September 24, 2010 (Ottawa, ON) – The True Sport Foundation today announced the creation of a new Fellowship in support of sport’s contribution to the well-being of individuals and the resilience of communities.

Each True Sport Fellowship offers an opportunity for an accomplished leader within the Canadian sport community to engage other sector leaders, in and out of sport, in exploring how we can better use sport and physical activity to address emerging opportunities and challenges. The Fellowship not only enables focused study, reflection and debate on key themes that are likely to shape sport and society over the long term, but it also offers a platform for testing new modes of communication, partnership and participatory learning. The True Sport Fellowship on Innovation is a one-year appointment and is supported by the Foundation through the organization’s human, financial and material resources as required.

The Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Bird as its first Fellow, effective December 1st, 2010. Mr. Bird is a highly respected sport leader who has established an impressive record in developing innovative approaches for the fulfillment of sport’s contribution to society. He is a two time Olympian who has experience with innovative practices through his contributions to organizations such as Own the Podium, Motivate Canada and Imagine Canada. Most recently, he has spent five years as the senior leader of the Sport Matters Group, putting engagement and shared leadership practices to work on public and sport policy.

“We are obviously excited that someone of Ian’s knowledge and experience has accepted the very first appointment to the True Sport Fellowship on Innovation” says Victor Lachance, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In fact, we are certain to learn from Ian about how to further develop this new Fellowship in a way that fulfills its potential to contribute to Canadian sport and society.”

“The True Sport Foundation offers much to communities and it’s now offering a great opportunity for me to be part of that process. The Fellowship on Innovation also allows me to work alongside and build on the work of the Sport Matters Group, particularly on how innovation comes about and embeds itself in complex systems, such as the juncture of sport and community life,” said Bird. “Amongst a ready group of partners and collaborators, we are holding open many more questions than we have answers for – a healthy set of conditions for the Fellowship and for the prospect of innovation.”

Mr. Bird will begin the first phase of the Fellowship in Canmore, Alberta. Further information on how to engage and contribute to the True Sport Fellowship on Innovation will soon be released and posted here: www.truesportpur.ca