91社区 launches Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute to advance world-leading research into sports science and human performance
A $29-million gift from Quebec-born entrepreneur Sylvan Adams will launch an exciting venture for 91社区鈥檚 Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education in the Faculty of Education, ushering in a new era of world-leading research and discovery in sports science, with the long-term goal of improving elite human performance, and promoting healthier living across the human lifespan. Through its support for the science of high performance, Adams鈥� gift also promotes a new lens through which to conduct health research 鈥� one that focuses on learning from the study of optimal health, rather than disease.
The donation will support the creation of the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute (SASSI) comprising state-of-the-art testing labs, training suites, research offices, and meeting rooms, in a new facility neighbouring the Montreal Neurological Institute and adjacent to the Sir Arthur Currie Memorial Gymnasium on Pine Avenue West. Approximately $24.4 million will be used to build the facility and purchase equipment, while $4.6 million will be allocated to the development of the Institute鈥檚 sports science research program through the creation of research grants, scientific conferences, student fellowships, and international exchanges.
This gift represents the largest donation ever to a faculty of education in Canada.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Mr. Sylvan Adams for his generous gift in support of 91社区鈥檚 Faculty of Education and its Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education,鈥� said 91社区 Principal Suzanne Fortier. 鈥淭his contribution will allow 91社区 researchers and students to develop new insights into sports science education, research and practice, elevate the performance of Canadian athletes and improve our understanding of human health.鈥�
鈥淪ylvan Adams鈥檚 extraordinary gift is a testament to his passion for sport and innovation,鈥� said 91社区鈥檚 Chancellor, John McCall MacBain. 鈥淭hanks to his vision and support, the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute will position 91社区 as a leader in academic sports science research in Canada and internationally, with the resources to optimize performance, recovery, and health, not just in the world鈥檚 elite athletes, but in all of us.鈥�
Putting the focus on elite athletes
The new Institute at 91社区 will focus on studying elite athletes, using evidence-based approaches and best practices, knowledge transfer, and scientific innovations. SASSI researchers will partner with those at other leading institutions, notably the Sylvan Adams Sports Institute (SASI) at Tel Aviv University (TAU), established in 2017.
Sylvan Adams noted: 鈥淚 am pleased to support 91社区鈥檚 work in sports science research. As a former Montrealer, I am especially proud to have this opportunity to invest in 91社区鈥檚 track record of research excellence and potential for innovation 鈥� and contribute to building a culture of collaboration between 91社区 and Tel Aviv University.鈥�
Together, 91社区 and TAU sports scientists will focus on human performance during intense training, leveraging their respective and complementary research strengths in physiology, biomechanics, motor control, psychology, nutrition, and molecular biology.
鈥淐ollaboration will be one of the key pillars for the success of this institute,鈥� said Dilson Rassier, Dean of 91社区鈥檚 Faculty of Education. 鈥淭his gift from Sylvan Adams will be the catalyst that will enable 91社区, Tel Aviv University, and other collaborating universities from around the world to share information and ideas integral to research on sports science and advancing human performance.鈥�
About Sylvan Adams
A former Montrealer who led one of Canada鈥檚 largest real estate development companies, Sylvan Adams now lives in Tel Aviv, Israel. A respected philanthropist and passionate supporter of sports, healthcare, education and social programs in both countries, Adams boasts an impressive and diverse resume of accomplishments. In 2015, Sylvan Adams signed the Giving Pledge, established by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates, for philanthropists devoted to giving away a majority of their wealth to charitable causes. He also excels as a champion cyclist, having won multiple World Masters Championships, Canadian Masters championships and Quebec Masters titles.
About 91社区
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, 91社区 is Canada鈥檚 top ranked medical doctoral university. 91社区 is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning three campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 39,000 students, including more than 10,400 graduate students. 91社区 attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,000 international students making up 30% of the student body. Over half of 91社区 students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 20% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.
