BUILDING ON OUR PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Welcome to the 2023 summer issue of Pursuit

As we emerge from an unprecedented time in our world’s history, we are being challenged to address the problem of inequitable access to quality physical activity, school and community sport experiences – inequities that existed before the pandemic and have been exacerbated by it. KPE is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. With existing strengths in health promotion and a longstanding commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in our programs and services, we are well equipped to take up the challenges ahead and to make impactful contributions to the health and well-being of our communities, the nation and beyond.

With this in mind, I am excited to share with you the Faculty’s new Academic Plan, launched in February. Over the next five years, the Faculty will continue its commitment to the mission of developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health, while offering a refined vision of excellence in advancing healthy living through inclusive movement. The article, Transformation in Motion, goes into greater detail about our strategic priorities and aspirations for the future.

As you will see from our cover story, the Faculty is a lead partner in an exciting new research enterprise, the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS) established in May 2022 with a $20-million gift from the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation. TISS will be one of the largest centres for sport science and sport medicine in North America, bringing together sport and exercise researchers at our Faculty, clinician scientists in sport medicine at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and clinicians and researchers at Toronto’s Sinai Health. The cutting-edge research they produce will play a leading role in advancing high performance sport in a manner that is healthy, safe, welcoming and inclusive.

Our thriving alumni community has long contributed to the success of the Faculty. You are a continual source of pride and inspiration for us all, in particular for the new generations of students at the Faculty. I am excited about the future we have collectively envisioned and I look forward to working with you and building upon our Faculty’s strengths to contribute in significant ways to a healthier, happier and more just society. This is our moment. Let’s get moving!

With best wishes,

Gretchen Kerr, Dean Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education