Ninth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

MLSE LaunchPad is a 42,000 sq ft. Sport for Development facility located in a social housing development in downtown Toronto, Canada. It is a place where youth use sport to recognize and reach their potential. Our focus is on achieving sustainable, wide-ranging social outcomes for youth facing barriers through a Sport for Development approach. Sport For Development is a specific methodology supported by extensive research that suggests the intentional use of sport and physical activity can build healthy communities and help people reach their full potential. We believe in combining sport and youth development programming with a commitment to measurement and evaluation to maximize impact for youth. The facility serves as a ‘living lab’ to explore and measure how sport can help improve the lives of youth. Our programming methodology supports 4 pillars of youth development: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready For School and Ready For Work. We will be offering a collaborative presentation of our Theory of Change, key learnings, and outcomes from our Sport Programming and Research and Evaluation teams.