The benefits of organized sports extend well beyond just physical health. Research shows that engaging in sports during childhood supports brain development and cognitive functioning (Tan et al., 2024). Other studies have shown that engaging in sports during childhood can be essential in developing  transferable life skills that they can be carried into adulthood (Jacobs & Wright, 2017).

Many of the challenges we experience in everyday life, like losing focus while studying, reacting impulsively, forgetting plans, or struggling to adapt when things change, are connected to a set of mental skills known as executive functions.

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of top-down cognitive processes that help us regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behavior (Diamond, 2013). In simple terms, they allow us to use our knowledge, experiences, and goals to guide our actions, especially when automatic responses are not enough. These processes are primarily managed by the prefrontal cortex (Miller & Cohen, 2001). They are essential for sustaining attention, adapting to change, and working toward long-term goals.

Socializing is often misunderstood as a personality trait or something only “extroverts” enjoy. In reality, social connection is not optional. It is biological. From infancy to old age, our brains are shaped by the relationships we form and the conversations we share.

When Indigenous cultures speak about movement, wellness, identity and land, they understand them as inseparable (n.d.). When you come in and take one part of that web, such as sport, you see that it cannot be separated from land. Sport is an extension of land-based living and traditional ways of moving. Organizations like North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the Alberta Indigenous Games (AIG) create environments where youth reconnect to place through culture, ceremony, and land-based activities. In this last blog entry, I explore how Indigenous sport becomes a pathway back to land connection. 

In celebration of Nowruz (The New Day) and the Persian New Year, March 21st, we are highlighting Persian Games in this blog post.

Self-esteem plays a crucial role for wellbeing of Indigenous youth. One study notes that higher self-esteem (linked to mindfulness) relates to lower psychological symptoms and trauma difficulties (Dion., 2017). Much of this trauma stems from historical experiences, particularly Residential Schools, and its impacts continue to affect Indigenous youth today.

We hope this booklet helps educators, families, and community groups bring more inclusive play into their spaces and spark new game ideas.

Transitions are a natural part of life. We are constantly transitioning from one stage to another, roles, routines, or responsibilities whether we are children, adolescents, or adults. Some changes that we face are good while some are bad, some are small while some are big, some are expected while some are unexpected. Even if it is a happy transition, we take time to adjust.

Building Brains Together worked with Tadiwanashe Natasha Matemera to learn about the traditional games of Zimbabwe.