University of Waterloo Recreation and Leisure Studies

🎨 A look back at the Faculty of Health Art Hive with Zara Rafferty! The Art Hive provided students with an opportunity to take a creative break, unwind and connect with others through art in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Zara, students were encouraged to explore their creativity, try something new and take some time away from the busy school day. No artistic experience was needed, just an opportunity to create and connect. Thank you to Zara and everyone who joined us and helped make the Art Hive a great experience! Keep an eye out for more Art Hive opportunities throughout the term.

Today, we honour Rowan’s Law Day and the legacy of Rowan Stringer. The last Wednesday of each September is Rowan’s Law Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about concussion safety. Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018 was established in memory of Rowan, a 17-year-old student from Ottawa who died in 2013 after suffering multiple concussions while playing high school rugby. In the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, researchers in the RISE Youth Sport Lab are examining concussion safety in youth sport, including how concussion information is created and shared, how athletes make decisions about potential injuries and the factors that can influence injury reporting. As Dr. Kaleigh Pennock shares, “Keeping young people safe in sport is a shared responsibility, and concussion education works best when everyone involved in sport is part of the conversation.” Concussion safety is a shared responsibility. By continuing research, education and conversations around concussion safety, we can work toward safer and more supportive sport environments for young people. 💜 Join us in honouring Rowan’s legacy by wearing purple and helping raise awareness about concussion safety in sport and recreation.

📚 A look back at REC 256! Taught by Dr. Diana Parry, Ph.D, students recently explored Fostering Inclusion and Belonging in Community, examining how recreation and leisure can contribute to more inclusive and connected communities. As part of the course, students welcomed Frances Dunhann, CEO of Hope for Community Development, for a Community Practice Spotlight featuring Next Gen Photography. The guest presentation provided students with an opportunity to connect course concepts with community practice and explore how inclusion and belonging can be fostered beyond the classroom. Thank you to Francess for sharing her experience and insights with our students! #UWaterloo #UWaterlooRLS #CommunityDevelopment #RecreationAndLeisure #ExperientialLearning

🩺 A look back at our latest Health Clinical Skills Lab! Hosted by Dr. Kimberly Lopez from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and co-facilitated with health practitioners, the session focused on Medical Abbreviations and Documentation, providing Faculty of Health students with an opportunity to develop practical skills used across health disciplines. Students explored common medical abbreviations, professional shorthand and documentation conventions while learning how clear communication and documentation can support continuity and collaborative care. Through interactive activities and discussion, students were able to put these skills into practice and build on their learning beyond the classroom. Thank you to Dr. Lopez, our health practitioner facilitators and all the students who joined us! The Health Clinical Skills Lab Series continues throughout the fall term, with more opportunities for students to develop practical, real-world clinical skills. #UWaterloo #UWaterlooHealth #UWaterlooRLS #ClinicalSkills #ExperientialLearning

🎉 Congratulations to RLS alum Karli Bourque on receiving the 2026 Pat Mandy Inclusion Award from Hamilton Health Sciences! Karli, a former Recreation and Leisure Studies student and current therapeutic recreationist with Hamilton Health Sciences, was recognized for her commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Through her work in Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation at McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, Karli supports children and families in accessing meaningful, inclusive recreation opportunities while advancing accessibility and equitable care. Her work highlights the important role therapeutic recreation can play in supporting well-being, inclusion and meaningful participation. As Karli shares, “I get to ensure kids get to be kids in ways that are meaningful and supportive to them.” Congratulations, Karli, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏 Read more about Karli’s work and the Pat Mandy Inclusion Award: https://lnkd.in/esCT7gsQ #UWaterloo #UWaterlooRLS #TherapeuticRecreation #RLSAlumni #InclusiveRecreation

Congratulations to David P., a PhD student in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, on receiving the Faculty of Health Teaching Assistant Award for Summer 2026! 🎉 David’s research explores how digital media shapes our experiences of sport, events and festivals. His dedication to teaching, mentorship and student success has made a meaningful impact on the Waterloo community. The Faculty of Health Teaching Assistant Award recognizes TAs who go above and beyond their expected duties and make a meaningful difference in their students’ learning experiences. David shared that receiving this recognition means a great deal to him, and he looks forward to continuing to give back and make the department proud. Please join us in congratulating David on this well-deserved achievement! 👏 #UWaterloo #UWaterlooHealth #UWaterlooRLS #TeachingExcellence #GraduateStudies

🩺 Looking to build your clinical skills beyond the classroom? New for Fall 2026, the Health Clinical Skills Lab Series gives Faculty of Health undergraduate students the opportunity to develop practical, real-world clinical skills through recurring, interdisciplinary sessions. This term’s sessions will explore: • Medical abbreviations and documentation • Common medical devices, vitals and clinical scales • Cultural humility and anti-oppressive practice Labs are co-facilitated with health practitioners, lunch is provided and attendance may count towards a Certificate of Participation. 📍 EXP 1686 ⏰ 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 📅 Sessions run September through November Registration opens on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Learn more and register: uwaterloo.ca/rec/clinical #UWaterloo #UWaterlooHealth #ClinicalSkills #ExperientialLearning #StudentExperience

🏃 The 2026 Faculty of Health Fun Run is coming up! Join us on Saturday, September 19 as part of UWaterloo Homecoming for one of the University of Waterloo’s longest-standing traditions. Participants can choose between a 2.5 km or 5 km run, jog or walk. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and community members of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part. 📍 Health Expansion Building (EXP) ⏰ Registration begins at 8 a.m. 🏁 Race starts at 9:30 a.m. Come out, get moving and be part of a great Faculty of Health tradition! Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gcna4na2 #UWaterloo #UWaterlooHealth #UWaterlooHomecoming #FunRun #HealthyWaterloo

New Research from RLS RLS graduate student Bryson Boddy and Luke Potwarka recently published Gambling Research in Sport Management: A Scoping Review in the Journal of Sport Management. The study examines 101 research articles to identify key themes and gaps in the sport management literature on sports gambling. Congratulations to Bryson and Luke on this contribution to the field.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close, Recreation and Leisure Studies professor Dr. Luke Potwarka and PhD candidate Cary Foo explored how multicultural identities can shape the teams Canadians choose to support. Recently published in The Conversation Canada, their article, World Cup Identity Crisis: Who to Root For When You Feel Torn Between Your Birth Country and Your Home, examines the intersection of sport, identity, belonging, and multiculturalism through the lens of international sport. Cary also joined 880 CHED to continue the conversation, discussing the research and its relevance throughout the tournament. Listen to Cary's interview in the comments below.  https://lnkd.in/grbErAb3