OTTAWA – Sport has the power to help build stronger and healthier communities. To provide more Canadians with opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport, Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, announced more than $16.7 million in funding through the Community Sport for All Initiative. Through this investment, 39 National Sport Organizations (NSO) will be able to give Canadians access to and stay involved in sport in communities from coast to coast to coast.
The Community Sport for All Initiative supports NSOs in establishing more accessible and locally organized sport programs aimed at reducing barriers to participation, particularly among Black, Indigenous and racialized communities as well as 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, people with low incomes and newcomers.
Initiatives include drop-in experiences, multi-week programs, youth day camps and the acquisition of equipment to improve access to sport and physical activity. Funding will also be used for the development of educational resources for community-based sport organizations to increase participation and retention rates.
The minister made the announcement during a visit to the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (Boccia Canada) in Ottawa. The organization is receiving $86,500 to support opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in boccia through their Take the Shot Program.
“Our government encourages all Canadians to pursue healthy lifestyles. Sport plays an important role in this by helping Canadians build the skills they need to grow and thrive physically, mentally and socially. Through the Community Sport for All Initiative, we are working with the sport community to make sport inclusive, welcoming and equitable for everyone.” – Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity