True Sport communities, sport organizations, leagues and schools commit to these Principles for Communities.

Why do the Principles for Communities matter?

Good sport builds strong communities. When people come together through sport, they build friendships, skills, organizations, and even buildings that strengthen the fabric of their whole community. Kids and adults get healthier, and public spaces come alive. Communities that adopt the True Sport Principles for Communities recognize the great benefits that flow from good sport, and agree to work together to promote sport at its best.

Leadership matters. By promoting sport at its best--sport that is fair, excellent, inclusive, and fun --communities seize an opportunity to model positive values to citizens of all ages. When sports facilities are welcoming and safe, people feel good about sharing public space. When the contributions of volunteers, officials, coaches, and organizers are valued, people feel good about sharing their time and talent with their community. When ethical conduct is championed on the field, rink, and court, this reinforces honesty and respect in the classroom, in the workplace, and on the street.

Good sport and good health go hand in hand. The most important responsibility of any community is to promote its members' health and well-being, to help them thrive as individuals and as a collective. Good sport promotes physical health by encouraging active recreation and positive lifestyle choices. It also promotes social health by inviting people to pursue healthy activities together-- fostering a more socially connected community while reinforcing a culture of well-being. Good sport makes people and communities healthier.

Excellence is contagious. When a community achieves great things in sport--whether it sends an athlete to the Olympics or Paralympics, a local team to a provincial or national championship, or a high school hero to the major leagues--everyone feels inspired. Communities across Canada take great pride in their outstanding athletes, especially those whose character matches their accomplishments. One hometown hero inspires the next; when communities promote good sport, they set the stage for excellence and community pride in many fields of endeavour.