2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the Ottawa Sport Council and offered the opportunity to reflect on the OSC’s work over the last decade, and look forward to the future. Earlier this year, we welcomed two new board members and elected a new board president. Jennifer Dumoulin joined as a director, and Muhamad Adatia joined as our treasurer. Mathieu Fleury, co-founder of the Ottawa Sport Council and former Ottawa City Councillor and Sport Commissioner, was elected President. David Gourlay and Chadi Azzi stepped down from the Board after several years of service. The OSC is thankful for David for his leadership as Board President over the last two years, and Chadi who provided legal expertise to the Board over his tenure.

The 2023 Ottawa Sport Council Community Opportunity Grant

On July 13th , we announced the two recipients of the 2023 Ottawa Sport Council Community Opportunity Grant. Gay Ottawa Volleyball (GOV) and Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey were each awarded $2,000 by Their Opportunity to support children and youth who face socio-economic barriers to participation in sport and underrepresented and marginalized populations.

Gay Ottawa Volleyball’s 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Volleyball program will create programming where 2SLGBTQ+ youth can make friends and feel safe among their peers while learning and playing volleyball. GOV will work with its 2SLGBTQ+ youth-serving partners, including Ten Oaks Project and Ottawa Youth Services Bureau, to recruit participants that may not have access to safe spaces in sport.

Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey’s Stick Together program provides barrier-free access to field hockey for Indigenous youth, aged 8-14, in the Ottawa region. The program includes various activities designed to introduce participants to the sport, foster their skill development, and promote a sense of belonging. Nepean Nighthawks will provide free registration, equipment, and transportation for participants in the program.

Welcoming new Community Sport Heroes

In 2023, we acknowledged six new Community Sport Heroes.

February’s Community Sport Hero was Ottawa Pride Hockey (OPH). OPH is a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive group that offers pick-up hockey scrimmages and league-play hockey teams. Ottawa Pride Hockey demonstrates the need for community sport to offer safe spaces for equity-deserving groups.

Elaine Brimicombe was named April’s Community Sport Hero. She has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Valley Curling Association as well as the Ontario Curling Association (CurlON) since 2015, and has been instrumental in events like the 2016 Tim Hortons Brier in Ottawa as well as developing community programs like wheelchair curling at the RA Centre.

LeeAnn Napiorkowski was our June Community Sport Hero for her outstanding contributions to the Ottawa sport community through her work with the Canadian Jax Unified Rugby Football Club.

The Surad Youth Soccer Club (SYSC) was named as our August Community Sport Hero. They have been a part of the community since 2012, when a small group of parent volunteers came together to create a new youth soccer opportunity for the Ottawa Somali community.

Manock Lual, the founder of Prezidential Basketball, was nominated as our October Community Sport Hero. Prezdential Basketball’s focus on racialized youth from low-income neighborhoods is critical as the intersection of multiple marginalized identities can result in an amplification of barriers faced by any one identity on its own (as stated in the True Sport Report 2022).

Julien Leblanc was chosen as our December Community Sport Hero. Julien is the Founder and President of Blueprint North America. He has been a tireless supporter of community sport in Ottawa, and has been incredibly generous with his time, expertise and experience with the OSC over the last ten years.

Ottawa Sport Summit

In November, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with the annual Ottawa Sport Summit. This year’s summit was focused on the Past, Present, and Future. We held workshops that focused on challenges with volunteering and funding. We participated in an activity with Derek Johnston, where our members submitted their “Big Honkin’ Ideas” to move community sport into the future. Finally, Julien Leblanc gave a fascinating presentation on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sport. Thanks to the generous support of our members, we raised $1100 for the OSC Foundation.

As we look back on 2023, as well as the past 10 years, we are incredibly proud of the work put forward by all of our members to create a better community sport landscape in Ottawa. We look forward to continuing this work in 2024, and beyond. Here’s to the next ten years!

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to announce the hiring of its new project manager, Luke McGrath.

McGrath joins the OSC as a recent graduate of the Sport Business Management Graduate Certificate program at Algonquin College. He brings experience in both sport and communications to the OSC, having previously worked as a radio news reporter at CKRW in Whitehorse, Yukon, while having also run a junior golf program at Mountain View Golf Club.

McGrath will take on the role of researching, developing, and executing multiple projects for the OSC. He will also manage the external communications activity for the OSC, including developing content for the OSC website and social media channels.

