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?