Applications open Thursday, September 10th, 2026 and deadline to apply is Monday, October 12, 2026
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 50 Canadian youth. While the power of community sport is transformative, many autistic children and youth face persistent financial, environmental, and systemic barriers to participation. To build permanent, inclusive sport pathways, the Ottawa Sport Council and OSEG Foundation are partnering through the Sport for All Ottawa Fund to launch the All In for Autism in Sport Grant on September 7th, 2026.
Active participation and social engagement in community sport provides vital, holistic development opportunities for children and youth with autism:
- Physical and Motor Skill Development: Enhances fundamental movement skills, balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness in an accessible setting.
- Social Connection and Belonging: Fosters positive peer interactions, builds meaningful friendships, reduces social isolation, and creates a sense of community.
- Communication and Independence: Encourages verbal and non-verbal communication skills, strengthens self-advocacy, and nurtures personal independence.
- Emotional Well-being: Delivers a structured environment for stress relief and sensory integration, improving focus, confidence, and overall mental health.
Coaches and the environment are the greatest factors in a successful inclusive sport experience. Specialized coach and instructor training and credentials ensure leaders move beyond general awareness to practical, effective execution:
- Adaptive Instruction and Communication: Trained coaches use visual schedules, concise instruction, and tailored feedback to meet diverse learning styles.
- Sensory Management: Qualified leaders understand sensory triggers (e.g., loud environments, lighting) and actively modify spaces and drills to avoid overload.
- Positive Behaviour Support: Specialized credentials equip coaches with proactive techniques to de-escalate anxiety, reinforce positive effort, and ensure safety.
- Family Engagement: Educated coaches build strong, trusting partnerships with parents and caregivers, ensuring individualized support for every athlete.
The All In for Autism in Sport Grant Package – Express of Interest for Community Sport Organizations
This collaborative grant works directly with Ottawa community sport organizations to build permanent, high-quality inclusion programs. Two Ottawa Community Sport Organizations will be awarded:
- Certified Training: Fully funded coach, instructor, volunteer, and administrator inclusion training through the Coaching Association of Canada.
- Adaptive Equipment: Professional assessment and direct financial investment in specialized equipment.
- Sensory Spaces: Professional assessment and funding to upgrade facilities into sensory-friendly spaces.
- Program Guidance: Direct mentorship for long-term program design, implementation, and post-program evaluation.
(Total Funding amounts of up to $2000 each for 2 community sport organizations.)
Applications open September 10th, 2026 for Ottawa community sport organizations ready to educate their teams, enhance their facilities, and deliver lasting, sensory-friendly sports programs for the autistic community in Ottawa with support and guidance provided by Ottawa Sport Council and OSEG Foundation Autism Moves program.
For more information or questions contact:
Ottawa Sport Council
Frances Mercer, Executive Director
[email protected]
This opportunity is funded by donations from the Ottawa Sport for All Fund. Your contributions directly impact the growth of our community sport sector where sport belongs to everyone, everywhere.
100% of your 2026 contribution is directly invested into the grants provided through the Ottawa Sport for All Fund.