The Ottawa Sport Council is hosting its ninth annual Ottawa Sport Summit, “The Past, Present, and Future of Community Sport in Ottawa,” on Saturday, November 18, at the RA Centre (Clark Hall). As the event approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sport, both presently and in the future. AI is already playing a pivotal role in changing the way we experience and consume sports. It has been making inroads into various industries and sectors, including sports, for several decades. To learn more about this topic and similar factors that can influence the future of sport, register for the Ottawa Sport Summit before November 16.

According to Infront Sport, AI dates back to the 1950s, when researchers began to test whether machines could mimic human intelligence. Since then, simple rule-based models have evolved into expert systems and machine learning. The rapid development of these systems in the last few years has seen an increase in usage to enhance sport for all.

AI is transforming the sport industry in many ways. It is making the training process competitive and more efficient. It is also helping to analyze and predict athletes’ performance. Here are some of the most exciting AI use cases in sport:

1. AI Referees: In many sports, referees have to make decisions about goals based on little information. With an AI referee, big decisions that can change the outcome of a game can be judged more accurately. By using this technology, the sport industry makes sport events fairer, more rule-abiding, and brings more objectivity to the decisions of the referees.
2. Player Performance Analysis: AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends. This information can be used to improve player performance, make strategic decisions, and better understand the game.
3. Virtual Reality Training: AI can be used to create virtual reality environments that can be used for training and player development.
4. Automated Sports Journalism: AI can be used to create automated sports journalism that can provide real-time updates on games and events.

While the benefits of AI in sport are significant, there are also challenges and ethical considerations to address. Privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for biased algorithms are among the key challenges that need to be addressed to ensure responsible and fair use of AI in sports.

Despite these challenges, there are many ways stakeholders can make AI work for them without losing the human touch. The impact AI is having on the sport industry beyond technology is clear: it’s transforming how we experience sports.

One of the potential future developments is the use of virtual and augmented reality technology. According to the Mastercard Sport Economy Index 2023, over a quarter of European sport fans have already experienced sport via VR . That report states that “VR also looks set to form a key part of the stadium of the future, with 21% of fans hoping to experience immersive technology that demonstrates what it feels like to be an athlete on matchday.”

In community sport environments, there are many potential applications for AI that could help improve player performance while also making it more accessible for everyone involved.

1. Injury Prevention: One potential application for AI in community sport environments is injury prevention. By analyzing data from wearable devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, coaches can identify patterns that may indicate an increased risk of injury. This information can then be used to adjust training programs or provide additional support where needed.
2. Customized Training Programs: Another potential application for AI in community sport environments is customized training programs. By analyzing data from wearable devices or other sources such as video footage or biometric data, coaches can create customized training programs tailored to each athlete’s specific needs.
3. Improved Scouting: AI can also be used to improve scouting by analyzing data from games or practices. This information can then be used by coaches or scouts to identify potential recruits or areas where players need additional support.
4. Fan Engagement: Finally, AI can be used to improve fan engagement by providing real-time updates on games or events. This could include everything from live scores and statistics to social media updates or interactive experiences.

In summary, AI has many potential applications in community sport environments. While there are challenges and ethical considerations that need addressing before we can fully realize its potential, it’s clear that AI will continue transforming how we experience sports. To learn more on this AI capabilities in sport, check out some of the resources below:

• “Does AI spoil the naturalness of sports?” – Dataconomy is an organization that provides news, insights, and analysis on data science, big data, and artificial intelligence. They have an article that provides examples of how AI is being used in sports.
• “Decoding the Ethics of AI in Sports: Fairness, Performance, and Integrity” – TS2 Space discusses the ethics of AI in sports and how it can be used to level the playing field for everyone.
• “3 artificial intelligence tools that can aid sport organizations’ communications efforts” – this article by the SIRC discusses how artificial intelligence tools can help sport organizations.
• “The AI revolution in Sports” – this article by the Peak discusses the AI revolution in sports and how it is transforming the industry.

Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. Mental health is influenced by various factors, such as biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural ones. Mental health is not a fixed or static condition, but rather a dynamic and fluctuating one that can change over time and across different situations.

Sport is one of the most popular and influential aspects of society, with millions of people participating in various forms of physical activity, recreation, and competition. According to Sport for Life, sport can have many positive effects on mental health, such as enhancing mood, self-esteem, confidence, resilience, social skills, and physical health. Sport can also provide a sense of belonging, identity, purpose, and achievement (Source?).

