Sport For All
; emphasizing IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) within sport.
At Lethbridge Sport Council we strive to be a voice for sport- believing that everyone should experience quality sport. An inclusive sport culture embraces, respects, and values differences in people regardless of their age, gender, or background.
Why inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility within sport?
A recent 2023 SIRC article focused on the need to reframe sport; highlighting a similar mandate as Lethbridge Sport Council that sport needs to place excellent experiences for all at the center. In this article SIRC highlights that gold standards will return to sport in the shared values of respect, friendship and excellence.
SIRC suggests that six elements contribute to a quality sport experience: belongingness, engagement, achievement, challenge, choice and personal and social meaning. These elements contribute to everyone who’s involved in sport; athletes, coaches, officials, parents, administrators and supporters to having positive sport experiences.
In our efforts to provide quality sport experiences to all there is a need for a mindset shift to see sport for development. This is the intentional use of sport and physical activity to build healthy communities and help all people reach their full potential. As we look to make sport accessible and inclusive to all within our community, there are practical steps that sport organizations and teams can do to assist in achieving this goal. A starting point for organizations is to truly embrace inclusion by fostering a culture of inclusion. Some strategies to achieve this are:
- Use language and imagery that is inclusive and respectful of all cultures and identities.
- Adjust program activities and make them adaptable to cater various skill levels.
- Communicate with participants, families, parents and caregivers.
- Create a culture where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings and experiences and where they are celebrated for their differences.
- Ensure that policies and procedures are equitable and consistent for all.
Inclusive and Accessible Sport Programs
Everyone deserves quality sport. For some participants, this requires various degrees of support.
Organizations that offer accessible, adaptable, and/or inclusive programming
These organizations offer adaptable, accessible, and/or inclusive programming. Select the organization you'd like to check out, then click the 'Accessible and Inclusive' button on their profile to learn more.
IDEA Events
Sport For All Resources
Our resource library has a number of resources for parents, athletes, organizations, and coaches. Here are a few of the 'Sport For All' resources you'll find:
Adaptable Programming in Lethbridge
Lethbridge Sport Council
Being active outside is essential for our mental and physical well-being. However, it can be difficult to find suitable activities for kids with disabilities. Common obstacles include accessibility, safety, finding adaptive equipment, and financial barriers. This resource includes ways to eliminate these hurdles so you and your kids can get active no matter your circumstance.
Sport and Active Recreation Fee Assistance Programs
Lethbridge Sport Council
The cost of sport is a well-known barrier for many Canadian families. This resource explains the three assistance programs that help cover sport costs such as registration fees and equipment. These programs are excellent resources to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport.
Keeping Girls in Sport
Coach.ca, Canadian Women & Sport, Respect Group
Keeping Girls in Sport is an online program that teaches coaches and youth activity leaders how to create engaging sport and physical activity programming for girls.
The Community Coordinator, Sport for All position is an extension of the Pathway to Participation initiative which spanned from 2020-2022. Over the course of P2P, we are proud to have held a number of events and programs with the intention of increasing Indigenous access to sport. In 2023 the P2P initiative has expanded to include other groups experiencing barriers to sport. To learn more about the original P2P initiative, we welcome you to check out the webpage.
Quick Links
Contact Keegan
The Community Coordinator, Sport for All position is made possible through funding from the Government of Alberta Sport Participation Support Program, which supports the Pathway to Participation for All (P2P4A) initiative.