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When community sport organizations have access to grant funding, there is greater opportunity to achieve financial sustainability and, in turn, continue to offer high quality sport experience for the community.

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to announce the launch of the Ottawa Sport Council Foundation: 2022 True Sport Community Grant!  The application portal is now open and applications can be submitted until Thursday, February 24th at 17:00 EST.

2021 has come and gone, and with it, community sport organizations have overcome another year of uncertainty, adapting once again to an ever-changing sport world.

On January 10, 2022, the application window for the Ottawa Sport Council Foundation: 2022 True Sport Community Grant will open. This grant supports programs which provide inclusivity for those who face barriers to participation in sport including but not limited to those who face social, economic, or racial barriers, and underrepresented and marginalized populations.

“It’s important because it gives young girls courage and inclusiveness. It teaches girls to be brave and not be scared if they don't have experience on ice, especially those participants that are of different nationalities.” – Maha Alsousi, parent of a participant

When thinking about the importance of sport participation, the focus can often centre around youth participation. Sport, however, has no age limit and anyone who wants to participate should have the opportunity to do so.

COVID-19 had many impacts on community sport including a lack of access for many participants, especially those from marginalized communities. Sport is crucial for youth development, both physical and mental. With more than a year of restricted access, getting kids back to the field, pool or court is critically important. As we return to sport, it’s important for community sport organizations to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to ensure all participants feel welcome, included and have equal access to sport.

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to announce the release of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Panel Discussion Video.  This video is being released with the continued support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund as part of the Ottawa Sport Council’s  Rebound program. The program complements and enhances the resources found in the Ottawa Return to Play Roadmap.

“Selfless and mindful are two ways to describe Shawn. A true asset and hugely fun to be around. Never a dull moment and always thinking of ways to bring sailing to more people in ways that makes sense to them, not just our predefined ideas.” – Dave Bradly, nominator

Sport tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry and offers an opportunity for community sport organizations to showcase local talent, create legacies for host communities and encourage participation in sport.