However, sport can also pose some challenges and risks for mental health, especially for athletes who face high levels of pressure, expectations, and demands from themselves and others. Athletes may experience stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, eating disorders, substance abuse, or other mental health issues that can affect their performance, well-being, and quality of life. Athletes may also encounter discrimination, harassment, abuse, or violence based on their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics.

Safe spaces are environments where people feel comfortable, respected, valued, and supported to express themselves without fear of judgment or harm. Safe spaces are essential for promoting mental health and well-being in sport settings. Safe spaces can help athletes to:

• Feel accepted and appreciated for who they are: This means that athletes are not discriminated against or excluded based on their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. Athletes are also encouraged to celebrate their diversity and uniqueness, and to respect the diversity and uniqueness of others. A resource that can help create a more inclusive and equitable sport environment is the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s guide.
• Share their thoughts and feelings openly and honestly: This means that athletes have opportunities to communicate with their teammates, coaches, officials, staff, and fans in a respectful and constructive way. Athletes are also able to express their emotions, concerns, and opinions without fear of retaliation or ridicule. A resource that can help foster effective and empathetic communication in sport is this Coaches Association of Saskatchewan’s article.
• Seek and receive help when they need it: This means that athletes have access to mental health services and supports that are appropriate for their needs and preferences. Athletes are also able to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues or disorders, and to seek help without stigma or shame. A resource that can help your organization increase mental health awareness and literacy in sport is the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport website.
• Access training and resources on mental health and sport: This means that athletes have opportunities to learn about the foundations, impacts, and strategies of mental health in sport settings. Athletes are also able to access resources and events that can help them overcome stigma and guide conversations about mental health. A resource that can help provide training and resources on mental health and sport is the CAC’s “Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub and Events”.
• Build trust and rapport with their teammates, coaches, officials, staff, and fans: This means that athletes have positive relationships with others in sport that are based on mutual respect, honesty, and support. Athletes are also able to collaborate with others in sport to achieve common goals, solve problems, and have fun. A resource that can help strengthen trust and rapport in sport is the Responsible Coaching Movement.
• Enjoy and have fun in sport: This means that athletes have opportunities to participate in sport activities that are enjoyable, meaningful, and fulfilling for them. Athletes are also able to balance their sport involvement with other aspects of their life, such as family, friends, school, work, and hobbies. A resource that can help foster enjoyment and fun in sport is the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit.

Creating safe spaces in sport requires the collective effort and commitment of all stakeholders involved in sport delivery and governance. Some of the strategies for creating safe spaces in sport are:

• Developing a mental health policy that outlines the vision, goals, objectives, and actions of the organization to support mental health and well-being in sport. The policy should include clear definitions of mental health and its determinants, procedures for identifying and responding to mental health issues or concerns, resources and referrals for mental health services or supports, and evaluation and monitoring mechanisms for the policy implementation.
• Providing training and education for coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, and athletes on mental health awareness and literacy. The training should cover topics such as the signs and symptoms of mental health issues or disorders, the risk factors and protective factors for mental health issues or disorders, the stigma and myths associated with mental health issues or disorders, the strategies for preventing or managing mental health issues or disorders, the skills for communicating effectively and empathetically with people who have mental health issues or disorders, and the resources and support available for mental health issues or disorders.
• Creating a culture of respect and inclusion in sport that values diversity and celebrates differences. The culture should foster a positive climate where everyone feels welcome, safe, and comfortable to be themselves. The culture should also encourage dialogue, feedback, and collaboration among all members of the sport community. The culture should also challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and biases that may lead to discrimination, harassment, or violence in sport.
• Engaging with community partners and stakeholders who are working towards mental health promotion and prevention in sport. These partners could include local schools, community organizations, media outlets, sponsors, government agencies, or other sport organizations. The engagement could involve sharing information or resources, collaborating on projects or events, supporting each other’s efforts, or advocating for change.

To set the foundation to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive sport environment we encourage you to utilize the 16 free policy templates found in the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit.

Mental health is a vital aspect of human development and well-being that deserves attention and care in sport settings. By acknowledging mental health issues or concerns and advocating for safe spaces in sport environments, we can create a more positive, healthy, and enjoyable sport experience for everyone involved.

