Analyzing data to predict the outcome of a golf tournament. Determining the nature and rate of injuries and illness between male and female athletes. Investigating the connections between kayaking and Niagara’s water ecosystems.

These are some examples of current research and scholarship related to the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games that began last year with support from the VPR Canada Games Grants program.

Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon says he is pleased to be offering a second round of funding this year.

“I hope we see applications for this program from researchers and scholars in all disciplines across the University,” says Kenyon.

“This is an opportunity for innovative, imaginative work that will strengthen Brock’s relationships with the community and that will allow our research and scholarship to get uptake beyond the University,” he says.

The purpose of the VPR Canada Games Grants program is to:

• allow for small-scale innovation and experimentation by providing funding to develop a research project or creative activity related to the Canada Games;
• enable researchers to hire students at any level to participate in their project or activity thereby contributing to their professional development; and
• build research capacity across all disciplines. Transdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

Grants are valued up to $7,000 per single project.

Last year, 11 researchers were awarded grants for a range of research and scholarship programs in four Faculties and the Brock Library.

Associate Professor of Theatre Praxis Karen Fricker was one of those recipients. Her research examines synergies between sports on, and in, water and circus performance.

“I have always been fascinated by the artistic activities that accompany mega-events such as the Olympic Games – specifically how performing arts spectacles are used to convey the values and ideals of sporting events,” she says.

“My research on contemporary circus has made me aware of parallels between high-performance athletes and professional circus artists such as aerialists, whose work too requires intensive training, skills-building and risk-taking.”

Fricker and her research partner, Welland-based circus artist and producer Holly Treddenick, aim to create a live performance to happen on, and in, the Welland Canal during the Canada Summer Games.

Brock University researchers and scholars wishing to apply the 2021 VPR Canada Games Research Grant should see the grant guidelines and application form posted on the Research Enterprise Sharepoint site (login is required).

An online information session will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. Those interested in attending should contact Research Officer Sharlee Cranston-Reimer at scranstonreimer@brocku.ca