Sport participation plays a crucial role in fostering physical and mental well-being, building communities, and promoting inclusivity and diversity. As the Ottawa Sport Council continues to prioritize safe sport and the values of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB), it is essential to explore new ways to increase sport participation through positive and engaging ways. By embracing innovative strategies and leveraging reputable sources, we can work towards creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to engage in sports. Read below for ideas on how your organization can increase sport participation:

Embracing Digital Platforms

In today’s digital age, leveraging technology is a powerful way to engage individuals and expand sport participation. One way to do this is ensuring your organization is utilizing social media platforms or a website that answers key questions potential participants may have. Participants often look online for local activities, so a presence online can be very helpful to increase participation. Online platforms can also provide resources, training modules, and virtual sport experiences, enabling individuals to engage with sports from the comfort of their homes. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, and incorporating these tools into sport programming can enhance accessibility and reach broader audiences.

To increase sport participation, your organization can develop an online portal that offers instructional videos, interactive sport quizzes, and virtual competitions. These initiatives can be designed to cater to various age groups and skill levels, promoting engagement and skill development.

To learn more about the benefits of this approach, click here.

Promoting Inclusive Coaching Practices

Coaches play a vital role in creating safe and inclusive sport environments. To support coaches in fostering EDIB values and ensuring equitable experiences for all participants, education and training programs are essential. Providing coaches with the knowledge and tools to address unconscious biases, promote diversity, and accommodate individual needs contributes to a more inclusive and welcoming sport culture.

There are numerous resources out there to ensure your organization is promoting inclusive coaching practices. One of these resources is the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit. This free toolkit offers various checklists, videos, and tips on training requirements to help everyone in your organization contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

Access the full toolkit here.

Collaborating with Community Organizations

Partnerships with community organizations can greatly enhance sport participation rates by reaching individuals who may not traditionally engage in organized sports. Collaboration can involve working with youth clubs, schools, cultural associations, and social service agencies to co-create initiatives that align with their needs and values.

For instance, your organization can establish collaborations with organizations like Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa to develop sport programs for newcomers. By incorporating cultural elements and considering the unique experiences of immigrants and refugees, these initiatives foster a sense of belonging and help newcomers integrate into Canadian society through sport.

Learn more about inclusion for newcomers here.

Supporting Youth Engagement

Engaging youth in sports is crucial for long-term participation and the development of healthy habits. To encourage youth involvement, sport organizations can focus on creating inclusive and appealing programs that reflect their interests and needs. This can be achieved by involving young people in the decision-making process and allowing them to have a voice in shaping their sport experiences.

It is important to remember that parents and guardians play a very important role in encouraging youth to engage with sport. Reports of verbal and/or physical altercations by parents or guardians have unfortunately become common in community sport. These incidents are embarrassing and stressful for young athletes, and can discourage them from a lifelong participation in sport.  By encouraging these stakeholders to contribute to a sport environment that values the input of its participants, and focuses on positive sport experiences instead of just competition and prestige, young individuals can feel like valued members of their community.

To learn more about creating positive youth sport experiences, click here.

Emphasizing Fun and Recreation

To increase sport participation, it is important to emphasize the enjoyment and recreational aspects of sports. By shifting the focus from competition to fun and personal growth, sport organizations can attract individuals who may feel intimidated by the competitive nature of traditional sports.

Your organization can collaborate with local recreation centres and community organizations to develop recreational sport programs that prioritize fun, skill-building, and social interaction. These programs can be designed to be inclusive and adaptable, catering to different abilities and interests. By promoting a positive and welcoming sport environment, individuals of all backgrounds can feel encouraged to participate.

For more helpful resources on sport participation, check out these links:

• OSC Blog “Inclusion for participants with a disability”
• OSC Blog “What is Physical Literacy?”
• SIRC’s “Increasing Sport Participation among members of Underrepresented Groups”
• JerseyWatch’s Blog on “How to Increase Youth Sports Participation in your Community”
• How Can We Encourage Youth To Participate In Sport?

OTTAWA (July 13, 2023) – The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation is thrilled to announce that Gay Ottawa Volleyball and Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey have been selected as the recipients of the 2023 Community Opportunity Grant. These organizations have been 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. The program will include skills development sessions, game time, as well as social opportunities to foster community building.