About the Ottawa Sport Council:

The Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing sport in the nation’s capital. As an advocate of sport, we strive to create and nurture sport environments that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, income-level and ability. Our mandate is to educate, advocate on behalf of, and support community sport organizations in Ottawa. 

About the Job:

The OSC is seeking a dynamic, highly organized Project Manager to join our team in a full-time role. The Project Manager will work closely with the OSC’s Executive Director, partner organizations and members to successfully fulfill our mandate. Work will be conducted from your home office and the Ottawa Sport Council office at the House of Sport. This position may also require field visits to members.

Start Date: November 15, 2023

Hours:  The Project Manager will work 37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, this work may include evening and weekend work.  

Who we’re looking for:

As an ideal candidate for this role, you’re an experienced, detail-oriented project manager with excellent organizational and communication skills. You’re driven, self-directed, efficient, easy to work with, and passionate about community sport.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Participation in project planning sessions including funding plan
• Support grant writing in accordance with funding plans
• Project research, development, and execution
• Work effectively with external contractors and consultants on project plans and deliverables
• Program Monitoring, feedback, and evaluation support
• Management of project schedule/work plan
• Implementing and managing changes and interventions to ensure project goals are achieved
• Ensuring projects meet deadlines
• Maintaining project documentation and communicating key updates
• Measure project performance to identify areas for improvement

Communications

• Develop content for company website, social media, newsletters, press releases
• Ensure consistent messaging throughout communications activities that reinforces the objectives of the communications strategy and the organizational mandate
• Measure and report on key performance indicators of communication campaigns
• Support member engagement strategies with regular member outreach and field visits
• Research and leverage communications trends to improve the communication strategy and its outputs
• Manage new content posting and general maintenance on company website
• Develop vision and content plans for new website pages and sections in collaboration with web developers

Operational Support

• Collaboration with internal players and stakeholders
• Support the management of funders, including recognition events and yearly reporting
• Board of Directors government filings

Essential Skills  

• Passion for, and familiarity with Ottawa’s community sport scene
• Self-starter – able to work from home with minimal supervision
• Takes initiative – able to independently identify areas of opportunity to support strategic priorities
• Organized and detail-oriented – able to prioritize and deliver on multiple tasks
• Creative – ability to enhance key messages and leverage a variety of communication tools (audio, photo, and video) to deliver messages in an engaging way
• Excellent writer – able to effectively communicate key messages with attention to content, grammar, and spelling for a variety of platforms (e.g., social media, press releases, reports, web content, educational materials for public consumption, etc.)
• Technical knowledge and experience managing social media platforms, website, email, and popular videoconferencing platforms
• Knowledge of project management processes – ability to develop project schedules and work plans
• Knowledge of inclusive and accessible digital communications and social media practices

Essential Experience and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience as a Communications Specialist and/or Project Manager

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Marketing, Commerce/Business Administration, Communications, or related field required

• Demonstrated understanding of the Canadian sport system

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• Bilingualism is an asset
• Experience working in amateur sport and/or non-profit organizations
• Experience delivering or working with community programs that serve diverse members with a variety of lived experiences
• Experience using WordPress – ability to manage new content and identify areas of improvement

Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

To Apply:

Please email your resume, and a cover letter highlighting your fit for the role by October 30, 2023 to Marcia Morris, Executive Director, Ottawa Sport Council at [email protected]

All applications will receive consideration, however only those selected for an interview will receive a reply.

OSC is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, record of offences, age, marital status, family status or disability.

OSC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Social media is an essential tool for community sport organizations to reach and engage with their audience. With the right strategies and tactics, social media can help organizations maximize their reach and impact by connecting with their audience and promoting their activities and events online. However, it is important to keep in mind that social media is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different platforms have different audiences and require different strategies to be effective. In this blog post, we will discuss some key concepts that community sport organizations should keep in mind when using social media.

Maximize video content on all platforms
Video content is one of the most effective ways to engage with your audience on social media. It is more engaging than text or images alone and can help you convey your message more effectively. You can use video content to showcase your organization’s activities, events, and achievements. You can also use video content to educate your audience about your organization’s mission and values.

To learn more about how to create effective video content for social media, check out this resource from Hootsuite here.

Share on social media consistently
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. You should aim to post regularly on all your social media platforms. This will help you stay top of mind with your audience and keep them engaged with your organization. However, it is important to note that engagement rates may vary from post to post. Do not be discouraged by low engagement rates. Instead, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

To learn more about how to create a consistent social media strategy for your organization, check out this resource from Sprout Social here.

