Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches are set to receive $3.11 million in funding for mental health services 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 providing timely support to athletes, ensuring no gaps in mental health services leading up to the Olympics and Paralympics. The funding, part of a $16-million commitment from the federal government’s 2024 budget, aims to enhance the well-being of athletes and coaches over a two-year period.
The allocated $3.11 million for 2025-26 will be distributed among the national network of sport institutes, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. This funding will also support Game Plan, a collaborative initiative focused on assisting athletes with their career development and well-being, both during their active years and in retirement.
Acknowledging the critical role of mental health support in creating a healthy high-performance environment, CPC Chief Executive Officer Karen O’Neill highlighted the athlete-centered approach that prioritizes well-being. This funding boost aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s Mental Health Action Plan, which addresses the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes, with studies showing that 34% experience anxiety and depression.
As Canada prepares for the upcoming Winter Games in Italy, the investment in mental health services underscores the commitment to providing essential support for athletes’ overall well-being and performance.