“We recognize the opportunity to increase safe and inclusive sports spaces in Ottawa for youth and want to be a part of the solution to foster new ones. We are so appreciative of the support from Their Opportunity and our friends at the Ottawa Sport Council for helping to make this possible,” said Gay Ottawa Volleyball’s President, David Muddiman.

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.

“Through the Stick Together Program, the Nepean Nighthawks aim to support the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Indigenous youth, while also addressing the truth and reconciliation efforts outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Nighthawks have successfully run the Stick Together program for two seasons and will continue for the 2023-2024 winter season at Carleton University,” added Halley Chopra, President of the Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey Club.

Marcia Morris, Executive Director of the Ottawa Sport Council, said, “While the Ottawa Sport Council believes that community sport should be available to everyone, we recognize that many people face barriers to participation. The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation: 2023 Community Opportunity Grant supports programs which provide inclusivity and breaks down these barriers. We are delighted to support the programs offered by the Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey Club and Gay Ottawa Volleyball, which offer inclusive programming for underrepresented and marginalized populations.”

The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation’s 2023 Community Opportunity Grant was established in partnership with Their Opportunity and the Ottawa Community Foundation. The Ottawa Sport Council believes that there should only be positive experiences in sport. Their Opportunity is a national children’s charity that delivers and subsidizes community sport and engagement programming to eliminate barriers of access and empower youth to reach their full potential through sport.

“Their Opportunity is passionate about sport and community development and this community grant aims to provide inclusivity and break down barriers to participation in the City of Ottawa,” said Randy Gill, CEO and President of Their Opportunity.

About the Ottawa Sport Council
As the unified voice of amateur sport in Ottawa, the Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) facilitates advocacy and growth for all community sport organizations.
We believe that there should only be positive experiences in sport.

About Their Opportunity
Their Opportunity is a national registered children’s charity that has the vision to educate, uplift & support children to overcome barriers through the strength of sport & generosity. Since inception, we have helped provide opportunities for over 45,000 children & affected thousands more through our Giveback Program; translating to 585,000+ hours of sport & recreation and 157,500+ hours of community service or engagement.

Their Opportunity hosts a unique Giveback Program where children who receive subsidies or participate in one of our core programs are asked to “pay it forward” within their community through volunteerism. We believe in creating a cycle of generosity, where active youth are empowered to give back to help build healthier communities. 

For more information please contact:
Marcia Morris, P. Eng
Executive Director, directrice générale
Conseil du sport d’Ottawa Sport Council

June is an important month for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as it is widely recognized as Pride Month. It is a time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and advocate for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. In the realm of sport, Pride Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and to acknowledge the ongoing work needed to create safe and welcoming environments for all sport participants and volunteers. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Pride Month in sport and highlight initiatives promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity in sport. Sport organizations across the country have been actively working towards creating an environment where 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes can feel supported and accepted. Furthermore, various national and local sport organizations have introduced initiatives such as 2SLGBTQIA+ sports leagues, inclusive sports events, and educational programs.

One notable program is the Ottawa Pride Hockey, which aims to eliminate 2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination in sports and provide all their participants the chance to play hockey in a safe and inclusive environment. The program focuses on promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion by fostering acceptance and respect for all participants, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It has gained significant support from athletes, coaches, and sports organizations throughout the Ottawa area, contributing to a more inclusive sports culture.

To learn more, click here.

Despite the progress made, challenges remain in achieving full inclusivity in sport. Homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination can still persist, creating barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+ participants and volunteers. Stereotypes and prejudices can lead to exclusion, harassment, and limited opportunities within the sport community.

To address these challenges, ongoing education and awareness campaigns are essential. It is important for sport organizations, athletes, coaches, and fans to understand the experiences and unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in sport. By promoting empathy, respect, and understanding, we can create an environment where 2SLGBTQIA+ participants can thrive.

To create safe and welcoming environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ participants, sport organizations can implement specific measures and policies. These include developing anti-discrimination policies that explicitly protect 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals from harassment and prejudice. Training programs can be implemented to educate coaches, officials, and staff members on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, fostering an understanding of diverse identities and experiences.

To learn more about implementing inclusive policies and to get access to 16 free policy templates, check out the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit here.

Additionally, it is crucial to provide support networks and resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. This can include establishing 2SLGBTQIA+ athlete associations or support groups within sport organizations, offering mental health resources tailored to the specific needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and ensuring access to gender-inclusive facilities and changing rooms.

By prioritizing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity, sport organizations can send a powerful message of acceptance and create an environment where participants and volunteers can be their authentic selves, free from fear or discrimination.

Representation and visibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes and role models are vital in inspiring future generations and fostering inclusivity. When 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes are visible and celebrated, it sends a powerful message that sports are for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Canadian athletes like Eric Radford, Mark Tewksbury, and Annie Guglia have made significant contributions to 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in sport. Their achievements and advocacy have helped to break down barriers and pave the way for greater inclusion in Canadian sport.

As we celebrate Pride Month in sport, it is important to reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done in promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity. By prioritizing education, policy implementation, and creating safe and welcoming environments, we can continue to break down barriers and build a more inclusive and accepting sport community for all athletes.

To learn more about promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in community sport, check out these links:

• OSC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Panel Discussion Video
• OSC Community Sport Hero feature on Ottawa Pride Hockey
• OSC Community Sport Hero feature on Gay Ottawa Volleyball
• OSC Blog on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• The Sport Inclusion Task Force
• The International Platform on Sport and Development
• Canadian Women and Sport
• Coach New Brunswick’s Coach’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Inclusion

The Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) is pleased to welcome two new Board members and a new President, following its Annual General Meeting in May.

Newly elected members include Jennifer Dumoulin, (Director), and Muhamad Adatia, (Treasurer). Micheline Turnau, Mike Patterson, and John Cunningham were all re-elected as Directors.

Mathieu Fleury, co-founder of the Ottawa Sport Council and former Ottawa City Councillor and Sport Commissioner, was elected President.

“I am ecstatic 10 years after being co-founded the Ottawa Sport Council, the voice for sport in Ottawa, to lead the organization to meet the safe sport aspirations of youth and families as well as advocating for new modern sport and removing barriers to participation. I believe in the power of sport and its local impacts,” shared Fleury following his election.

As the leading voice for amateur sport in Ottawa, the Ottawa Sport Council facilitates education and advocacy for the growth of all community sport organizations. In 2023, the Ottawa Sport Council is celebrating its 10^th anniversary and the impact on the community sport sector over the last decade (read more).

David Gourlay and Chadi Azzi will be leaving the Board after several years of service. The OSC wishes to thank David for his leadership as Board President over the last two years, and Chadi who provided legal expertise to the Board over his tenure. David and Chadi have made significant contributions to the community sport sector through their time on the board.

“On behalf of the Ottawa Sport Council, I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer and Muhamad to the Ottawa Sport Council Board. Their expertise and enthusiasm for community sport will be a big asset to the operations of the Ottawa Sport Council and our members. I’d also like to express our deep appreciation to David and Chadi for their support during their tenures,” shared Marcia Morris, Executive Director.

Ottawa Sport Council Board of Directors

• President – Mathieu Fleury
• Director – Mike Patterson
• Director – Micheline Turnau
• Director – John Cunningham
• Director – Shamir Kanji
• Director – Alison Korn
• Director – Eric McLoughlin
• Director – Jennifer Dumoulin
• Secretary – Aaron Lee
• Treasurer – Muhamad Adatia

Jennifer Dumoulin is trained as a lawyer, educator, and researcher. She is committed to strengthening tools for educating, increasing awareness, and improving safe sport policies and processes. Jennifer has served as the President and Chair of the Ottawa Lions Track & Field Club Board of Directors and currently sits as a Member of the Governance Committees of Athletics Ontario and Sport for Life / Physical Literacy for Life. Jennifer currently works at the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, as the Senior Manager for Governance and Legislation, in the Centre for Conflict Resolution and Ethics / Human Resources Legislated Programs Team, and at the University of Ottawa where she teaches part-time. In her spare time, Jenn stays active by running, weightlifting, and walking her dog.

Muhamad Adatia is an avid sports enthusiast, having grown up playing and watching many, he truly believes in the power of sport in building lifelong values and connections. Muhamad attributes many of his leadership and interpersonal skills to those developed in the arena. He advocates for inclusivity and strives to utilize sports as an avenue for empowerment and leadership development. Professionally, Muhamad is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over fifteen years of experience and has a strong financial background. He enjoys providing education through financial literacy and takes pride in accurate financial reporting to ensure organizational growth and strategic alignment.

A pressing issue for many community sport organizations is the ongoing challenge of securing sustainable funding. Funding is crucial for maintaining and expanding programs, purchasing necessary equipment, maintaining facilities, and supporting staff and volunteers. Given the importance of funding, the Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) is committed to providing educational material and opportunities related to funding (including a previous blog) to ensure that sport organizations can continue to be positive role models in their communities.

We know that both participant families and community sport organizations are feeling the pressure of increased costs related to sport. In April 2023, Canadian Tire Jumpstart released their latest edition of the Jumpstart State of Sport Report. From this report, we’ve learned that 81% of sport programmers reported increases in operational costs. At the same time, it was reported that 44% of families cannot afford to register their child in organized sport. Raising participant fees is not the best answer to securing sustainable funds.

Here are some other notable forms of funding:

• Grant funding for community sport organizations can come from both the government and other charitable organizations. These funds are often awarded based on competitive application processes. There is most often a specific objective that programs must meet to be eligible for funding.
• Private sponsorship agreements can provide financial support, products, or services in exchange for exposure and brand association with the organization. To attract and retain sponsors, organizations need to demonstrate their value to potential partners, often by showcasing the positive impact of their programs on the community and highlighting their alignment with the sponsor’s values.
• Donations from individuals, businesses, or foundations can also support community sport organizations. Fundraising activities such as charity events, crowdfunding campaigns, and donation drives can help raise much-needed funds. 

In addition to traditional funding sources, organizations should explore innovative and collaborative approaches to secure funding. Partnering with other sport and community organizations can help leverage resources and share the costs of programs and initiatives. This can include partnering with your provincial or national sport organization.

To make the most of available funding, community sport organizations should adopt strategic planning and efficient resource management practices. A well-thought-out strategic plan can help organizations prioritize their goals, allocate resources effectively, and demonstrate their value to potential funders. A transparent and accountable approach to managing funds can help organizations gain the trust of their stakeholders and ensure long-term sustainability.

In an increasingly competitive funding landscape, community sport organizations must be proactive and creative in securing the resources necessary to fulfill their mission. By understanding the various funding sources available, exploring innovative and collaborative approaches, and engaging in strategic planning, community sport organizations can overcome funding challenges and continue to provide meaningful sport experiences for their participants and communities.

Current Opportunity: Apply for the 2023 Community Opportunity Grant Now!

As community sport organizations continue to strive for increased inclusivity and accessibility, the Ottawa Sport Council is proud to announce the 2023 Community Opportunity Grant. This grant, made possible through a charitable endowment fund in partnership with the Ottawa Community Foundation and Their Opportunity, aims to help Ottawa community sport organizations improve inclusivity and accessibility to sport.

For the 2023 grant, the focus will be on programs that serve children and youth, supporting accessibility and inclusivity for those facing socio-economic barriers to participation in sport, as well as underrepresented and marginalized populations.  

Key details for the 2023 Community Opportunity Grant include:

• Grant Window: Monday, May 15 to Friday, June 9 at 17:00 EST
• Amount Awarded: Up to $2,000
• Grant Duration: Up to 1 year

By taking advantage of this grant, organizations can strengthen their capacity to create impactful, inclusive, and accessible sport programs that benefit all members of the community. The Ottawa Sport Council encourages eligible organizations to apply and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth in our community through sport.

To learn more about this opportunity, click here.

In your sport organization, the Board of Directors holds fiduciary responsibilities, ensures good governance, and guides the organization’s strategic direction. These volunteers maintain a critical role in the overall success of your organization.

There are many types of Boards of Directors.  Two of the most commonly found in community sport are working boards and policy boards.

• Working boards are generally defined as those volunteer boards that are “hands-on” and directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization. This is common for organizations that do not employ staff members.
• Policy boards are generally defined as those volunteer boards that set policies and focus on organizational outcomes. Policy boards will often advise staff members on how work is done within the organization.

Given there are several types of Boards of Directors, it is best to find the one that supports your organization’s goals and capacity. You can learn more about the different types of boards here.

The type of board your organization chooses will influence your priorities when you are recruiting Board members. Not only will the type of board influence the desired skill sets for new board members, but it will also influence how you set expectations with potential new board members during the recruitment and selection process.

Writing and Posting a Job Description
When you begin the recruitment process, it is important to have a concise and realistic job description that articulates the roles and responsibilities of the board, the desired skill sets for new board members, and other expectations including the required monthly time commitment.

Once the job description is complete and your organization is ready to recruit candidates, it is important to share the post far and wide. Posting on your organization’s website is a good first step. From there, using communication channels like social media, email and the SIRC job board are some of the ways to spread the news that your organization is recruiting new board members. Tapping into the personal and professional networks of your organization’s existing board members can also be a powerful way to reach new audiences.

When seeking new board members, your organization should remember that technical sport expertise is not always required. Perhaps, in some cases, it may be better to select individuals with diverse sport backgrounds to bring new ideas and ways of working to the table.

Speaking with Board Candidates
Great news, you have found interested candidates for your Board of Directors! What do you do next? Exploring if a candidate is a good fit for your organization will often involve a series of conversations with existing board members and the Executive Director, where applicable. This stage of the recruitment process is about exchanging information to ensure both the organization and the potential board member can make an informed decision at the end of the recruitment process.

For the organization, you are trying to understand if the candidate has:

• Appropriate skills and knowledge to fill an identified gap on the Board of Directors.
• Values that are aligned with those of the organization.
• A passion for community sport and a desire to support the organization.

For the candidate, you are trying to understand if the organization:

• Offers a board structure that is aligned with the role you wish to play.
• Has a strategic plan and goals outlined for the Board term.
• Holds values and a vision that is aligned to your personal values and passions.

Organizations may also provide additional information like strategic plans, a public annual report, and a list of current Board Members and staff to supplement conversations.

Governing Good is a blog run by a retired university professor in Nova Scotia that provides several resources and guides for your Board of Directors related to your organization’s governance. Among those resources, is a guide for developing a strong recruitment package (here). If you are seeking additional resources for your Board of Directors and governance structures, this is a great start.

The Ottawa Sport Council is currently recruiting for our Board of Directors. We operate within a Competency Governance Model, meaning we are seeking specific professional skill sets to serve in an advisory capacity on the board. To learn more about becoming a member of the Ottawa Sport Council’s Board of Directors, click here by April 26, 2023.

For more information on recruiting for your Board of Directors, please contact us.

The Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) is seeking skilled and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for community sport to join our volunteer Board of Directors.

Recognized by the City of Ottawa as the leading voice for amateur sport across the city, the Ottawa Sport Council serves 300,000+ sport participants from more than 750 community sport organizations. Founded in 2013, over the last decade the Ottawa Sport Council has been proud to lead a number of lasting initiatives, all with the goal to create positive experiences in sport, where everyone has the opportunity to participate. We continue to work closely with community sport participants to drive the most impact from our work, and we strive to work with partner organizations that share our vision for sport as a tool for social inclusion and a community builder.

OSC is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability.

The Ottawa Sport Council operates within a Competency Governance Model. Currently we are seeking 2 candidates with Financial, Legal, and/or Human Resources experience in a paid or volunteer setting:

• Financial (Treasurer):
  The treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the Ottawa Sport Council in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements and report to the board of directors at regular intervals about the financial health of the organization. The treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the Ottawa Sport Council.
• Legal:
  The board representative with legal expertise will oversee the functioning of the Ottawa Sport Council from a legal perspective and provide guidance regarding legal matters which may arise with respect to the Ottawa Sport Council
• Human Resource (HR):
  The board representative with HR expertise will oversee the functioning of the Ottawa Sport Council from a human resources perspective and bring an understanding of labour and HR policies.

A passion for community sport and an understanding of its importance to Ottawa is essential. The ability to communicate effectively in both official languages is a strong asset.

Responsibilities of All Board Members:

• Guidance and leadership to the Executive Director for implementation of strategic and operational plans
• Review of agenda and supporting materials prior to board meetings
• Approval of annual budget and audit reports
• Representation of the Ottawa Sport Council to stakeholders
• Champion of the organization and of community sport

Eligibility:
Any individual, who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, who is a resident of Canada as defined in the Income Tax Act, who has the power under law to contract, who has not been declared incapable by a court in Canada or in another country, and who does not have the status of bankrupt, may be nominated for election as a Director.

Expression of Interest:
Please send a CV plus a statement of interest to Marcia Morris, Executive Director, Ottawa Sport Council by April 26, 2023.

For further information, please contact:
Marcia Morris, P. Eng
Executive Director, directrice générale
Conseil du sport d’Ottawa Sport Council

Do you know the impacts that children and adolescents with disabilities face because of lack of access to quality sport programming? These impacts can include basic physical literacy, sedentary behaviours, sleep, social engagement, and more (see here). Without access to quality sport experiences, individuals with a disability experience lifelong negative impacts.

On the contrary, individuals with disabilities who are sport participants see lifelong positive impacts. According to the True Sport Report 2022, participation in sport has been shown to have physical, mental, and social benefits for participants with disabilities. Individuals reported that participation in sport is an opportunity to build their self-confidence and become more motivated and independent.

This year, the Ottawa Sport Council is continuing our journey to make community sport more welcoming and inclusive in Ottawa. As we heard at the Ottawa Sport Summit (watch the highlights here), last November, accessibility for participants with a disability is a core component of striving for equity. Through the Ottawa Sport Summit, two core themes of accessibility emerged:

1. Accessible by design – When we heard from Camille Bérubé, three-time Paralympian, at the Sport Summit she spoke to the importance of planning for accessibility. It is much easier to plan for accessibility in the program design stage, than to have to retrofit during program delivery to become accessible to participants with disabilities.
2. Having accessible facilities is not enough – While ensuring that facilities are accessible for participants with physical disabilities is very important, that alone will not create accessible sport programming. Truly accessible programs provide accommodations in all program elements and integrate participants with a disability into sport organizations through mixed abilities programs.

The RA Curling Club (RACC) is an excellent example of sport programs  that are both accessible by design and offer full integration of participants in wheelchairs. The RACC strives to offer quality sport programs to wheelchair curlers.

• The RACC programs are accessible by design as they offer try-it events, instructional programs, and league play for standing and wheelchair curlers. The RACC programs offer skills-based progression and a variety of options for wheelchair curlers, similar to those offered to standing curlers.
• Through mixed abilities programs and opportunities to play competitively, RACC wheelchair curlers are fully integrated into the clubs’ programs and participant development pathways.

Being accessible by design and having program integration does not happen by accident, it takes intentional planning. So, what else goes into offering a quality sport experience for participants with disabilities? According to the Canadian Disability Participation Project (CCDP), there are six building blocks of quality sport participation for athletes with a disability (see here):

1. Autonomy – Having independence, choice, control
2. Belongingness – Feeling included, accepted, respected, part of the group
3. Challenge – Feeling appropriately tested
4. Engagement – Being in the moment, focus, absorbed, fascinated
5. Mastery – Feeling a sense of achievement, accomplishment, competence
6. Meaning – Contributing toward obtaining a personal or social meaningful goal; feeling a sense of responsibility to others

Within the CCDP’s Quick Guide (see here), there are key questions to ask yourself about the quality of the sport experience related to the physical, program, and social environments. Community sport organizations often face the challenge of having limited resources, be they financial, volunteer time, equipment, etc. The CCDP’s Quick Guide also speaks to the prioritization of strategies to build a quality sport program and building a plan for additional strategies that could be implemented should the need arise. The development of more accessible and inclusive sport programs is a continuous evolution, not a light switch.

Ottawa is also fortunate to have several expert organizations that can offer expertise in creating more welcoming and inclusive programs for athletes with a disability. These include:

• Abilities Centre Ottawa – Offers parasport education/awareness programs to schools and community sport organizations for participant and sport leaders to gain a better understanding of parasport.
• Ausome Ottawa – Offers a variety of sport programs in partnership with community sport organizations for athletes on the autism spectrum, as well as community training for sport leaders to better understand autism spectrum disorders in the context of sport.
• Special Olympics Ontario – Greater Ottawa – Offers a variety of sport programs in partnership with community sport organizations for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Alongside the participant experience, it is also important to consider how your organization may be welcoming to sport leaders with a disability. This can include coaches, officials, administrators, and Board members.

The Ottawa Sport Council is dedicated to making community sport more inclusive and welcoming for participants with a disability. As a continuation of the Ottawa Sport Summit hosted in November 2022, we are facilitating the development of an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Toolkit to provide practical resources to community sport organizations that make sport experiences more welcoming and inclusive. This will include resources and information on accessibility and welcoming participants with disabilities.

For more information on making your sport organization more inclusive and welcoming to participants with a disability or on the forthcoming EDI Toolkit, please contact us.