Participating in sport is a great way to stay active and healthy. It has been proven that playing sports increases life expectancy, and confidence and improves mental health.

This is the case for anyone, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. It is also true for people with various types of disabilities who may struggle with joining a sport team with people who don’t have their same limitations. Therefore, it is important for all sporting organizations to promote inclusion, so that everyone can experience the benefits that playing a sport offers.

This is why the Ottawa Sport Council partnered with the Ottawa Community Foundation and True Sport to create the Ottawa Sport Council Foundation Endowment Fund. The focus of the endowment fund is to assist community sport organizations to establish new programs in underrepresented communities in Ottawa and to increase opportunities for participation in sport activities embracing the True Sport Principles (Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Have Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, Give Back).

In 2018 the endowment fund supported the City of Ottawa Ringette Association’s Ringette for All (RFA) program. RFA welcomes any player eight years and older with a developmental and/or physical disability that prevents them from playing on any other team. Volunteer coaches meet the players at their level and each session allows them to develop skills, be part of a team, make friends and increase their self confidence. Kim and Alexa Gurtler, founders of the Ringette for All program believe that no one should be excluded from sport and that every child should have the chance to experience the incredible benefits of being part of a team.

In its inaugural year, the RFA program hosted six participants with varied ability levels and was a huge success. “My child truly felt like they were wanted and belonged on a team with RFA,” one parent said. Others expressed their gratitude for the dedication of the volunteers, the non-competitive atmosphere and the accepting and inclusive nature of the program. “They’re already excited for next season,” said another parent.

When used effectively sport is a great tool for promoting inclusion. According to a recent UNICEF report sport has helped overcome many societal prejudices and experiences in several countries has shown that access to sport and recreation is not only of direct benefit to children with disabilities, but also helps to improve their standing in the community.

The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation is committed to helping ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits sport has to offer. By promoting inclusion in sport, we are not only improving lives of the players but also the health and wellness of the entire community.

If your organization is interested in helping to make sport more inclusive in our city, please check out our grant.