BRAMPTON – A priority of the Government of Canada is to remove barriers to sport among under-represented populations to increase their participation. Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, highlighted $175,000 in financial support for community sport activities to 25 local organizations in Brampton. The funding is being distributed by national-level organizations receiving funding through the Community Sport for All Initiative.
Minister St-Onge made the announcement during a visit with Brams United Girls Soccer Club, one of the community organizations receiving funding from ParticipACTION. The Minister heard about the tremendous work the non-profit organization does to empower girls through the sport of soccer, helping them build self-confidence in a positive environment while providing a place to make friends, stay active and have fun.
The sport activities organized by the funded groups working at the community level—ranging from athletics and volleyball to Special Olympics and cricket—will help reduce barriers that hinder participation in sport, particularly in Black, Indigenous and racialized communities or among 2SLGBTQI+ groups, people with low incomes, newcomers and persons with disabilities.
“Support for community sport reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to building stronger and healthier communities. Sport plays an important role in building self-esteem and leadership skills, which allow people to grow and thrive physically, emotionally and socially. It should be accessible to all. Everyone deserves the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity.” – Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
“Sport, physical activity and recreation are catalysts to a healthier lifestyle, happier people and better-connected communities. Opportunities to play, move and learn new activities should be available for absolutely everyone. We are committed to supporting initiatives that will help us realize our goal of a more inclusive sport system that benefits all Canadians.” —Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and to the Minister of Sport
“Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the many benefits of physical activity so they can live a healthy life. The Community Sport for All Initiative is a vital investment that will help overcome barriers in physical activity and sport participation through inclusive, community-centred programming.” —Elio Antunes, President and CEO ParticipACTION