Cape Breton University to Celebrate Grand Opening of the Community Sport & Health Institute

Cape Breton University will celebrate the official opening of the Community Sport & Health Institute (CoSHI) on Thursday, December 11, at 2:30pm. The event will take place in the Kehoe Forum Multi-Purpose Room, Home of Women’s Hockey, followed by an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Coastal Lab in the Cape Breton Health & Recreation Complex.

The opening aligns with upcoming initiatives that continue to elevate CBU’s leadership in sport and health, including preparations for hosting the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and the inaugural Equity in Coaching Conference in 2026. The launch will also recognize the establishment of the Institute, acknowledge early achievements and introduce its mandate to campus and community partners.

“The Community Sport & Health Institute represents an important step forward for CBU as we continue to strengthen our leadership in community-engaged research related to sport and health,” says Dr. Bettina Callary, Director of Research. “With a hub for evidence-based community sport leadership that purposefully draws in marginalized groups such as women, aging adults, para-sport, and Indigenous participants and intentionally includes them in active for life opportunities, we have already begun to stand out as leaders across Canada and the world.”

For President and Vice-Chancellor David C. Dingwall, the launch reflects the University’s commitment to advancing social change through education, research and community partnership. “CoSHI will enhance the well-being of people in Cape Breton and across the country,” says President Dingwall. “By supporting innovative research and creating opportunities for inclusive participation in sport, the Institute strengthens CBU’s role as a leader in building healthier and more connected communities.”

Formed in 2025, the Institute aims to become a national leader in innovative solutions to issues related to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in community, sport and health. Its goals include improving access to sport, advancing inclusive coaching and leadership, strengthening community belonging and wellbeing and supporting healthy active aging. The Institute works closely with community partners across Cape Breton and Atlantic Canada and collaborates with researchers around the world.

“By combining research expertise, community relationships and a strong commitment to social change, the Institute is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact,” said Dr. Colin McLaren, Associate Director of Research. “Our early projects show the potential for long-term benefits for both individuals and communities.”

Since receiving Senate approval in January 2025, CoSHI has supported 14 funded research projects led by five faculty members, representing more than $300,000 in research activity. The

Institute has also contributed to 26 partner projects totaling more than $6.15 million. More than 1,000 participants have been engaged through eight community sport and health initiatives.

The Community Sport & Health Institute is located on the second floor of the Cape Breton Health and Recreation Centre, The Dome, on the CBU campus. For more information, contact Dr. Bettina Callary at bettina_callary@cbu.ca.