Air quality can make or break an athlete’s performance—but how do we know when it’s safe for us or our children to play? This webinar will explore the impact of wildfire smoke and air pollution on exercise and athletic performance, the importance of modifying training during poor air quality events, and provide resources and tips for athletes and sports organizations navigating air quality concerns.
Dr. Michael Koehle from UBC will dive into the science behind air pollution and its effects on the body during exercise. Kim Gurtler from The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) will introduce valuable air quality resources and training modules available to athletes and coaches, emphasizing the importance of checking the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) before outdoor activities. Cicero Viana from the Alberta Soccer Association will discuss the organization’s Air Quality Guidelines, and why clear protocols are essential for game-time decision-making.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports administrator, this session will provide practical guidance on keeping players safe and active, even when air quality is a concern.
Watch recording
Additional Resources
Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center
Personal strategies to mitigate the effects of air pollution exposure during sport and exercise
Alberta Soccer Association Air Quality Monitoring Guidelines
Environment – The Sport Information Resource Centre
Understanding Air Quality: A Guiding Document For Sport Organizations
Coaching Association of Canada
Using the Air Quality Health Index to make decisions about outdoor sport safety
Want to watch recordings of previous Clean Air Webinars?
Visit our Clean Air Webinars archive
Speakers
Dr. Michael Koehle, Professor
University of British Columbia (School of Kinesiology and Division of Sport & Exercise Medicine)
Michael Koehle MD PhD, is the Director of Sport & Exercise Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He is a Professor in both the School of Kinesiology and the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. His research focuses on the interaction between the human body and its environment, specifically how the body is affected by environmental stresses such as high altitude, heat, and air pollution. He practices Sport and Exercise Medicine at the UBC Sport & Exercise Medicine Centre. His research program combines exercise and environmental physiology ranging from basic mechanistic research to clinical field studies in remote environments and applied research for high-performance sport. Key research areas include high altitude medicine and physiology, and the physiology of exercise in polluted air.
Kim Gurtler, VP of OperationsThe Sport Information Resource Centre
Kim Gurtler is the Vice President of Operations at SIRC and is known as a go-to person for getting results. At SIRC, she does so by drawing on her business degree from the University of Ottawa, work experience, organizational skills, and ability to nurture fruitful relationships. Kim’s expertise and underlying positivity guide her in improving productivity, simplifying processes and managing projects effectively. She is accountable for overseeing finances and technological operations at SIRC. Kim is proud of founding Ringette for All, Canada’s first all-abilities ringette program for children living with disabilities. She continues to volunteer on committees to amplify the benefits of barrier-free sport through Ringette for All.
Cicero Viana , Manager of OperationsAlberta Soccer Association
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Cicero Viana has more than 15 years crafting compelling brand stories in the consumer goods industry, and he’s now dedicated to growing soccer in Alberta. As Manager of Operations at Alberta Soccer, Cicero leverages his strategic skills to support and elevate the beautiful game. He’s passionate about creating opportunities for players, coaches and referees of all levels. When he’s not working behind the scenes, you’ll find him on the field as a referee and coach, sharing his love for the sport.
For more information
Salina Fairbank, Engagement Coordinator
Alberta Capital Airshed
sfairbank@capitalairshed.ca