Canada has allocated $3.11 million in funding for mental health services to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches during the upcoming winter season.
The announcement was made by Secretary of Sport Adam van Koeverden, a former Olympic kayak champion, in Montreal ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Van Koeverden emphasized the importance of ensuring continuous services for athletes more than 100 days prior to the Olympics and Paralympics to avoid any disruptions.
The funding, part of the federal government’s $16 million commitment in the 2024 budget to enhance athlete well-being, will be used to address mental health issues, prevent maltreatment, and promote inclusion and accessibility.
The money will be distributed among various organizations, with $1.5 million going to the national network of sport institutes, $1.46 million to the Canadian Olympic Committee, and $150,000 to the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
This financial support aims to create a supportive and athlete-focused high-performance environment that prioritizes the well-being of individuals, as stated by CPC chief executive officer Karen O’Neill.
A portion of the funding will benefit Game Plan, a collaborative initiative aimed at assisting athletes in their career development and overall wellness, both during their active years and post-retirement.
Van Koeverden highlighted the vital role of mental health support in athlete performance, recounting his own experiences seeking guidance from performance psychologists during stressful times.
The International Olympic Committee’s Mental Health Action Plan, initiated in 2023, highlighted the prevalence of anxiety and depression among elite athletes, with 34 percent reportedly experiencing these challenges based on a 2019 study.