Everyone,” the symposium brings together graduate students and scholars to share research, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions across leisure, sport, and recreation fields. The event is co-chaired by CSRG members Sarah Dunbar and Mathew Szeremeta.

Dr. Heather Mair and PhD candidate Laura Leitch have been engaged at major curling events including the Scotties, Brier, and World Championships examining how the sport can become more inclusive and accessible. Their work connects elite sport settings with community sport development and contributes to ongoing conversations around equity, access, and belonging.

Dr. Luke Potwarka and PhD candidate Adam Pappas are partnering with the Region of Waterloo to study the social and economic impacts of sport events. Their work gathers spectator and tourism insights to help enhance Kitchener-Waterloo as a host destination.

Dr. Kaleigh Pennock and Dr. Braeden McKenzie recently joined HEADCHECK Health Talks to discuss their latest research. Their work highlights key limitations in current concussion education practices in youth sport and calls for a more equitable and responsibility-focused approach to concussion prevention.

Dr. Pennock will be featured on a panel on safe, inclusive, and holistic sport at the Ontario Sport Community Summit on November 19^th. Hosted by partners from MLSE LaunchPad, the Ontario Sport Network and Brock University, the panel will discuss the importance of fostering, safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces across all levels of sport participation.

Dr. Pennock delivered a talk for Parks and Recreation Ontario entitled ‘From Participants to Partners:

Transforming Youth Engagement, Access, and Inclusion in Recreation’. Drawing from her research in risk, responsibility, and harm in youth sport, Dr. Pennock discussed why rethinking the way we engage with today's youth is essential for increasing youth engagement, improving mental health outcomes, and uplifting future recreation and sport leaders.

Laura Leitch, a key member of our research group, is helping lead the growth of accessible curling at the Ilderton Curling Club. This episode of Community Curling highlights the club’s thriving wheelchair curling program, shaped by Laura’s commitment to inclusion and athlete support. Featuring insights from curlers and Paralympian Mark Ideson, the story showcases a community where athletes of all abilities can thrive.

Two members of our research group, Laura Leitch PhD student and Dr. Heather Mair, have created a short, evidence-informed video designed to help curling clubs attract and retain more young participants.

To learn more about their research and ongoing projects, visit the Partners transforming curling website.

Dr. Katie Misener presented findings from a multi-country collaboration at the first International Congress on Safe Sport Research. The team examined safeguarding in youth and community sport, highlighting challenges related to limited resources, unclear volunteer roles, and inconsistent engagement with Safe Sport policies. The research emphasizes the need for stronger, more sustainable safeguarding practices across community sport organizations.

Dr.Luke Potwarka joined CBC’s The Morning Edition to discuss his latest study exploring sport viewership through a neuroscience approach. The interview offered insight into how fans experience live sporting events on a cognitive level.