Do not overcomplicate your content
When it comes to social media content, simplicity is key. Do not overcomplicate your content by using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand. Instead, focus on creating organic content that is easy to understand and relatable to your audience.

To learn more about how to create effective organic content for social media, check out this resource from Hubspot here.

Use Canva to help you design and schedule content
Canva is a great tool for non-profits that want to create high-quality graphics for their social media platforms. It is easy to use and has a wide range of templates that you can customize according to your needs. You can also use Canva to schedule your social media posts in advance.

To learn more about how to use Canva effectively for your organization’s social media platforms, check out this resource from Canva here.

Use free stock image websites when necessary
Stock images are a great way to add visual interest to your social media posts. However, it is important to use high-quality images that are relevant to your organization’s mission and values. You can use free stock image websites like Pexels or Pixabay to find high-quality images that are free for commercial use.

To learn more about how to find high-quality stock images for your organization’s social media platforms, check out this resource from GlobalOwls here.

Relevant Resources

●      OSC Blog – Communications 101 in Community Sport – The Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) has a wealth of resources available for community sport organizations. This OSC blog on Communications 101 is a great resource for organizations looking for tips and advice on how to improve their communication strategies.

●      Good Sports Social Media ToolKit – The Good Sports Social Media Toolkit is a great resource that provides community sport organizations with practical tools and resources for using social media effectively. It includes topics like why your club should use social media, reaching communities on social media, growing your online community, and reaching wider audiences.

●      Sport Northern Ireland’s Social Media Toolkit – The Sport NI Social Media Toolkit is a resource that provides step-by-step instructions on how to start your organization’s social media accounts. It includes information on how to set up business accounts on social media platforms, gives tips on creating video content, and more.

●      Hootsuite Blog – The Hootsuite blog provides social media tips and best practices for businesses and organizations. It covers a wide range of topics such as social media marketing, social media advertising, social media analytics, and more. The blog is updated regularly with new content and insights from industry experts.

Want assistance getting more connected in the online sport community? The Ottawa Sport Council is here to help in any way we can. Contact us on our website or on one of our social media channels to let us know your message to community sport.

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to announce its ninth annual Ottawa Sport Summit, The Past, Present, and Future of Community Sport in Ottawa, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the RA Centre (Clark Hall).

In 2023, the Ottawa Sport Council is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. In reflecting on the 10 years, we recognize that community sport in Ottawa has experienced a significant amount of change, yet some challenges are ever-present. In looking at the 2008 True Sport Report: What Sport Can Do and the Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022, here’s what we can see about the community sport sector:

• The percentage of volunteer time spent by Canadians in the sport sector has declined nearly 9%, indicating that the volunteer pool for sport organizations is shrinking.
• Minimal government funding continues to create financial challenges for community sport; however, it is reported that 84% of Canadians believed that it was important for the government to provide funding to community sport.
• Barriers to access community sport persist for equity-deserving groups, however the research base supporting inclusive sport has expanded significantly (as reported in the Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022).
• Overall sport participation among Canadians has increased since 2008, with the most notable increase being among girls and women (more than 3% increase).

Despite the ongoing challenges, many that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains true that more than 90% of Canadians continue to believe that sport has the power to be a positive influence for youth, contributes to good health, and can strengthen communities.

We invite you to join us for our sport summit, The Past, Present, and Future of Community Sport in Ottawa, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, where we will reflect on community sport and the Ottawa Sport Council over the last 10 years, discuss the current state of community sport in Ottawa, and dive into the future with innovative minds.

As always, one of the Sport Summit’s goals will be to create dialogue between attendees. In addition to creating space for reflection and future innovation, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with peers and learn from the experiences of others.

Event Details
This is a free event. We do ask participants to consider making a minimum $35 donation to the Ottawa Sport Council Foundation. The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation has been created to provide sporting organizations with grants to improve inclusion in sport. Tax receipts will be provided.

More details and registration information will be made available in October. We hope you will join us for this valuable opportunity.

Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 8:30 to 13:00 

Location:
RA Centre, Clark Hall
2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 7X7

The Capital Pride Festival is an annual celebration of the diversity and inclusion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Ottawa. The festival features various events, activities, and performances that showcase the pride and culture of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This year, the festival will take place from August 19th to 27th, and there are many ways you can get involved and support the festival. Learn more about the Capital Pride Festival here.

