Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches are set to receive $3.11 million in funding for mental health services this winter. The announcement was made by Secretary of Sport Adam van Koeverden, a former Olympic kayak champion, in Montreal ahead of the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Van Koeverden expressed the importance of providing this funding well in advance, ensuring there are no gaps in mental health services for athletes leading up to the Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. The funding, part of the federal government’s $16-million commitment from the 2024 budget to support athlete well-being, aims to address maltreatment, support individuals with concussions and mental health issues, and promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
The allocated $3.11 million for the 2025-26 period will be divided among the national network of sport institutes, Canadian Olympic Committee, and Canadian Paralympic Committee. Karen O’Neill, CEO of the CPC, emphasized the importance of mental health support in creating a healthy high-performance environment that prioritizes athlete well-being.
A portion of the funding will go towards Game Plan, a collaborative initiative of the three organizations, to assist athletes in their development and wellness throughout their careers and into retirement. This support system aims to help athletes manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges they may encounter.
The funding announcement aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s focus on mental health, following a study that revealed 34% of elite athletes experience anxiety and depression. As preparations for the 2026 Winter Games continue, the investment in mental health services underscores the commitment to supporting athletes’ holistic well-being.