At the Ottawa Sport Council, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sport. Can you imagine your childhood without sport? Not being able to look forward to learning a new skill that you can practice and perfect?? With the help of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, we are delighted to provide the opportunity to participate in a multi-sport after school program in Rideau-Vanier and help to develop and foster activity in the children in our own community.
In partnership with the Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association (OCUA) and Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club (OISC), this program will enable youth in grades 4-6, in the Rideau-Vanier Ward, to enjoy sports’ benefits in this underserved area.
Why Rideau-Vanier?
Children in this popular Ottawa Neighborhood are more likely to face economic hardships which create barriers to participation in sport. This hampers their enjoyment of an active lifestyle, friendships and transferable skills that they can carry on into their teen and adult lives. This part of our city currently has no dedicated youth community sport organizations, due to lack of financial resources and volunteers. It is our hope, through this program, we can give the youth an opportunity otherwise missed and perhaps create a positive atmosphere where others will take interest, once the 10 week program ends.
What exactly does this program include?
The Rideau-Vanier Multisport project is a FREE 10-week afterschool multi-sport program (soccer and ultimate Frisbee) for children in grades 4-6. Three consecutive sessions will be facilitated (35 participants, total of 105 children) in 3 local schools. The initiative will provide 4 hours per week of instruction and games. Our partners, the Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association and the Ottawa International Soccer Club, will provide qualified instructors, who will deliver the program in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. It is our goal that the students will directly benefit from the skill development, which will motivate them to continue to participate in an active lifestyle after the program finishes. We hope this program encourages parents and community members to consider volunteering to assist with or organize sport programs in the area going forward.