There are several community sport organizations in Ottawa whose purpose is to create safe and welcoming environments for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These organizations offer opportunities to access sport to those who haven’t always felt safe or welcome in traditional sport environments. Many of these organizations are participating in the Capital Pride Festival, and here’s where you can find them:

Gay Ottawa Volleyball
Be on the lookout for Gay Ottawa Volleyball (GOV) during the Capital Pride Festival! GOV is a volunteer-run group that provides a fun, inclusive, and social environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ volleyball players of all skill levels. GOV will be marching loud and proud in the Capital Pride Parade on Sunday, August 27^th, so be sure to give them a wave! You can also learn more about GOV, their leagues, tournaments, drop-ins, and social events on their website.

Learn more about GOV here.

Rainbow Rockers Curling
One of the ways you can participate in the festival is by joining the Rainbow Rockers, Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ curling league. The Rainbow Rockers will have a booth on Bank Street at Slater for pride and will be having the inflatable curling rink again! You can visit their booth from 12-5 pm on August 26th and 27th and try your hand at curling on a fun and safe surface. You can also learn more about the Rainbow Rockers, their history, their events, and how to join them on their website.

Learn more about the Rainbow Rockers here.

Ottawa Front Runners
Another way you can get involved in the festival is by running or walking with the Ottawa Front Runners (OFR), a running and walking club for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. OFR is hosting an open run and walk event on Tuesday, August 22^nd at 6:30PM  and a women-only run and walk on Friday, August 25^th at 6:00PM. You can join them for a friendly and social exercise and meet new people who share your passion for running or walking.

OFR will also participate in the National Capital Pride Run (NCPR) on Saturday, August 26^th, as runners, walkers, and volunteers. The NCPR is a charity run that supports local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations. You can register for the NCPR on their website. Finally, OFR will be staffing a table on Sunday, August 27^th, during the Capital Pride Community Fair.

Learn more about the OFR here.

Ottawa Queer Softball League
If softball is your sport of choice, look for the Ottawa Queer Softball League in the Capital Pride Parade. This year marks the 15^th year of the OQSL, which is an inclusive recreational softball league for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and allies, that aims to refine the skills of its members in a fun, safe & social environment.

OQSL is also host to the annual charity softball event Drag and Balls. This event is jam packed with drag softball, a DJ spinning the hits, and beverage and food concessions. Drag and Balls supports the Bruce House, an organization that brings hope, housing and support to individuals and families impacted by HIV in Ottawa and area. You can learn more about how to be a part of the Drag and Balls event here.

Learn more about OQSL here.

Rideau Speedeaus
Grab your suits and get involved with the Rideau Speedeaus during the Capital Pride Festival! The Rideau Speedeaus is primarily a gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirited swim club, but welcomes everyone including members from the straight community. We value swimming in an inclusive, diverse, fun, open, trustful, safe, and supportive environment. During the Capital Pride Festival, the Speedeaus are hosting two free pride swims on August 22^nd and 24^th at the YMCA on Argyle Avenue. You can register for a free pride swim here.

The Rideau Speedeaus are also host to the SwimEAUthon – Pride Edition. Come out to the General Burns outdoor pool on Saturday, August 26^th to help raise money for Capital Rainbow Refuge and le Bureau regional d’action SIDA (BRAS)! This 1500-yard swim will be followed by a picnic in the park to help celebrate with pride!

Learn more about the Rideau Speedeaus here.

Queer Bike Club Ottawa
Another way you can get involved in the festival is by cycling with Queer Bike Club Ottawa (QBC), a group that organizes bike rides for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies in Ottawa. QBC is planning on doing a bike ride before the Capital Pride Parade on Sunday, August 27th. You can join them for a scenic and fun ride around the city and meet other cyclists who share your interest in biking. You can also learn more about QBC, their upcoming rides, and how to join them at their Facebook page.

Learn more about QBC here.

Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club
Will you join the pack? The Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club aims to promote and encourage participation in rugby among those who have traditionally been under-represented in the game. The team members are predominantly part of the LGBTQA community, but diverse in its make-up, and inclusive of everyone. Check out the Wolves during the Capital Pride festival and be on the lookout for their signature rainbow rugby ball!

Learn more about the Wolves here.

