Scholar, educator and Olympic athlete Bruce Kidd received an honorary doctor of laws from 91ɫ on Oct. 14 and shared a message of advocacy, inclusion and social responsibility with the graduating class.
Kidd is a professor emeritus and founding dean of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education whose career has influenced sport and physical education in Canada. A member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Kidd has spent more than five decades advocating for human rights and athletes' rights while advancing national sport initiatives.
Parissa Safai, vice-president equity, people and culture, introduced Kidd as “an internationally recognized expert on sport history, policy and political economy,” during the Fall Convocation ceremony.
“We honour your commitment to the physical, social and civic well-being of people and communities around the world, and your call to protect access to sport and physical education for all,” she said.
In his address to graduands, Kidd reflected on a lifelong connection to 91ɫ. His father, educator J. Roby Kidd, was among the University's founders and helped champion its commitment to accessibility, inclusion and innovative approaches to learning.
Recalling stories he heard around the family dinner table, Kidd said he grew up listening to discussions about the creation of 91ɫ and its mission to serve students whose educational goals might otherwise be out of reach.
"In the 66 years since, 91ɫ has realized those visions and prospered far beyond the dreams of its founders," he said. "And it's always retained its progressive focus. I followed your fortunes with a son's pride ever since."
Kidd also reflected on his own time as a 91ɫ graduate student and shared a formative piece of advice he received from economics professor Ian Macdonald.
"I said, 'Professor Macdonald, can I still be a world-class athlete and a top student at the same time?' And he smiled and said, 'You'll never know unless you try.'"
That willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities became one of the central themes of his address.
"Always have a plan, but when an intriguing opportunity comes along that you never expected, and it looks interesting, give it a try," he said.
Having competed at a time when athletes were expected to remain silent on social and political issues, Kidd said he came to recognize the inequalities that existed within sport and began using his platform to advocate for change.
Drawing on experiences that included competing at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games following South Africa's expulsion over apartheid policies, Kidd became involved in the international campaign against apartheid sport, a movement that helped isolate the regime from global competition.
"The lesson is wherever you can, be it in sport, health, education, or something else, be aware of your circumstances and employ that knowledge to advance progressive change," he said.
"The challenges are daunting, but there's always something you can do to include the unjustly excluded, and call out unfairness," he said.
Turning to the struggles facing society today, Kidd encouraged Faculty of Health graduands to use their education and expertise to address two issues he considers urgent public health concerns: declining rates of physical activity and the rise of sports betting and online gambling.
“As your lives after graduation become even more stressful, don't forget that we are embodied creatures,” he said.
“Be sure to develop a regime of physical activity and healthy eating that gives you pleasure and satisfaction for yourself and your families help realize such opportunities for the entire community.”
Kidd encouraged graduands to combine professional excellence with a commitment to social responsibility as they move into the next step of their journeys.
"Today, more than ever, we need professionals in every field who will not only be very good at what you do, but look out for others and serve as beacons for innovative, effective, inclusive and equitable change."