Building Better, Safer Sport at all Levels for Girls, Women and Gender-Diverse People in 2023

When it comes to women’s sports, 2023 has already started with a bang.

• Alexandria Loutitt became the first Canadian to win a World Cup in women’s ski jump.
• Ashley Stephenson joined the Toronto Blue Jays as coach.
• The WNBA Exhibition Game and the ESPNW Canada Summit are coming to Toronto this Spring.
• The Manitoba Soccer Association now requires all coaches in the province working with youth teams that include girls and gender-diverse people (U9-U18) to complete the Respect Group’s Keeping Girls in Sport program.
• Haley Wickenheiser was celebrated as Nation Builder of the Year by Empire Club Canada. Members of our Board and Commercial Women in Sport Advisory Group attended to celebrate and honour this remarkable leader. 
• 40 sport and recreation organizations are participating in the first cohort of the new Same Game Challenge!

While the momentum is strong, there is a lot to be done to continue building better, safer sports at all levels for girls, women, and gender-diverse people. 2023 is a fresh starting line, let’s get to work. 

First 40 Organizations Announced for the New Same Game Challenge

Together with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), we are proud to announce the 40 sport and recreation organizations participating in the first cohort of the new Same Game Challenge, taking place from January to July 2023. 

“Each of these organizations has a unique vision for how they can bring gender equity in sport to life,” says Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. “The Same Game Challenge offers the tools and support to make it happen. Together with Jumpstart and each of the participating organizations, we’re creating a safer, more equitable sport system for everyone.”

See the full list and learn more here.

The next application period for Same Game will open in February 2023. Interested in learning more? Sign up here.

What the Data Tells Us
A Call for More Role Models & Women’s Sports Coverage

All areas of sport benefit from the presence of girls, women and gender-diverse people. As we saw in the Rally Report 2022, girls are calling for more role models and women’s sports media coverage

How can you help?

In early 2023, Canadian Women & Sport, in partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation, will release new research on the Professional Women’s Sport Industry in Canada. Sign up here to learn more and get involved.

Have a Listen
Interview on The Sport Market

Earlier this month, Canadian Women & Sport CEO Allison Sandmeyer-Graves spoke about the importance of creating better, safer sport for girls, women and gender-diverse people on The Sports Market with Tom Mayenknecht.

Listen to the interview here @ 25:22

News From the Community

Nike Community Impact Fund – Funding for Toronto Organizations 

Through the Nike Community Impact Fund, Nike employees will work with Ontario Sport Network to award $5,000-$15,000 to eligible organizations in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas to give youth positive experiences in sport and physical activity, and advance healthier, supportive and more inclusive communities. Learn more and apply here.

Community Services Recovery Fund

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. Applications are now open for the Community Services Recovery Fund. Learn more and apply here.

Youth Employment Experience Funding from The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) has announced the launch of a final funding round for theYouth Employment Experience. This program will provide direct financial support (via 100% wage subsidies) to local governments, allowing them to offer placements that will focus on youth gaining a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience in the community parks and recreation sector. Not only will this program provide hands-on training, but each youth will be paired with a mentor at their place of employment to provide an immersive experience. Via this program, local governments will be able to hire additional youth to advance their parks and recreation priorities.Learn more and apply online by February 17, 2023

Have a gender equity initiative you want to share? Click here