Paving the Pathway for Girls in Athletics

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Paving the Pathway for Girls in Athletics

On July 11th 2026, from 10:00a to 11:30a
At Foote Field in the Multi-Purpose Room

In conjunction with the Edmonton Athletics Invitational, Athletics Alberta is proud to be hosting an in-person presentation on Paving the Pathways for Girls in Athletics.

This event is important for parents, coaches, teachers, club administrators and sports leaders. It will help them better understand the ways that they can best support girls in our sport to continue and thrive.

Kurt Michael Downes is the keynote speaker, and he will be presenting the findings from his PhD Research Study: Coaching Perspectives on the Sex Differences in Athletic Performances Across Track and Field Events. Following his address an expert group of panelists will share their insights and practical methodologies on how to pave the pathway for improved retention of girls in Athletics. The panelists include: Kim Cousins, James Holder, Jason Kerr and Molly Killingbeck.

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Kurt Michael Downes – is the head coach of the Border City Athletics Club in Windsor, Ontario. Kurt just completed his doctoral degree on sex-based performance trends in Athletics, and he has identified some challenges that teenage girls face along the Athlete Development Pathway.

Kim Cousins – is the Head Coach of the Calgary Track and Field Club. CALTAF is Alberta’s largest Track & Field Club, and it is one of the biggest and best in Canada. Not only do they retain a huge number of girls in their club with deliberate intention, but Coach Development is also a top priority.

James Holder – is an alumni athlete of the University of Calgary who is also an assistant coach for the Dinos. From his decathlon days James has evolved into one of the top NCCP learning facilitators for Athletics Alberta and one of the top national team coaches for Athletics Canada in the Jumps and Combined Events.

Jason Kerr – is the Head Coach of the Track and Field Program at the University of Guelph. The Guelph Griffins are known for consistently placing on the top of the podium at the USPORTS Championships, and many of the athletes (especially the women) excel from the collegiate level to represent Athletics Canada on the International stage.

Molly Killingbeck – is Athletics Canada’s East HUB Lead at the Toronto Track & Field Centre located at York University in Ontario. Molly is an Olympian who has a wealth of expertise in the world of women in sport. From the grassroots level to the Olympics Molly has experienced it all as an athlete, coach and sports leader.

This event is FREE and Professional Development points will be awarded to those who include their NCCP# upon registration.