By Cindy McGlynn
Sports, physical activity and recreation (SPAR) are crucial to good health and thriving communities. They’re also great for the economy, though measuring impact has been difficult—until now. Online SPAR Impact Calculators—developed by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association—summarize the economic and health value of an organization or project. They show:
• How much a project reduces costs related to illness, mental health and pollution.
• How much an event contributes to the local economy through jobs, tourism and spending.
Published March 2026
