Preface

Abstract

Over the past year, we have faced challenging and traumatic times related to the global pandemic, political unrest and divide, and racial and social injustices. It would be negligent on my part if I did not contextualize our current world when planning for and disseminating research through the SHAPE America research program of the 2021 Virtual National Convention. The global pandemic has limited opportunities for face-to-face engagement whether that has been with our teaching or scholarly endeavors. Some research studies were halted while others were sparked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, we were part of a contentious Presidential election, an insurrection on the nation’s Capitol, and repeated and continuous systematic racial injustice that permeates all aspects of our humanity. The catechism of the divide is wide and ever expanding. We have much work to do as a nation, as an organization, and as individual educators and scholars in our respective fields. Across this program, you will see examples of research that was conducted specifically on COVID-19 and social justice and equity issues and despite the limitations bestowed upon us, quality scholarship occurred offering a robust research program as part of the 2021 convention. Across the program, there are 191 total presentations conducted under eight research topics: Adapted Physical Activity/ Education, Exercise Science, Measurement and Evaluation, Motor Behavior, Motivation and Psychology, Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Sociocultural and Social Justice Issues, Sport and Coaching, and Teaching and Learning. The presentation formats include 21 oral sessions, 7 poster sessions, 3 round tables, and 7 symposia. The program also includes Student Worksin-Progress poster sessions. A salient part of the research program is the distinguished lecture series that are selected by the Research Council. The following scholars were selected as the 2021 Distinguished Scholars: