As Canada has grown as a country, recognizing the Indigenous peoples as the first peoples of this land, we have become a diverse, prosperous and a peaceful Nation. As we continue to build our country, province by province, we welcome new Canadians who contribute to the successes we see today. We welcome these people through employment opportunities, organized religion, and community events and also through sport. By 2030, immigration will account for all of Canada’s net population growth. Cities across Canada are being transformed by immigration, and these demographic trends will undoubtedly impact the Canadian sport and physical activity system.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
Many Canadian newcomers still face a great deal of adversity when they arrive in Canada. It’s never easy to integrate into a new country when you’re also likely facing economic, cultural, language and social challenges among others. Joining a sport team or club can be a wonderful way to meet people who enjoy the same activities and healthy lifestyle. Having cultural differences is not the focus, the sport is, and this allows people to connect on the same level, get to know one another, and overcome differences.
Introducing the Canadian Culture
Canadians regularly gather in rinks, arenas, stadiums, fields, gymnasiums, tracks and swimming pools in vast numbers. We continue to write our national story by appreciating a physically competitive spirit. It is what connects us and reminds us that we are all similar in one way or another. Not lost on us is the fact that we are a sporting people and that millions of us are passionate about things like hockey, curling, Canadian football, soccer, basketball, baseball and many other sports. It’s an acknowledged truth that, for many arriving Canadians, the first point of contact with their new communities is on the soccer pitch or local field of play.
Sport is the universal language which can connect cultures.