OTTAWA (July 13, 2023) – The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation is thrilled to announce that Gay Ottawa Volleyball and Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey have been selected as the recipients of the 2023 Community Opportunity Grant. These organizations have been awarded $2,000 by Their Opportunity to support children and youth who face socio-economic barriers to participation in sport and underrepresented and marginalized populations.
Gay Ottawa Volleyball’s 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Volleyball program will create programming where 2SLGBTQ+ youth can make friends and feel safe among their peers while learning and playing volleyball. GOV will work with its 2SLGBTQ+ youth-serving partners, including Ten Oaks Project and Ottawa Youth Services Bureau, to recruit participants that may not have access to safe spaces in sport. The program will include skills development sessions, game time, as well as social opportunities to foster community building.
“We recognize the opportunity to increase safe and inclusive sports spaces in Ottawa for youth and want to be a part of the solution to foster new ones. We are so appreciative of the support from Their Opportunity and our friends at the Ottawa Sport Council for helping to make this possible,” said Gay Ottawa Volleyball’s President, David Muddiman.
Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey’s Stick Together program provides barrier-free access to field hockey for Indigenous youth, aged 8-14, in the Ottawa region. The program includes various activities designed to introduce participants to the sport, foster their skill development, and promote a sense of belonging. Nepean Nighthawks will provide free registration, equipment, and transportation for participants in the program.
“Through the Stick Together Program, the Nepean Nighthawks aim to support the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Indigenous youth, while also addressing the truth and reconciliation efforts outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Nighthawks have successfully run the Stick Together program for two seasons and will continue for the 2023-2024 winter season at Carleton University,” added Halley Chopra, President of the Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey Club.
Marcia Morris, Executive Director of the Ottawa Sport Council, said, “While the Ottawa Sport Council believes that community sport should be available to everyone, we recognize that many people face barriers to participation. The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation: 2023 Community Opportunity Grant supports programs which provide inclusivity and breaks down these barriers. We are delighted to support the programs offered by the Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey Club and Gay Ottawa Volleyball, which offer inclusive programming for underrepresented and marginalized populations.”
The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation’s 2023 Community Opportunity Grant was established in partnership with Their Opportunity and the Ottawa Community Foundation. The Ottawa Sport Council believes that there should only be positive experiences in sport. Their Opportunity is a national children’s charity that delivers and subsidizes community sport and engagement programming to eliminate barriers of access and empower youth to reach their full potential through sport.
“Their Opportunity is passionate about sport and community development and this community grant aims to provide inclusivity and break down barriers to participation in the City of Ottawa,” said Randy Gill, CEO and President of Their Opportunity.
About the Ottawa Sport Council
As the unified voice of amateur sport in Ottawa, the Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) facilitates advocacy and growth for all community sport organizations.
We believe that there should only be positive experiences in sport.
About Their Opportunity
Their Opportunity is a national registered children’s charity that has the vision to educate, uplift & support children to overcome barriers through the strength of sport & generosity. Since inception, we have helped provide opportunities for over 45,000 children & affected thousands more through our Giveback Program; translating to 585,000+ hours of sport & recreation and 157,500+ hours of community service or engagement.
Their Opportunity hosts a unique Giveback Program where children who receive subsidies or participate in one of our core programs are asked to “pay it forward” within their community through volunteerism. We believe in creating a cycle of generosity, where active youth are empowered to give back to help build healthier communities.
For more information please contact:
Marcia Morris, P. Eng
Executive Director, directrice générale
Conseil du sport d’Ottawa Sport Council