How does improving EDI make sport better?
ViaSport British Columbia is working to create a more inclusive sport culture. They work to raise awareness around inclusion in sport and disseminate effective practices.
As part of their initiatives and campaigns, they highlight how improving Equity, Diversity and Inclusion makes sport better!
- EDI Encourages Participation
When teams and organizations embrace diversity and inclusion, it encourages people from different backgrounds to participate. This can increase engagement and membership in your sport.
- EDI Promotes Fairness
Environments that are fair and address barriers to participation help eliminate discrimination and biases that can impact experience in sport. Equitable practices can bolster access to facilities, equipment and training across different sports.
- EDI Builds Community
Diversity in sport fosters understanding, respect, and unity that transcends the playing field.
- EDI Enhances Teamwork and Innovation
Diversity and inclusion boost innovation, problem solving, and the overall sporting experience through a broader range of perspectives, skills and ideas.
- EDI Promotes Role Models
Sport organizations that promote EDI create role models suited for a variety of backgrounds. This inspires members of equity-deserving groups to participate.
Effective Ways for Sport Organizations to Promote EDI
Develop a EDI Policy
Establish Diverse Leadership
Provide EDI Training
Foster Inclusive Communication
Provide accessible facilities and resources
Lead by example
Develop a data collection strategy
Engage with equity-deserving groups
Effective Ways for Coaches to Promote EDI
Educate yourself
Create an inclusive coaching environment
Recruit and mentor diverse coaches and officials
Address unconscious bias
Incorporate cultural competency
Effective Ways for Participants to Promote EDI
Educate yourself
Challenge your biases
Be an inclusive teammate
Be an ally
Be a role model