Ottawa Pride Hockey
Ottawa Pride Hockey is a 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive group welcoming beginners and seasoned pros to the hockey rink! OPH is led by gender diverse people, and they strive to promote a safe space for everyone. Be sure to wave and say hi to Ottawa Pride Hockey as they participate in the Capital Pride Festival.

Learn more about Ottawa Pride Hockey here.

These are just some of the ways you can get involved with the 2023 Capital Pride Festival in Ottawa. There are many more events and opportunities to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Ottawa. You can check out the official website of the Capital Pride Festival for more information and updates. We hope you have a wonderful time at the festival!

If you have an event at the festival that you want to be promoted by the Ottawa Sport Council, please contact us on our website or social media. We would love to hear from you and help you spread the word about your event.

Contact us here.

Racism is a serious and pervasive problem that affects many aspects of society, including sport. Racism can manifest in various forms, such as discrimination, harassment, exclusion, stereotyping, and violence. Racism can negatively impact the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and fans. Racism can also limit the opportunities and potential of individuals and groups who are racialized or marginalized in sport.

Anti-racist education is a vital component of creating a more inclusive and equitable sport environment. Anti-racist education is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices, and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably. Anti-racist education helps learners to understand the harmful consequences of racism and encourages them to actively challenge it wherever it occurs. It helps to ensure that the learning environment is an inclusive one, without racial inequality or racism.

There are many resources and strategies for implementing anti-racist education in community sport settings. Some of them are:

• Developing an anti-racism policy that explicitly states the commitment and expectations of the organization to prevent and address racism in sport. The policy should include clear definitions of racism and its forms, procedures for reporting and responding to incidents of racism, sanctions for perpetrators of racism, and support for victims of racism.
• Providing training and education for coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, and athletes on anti-racism and cultural diversity. The training should cover topics such as the history and impact of racism in sport, the experiences, and perspectives of racialized and marginalized groups in sport, the concepts and principles of anti-racism and inclusion, the skills and strategies for challenging racism and promoting equity in sport, and the resources and support available for anti-racism initiatives.
• Creating a safe and respectful space for dialogue and reflection on issues of racism and inclusion in sport. The dialogue should be facilitated by someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in anti-racism education and should involve participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The dialogue should aim to raise awareness, foster understanding, build trust, share experiences, identify challenges, explore solutions, and inspire action.
• Engaging with community partners and stakeholders who are working towards anti-racism and inclusion in sport. These partners could include local schools, community organizations, media outlets, sponsors, government agencies, or other sport organizations. The engagement could involve collaborating on projects or events, sharing information or resources, supporting each other’s efforts, or advocating for change.

To set the foundation to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive sport environment we encourage you to utilize the 16 free policy templates found in the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit.

Athletes have a unique role and responsibility in promoting racial equity and challenging racism in sport. Athletes have a powerful voice and influence that can reach millions of people across different backgrounds and generations. Athletes have a personal experience and perspective that can shed light on the realities and challenges of racism and discrimination in sport. Athletes have a collective strength and solidarity that can inspire action and create change in sport. There are many resources and guidance for athletes and other stakeholders on how to address racism and be effective allies in sport. Some of them are:

• The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), which provides a collection of key terms, educational resources, and organizations related to anti-racism in sport. The collection covers topics such as allyship, unconscious bias, institutional racism, individual racism, etc.
• The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), which is a federal crown corporation dedicated to eliminating racism and promoting harmonious race relations in Canada. The CRRF provides various programs and resources that aim to educate, inform, and engage Canadians on issues of racism and discrimination. The CRRF also hosts webinars, workshops, conferences, and awards that celebrate diversity and inclusion in Canada.
• The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a campaign that aims to create a safe, smart, and secure sport environment for all participants and coaches. The campaign invites all sport organizations, parents, and coaches to learn and apply consistent safety principles. The RCM also offers a toolkit to help sport organizations promote the movement and raise awareness with other organizations within their network.
• The Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) website offers various resources related to anti-racism and sport. These resources are a part of the Safe Sport Resource Hub, which aims to provide information and guidance on how to create a safe and respectful sport environment for all. On their website you can find a Team Canada Anti-Racism Statement, educational resources, athlete resources, and coach resources.

Sport can be a powerful tool for social change, but they can also be a site of racial inequality and injustice. By advancing anti-racist education and empowering athletes to address racism in sport, we can create a more inclusive and equitable sport environment for everyone.