When sport is values-based it has the power to positively influence behaviour, in turn creating a good sport culture that instills character, strengthens communities, and increases opportunities for personal excellence. In 2022, the True Sport Athlete Ambassador Program launched in Nova Scotia, as a partnership between Sport Nova Scotia, Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic (CSI Atlantic) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). Sport Nova Scotia recognizes True Sport as an approach to foster a positive sport culture and this program is a component of its upstream approach to safe sport.
The program will engage and inspire a diverse cohort of athletes who believe in and live the True Sport Principles. They will use their voices and influence to share their passion for good sport with others. The program will identify support4sport vip coach-nominated athletes participating at all levels, from the playground to the podium to highlight the power of sport at all levels. The goal of this program is to increase awareness of the positive impact the True Sport Principles can have on the sport experience and to engage with communities by way of influential athletes who are leaders in activating True Sport.
During their scheduled month, the athlete will share their sport experience aligned with the True Sport Principles on social media. Athlete ambassadors are also encouraged to provide leadership within their sport community to activate True Sport. After the one-year commitment, athlete ambassadors become part of the alumni program, where they continue to promote and lead True Sport activation.