Spring has sprung in Ottawa. Warmer weather and longer days provide many more opportunities to get outside, and more time in your day to engage in active outdoor recreation. Spring is also a time of year where several community sport organizations start their season. New seasons present opportunities to try a new sport. 

A 2023 report from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association outlines the benefits of SPAR (Sports, Physical Activity, and Recreation) for the physical and mental health of Canadians, and says that participating in SPAR lowers a person’s risk of heart diseases, stroke, depression and type 2 diabetes. Taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days can be a big boost to your health. 

Trying a new sport can be intimidating, however sport organizations are incredibly welcoming to new participants. You can find a comprehensive list on the Ottawa Sport Council website. Community sport organizations grow and thrive when new people join their organization as members. This spring could be the perfect opportunity to be a part of a growing community. 

Disc Golf

Disc golf is one of many outdoor recreation activities that saw participation numbers grow exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people opted to participate in more outdoor activities for safety reasons. While some sports present financial barriers to entry, disc golf, in many cases, is a very affordable activity, with access to several courses being available at no cost. 

The Ottawa Disc Golf Club supports disc golf in the National Capital Region and provides several opportunities for recreational and competitive play. They also have membership options for both individuals and families. 

Paddling Sports

Warmer weather presents opportunities to get active on the water. Paddling activities like canoeing and kayaking can be great forms of exercise at a recreational level, while also presenting competitive sport opportunities. 

Some of Ottawa’s community sport organizations are canoe and kayak clubs, all of which have spring and summer programs available.

The Petrie Island Canoe Club has programs for paddlers of all ages, at both the recreational and competitive levels. They also have summer programs and camps available for children. 

Softball

Softball is a great team sport to try as a new participant because there are many recreational leagues in the Ottawa area that are welcoming to new players. Some organizations also have different divisions based on various competitive levels, so there are opportunities to participate in a more casual setting. You can find a list of softball leagues here. 

Foster Inclusion in Your Sport

Welcoming new participants is a valuable activity in the growth of your community sport organization. Learn how to make your organization a more welcoming and inclusive space for new participants with the free resources and tools found in The Belonging Playbook.