Ottawa Sport Council Foundation Announces 2022 True Sport Community Grant Recipients
OTTAWA (April 11, 2022) – The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Ottawa River Canoe Club and Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa have been selected asthe recipients of the 2022 True Sport Community Grant. These organizations have been awarded $1,500 by the True Sport Foundation to support inclusivity for those who face barriers to participation in sport while embracing the True Sport Principles.
The Ottawa River Canoe Club’s I CAN Paddle program brings together youth between the ages of 15 and 30 who have recently arrived in Canada whether that be as an immigrant or refugee. Over the course of six weeks, this free program not only provides participants the opportunity to develop their paddling skills (kayak, canoe, dragon boat, sprint boats, SUP) in a safe and fun environment, but also the chance to enjoy the beautiful summers we are so lucky to have out on the Ottawa River. “Once again, the Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) has demonstrated its commitment to inclusive sports and the Ottawa River Canoe Club (ORCC) is grateful for their continuedsupport in making the I CAN Paddle program possible. It is through the support of OSC that the ORCC will be able to offer some of the most vulnerable people in our community the opportunity to develop their paddling skills while enjoying the company of their peers and of course the beautiful Ottawa River that we call home.” said Joel Hazzan, Executive Director of the Ottawa River Canoe Club.
Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa’s Coping Mental Health through Soccer program provides a safe space where lower and middle-income black and racialized newcomers, refugees, and immigrant children and youth (8 to 29 years old) in Ottawa’s lower-income neighbourhoods participate in free community soccer tournaments to promote positive mental well-being, physical health, social and emotional health. “Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa is appreciative of the Ottawa Sport Council Foundation: 2022 True Sport Community Grant for our Coping Mental Health through Soccer program. The fund will help us rent turf fields for the tournament in the summer as well as subsidize transportation costs for some of our participants. The grant will really make a difference to our participants. Thank you.” added Reuben Mulinda Nashali, Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa.
Marcia Morris, Executive Director of the Ottawa Sport Council, said, “While the Ottawa Sport Council believes that community sport should be available to everyone, we recognize that many people face barriers to participation. The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation: 2022 True Sport Community Grant supports programs which provide inclusivity and breaks down these barriers. We are delighted to support the programs offered by the Ottawa River Canoe Club and Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa, which offer inclusive programming for underrepresented and marginalized populations.”
The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation’s True Sport Community Grant was established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Ottawa and the True Sport Foundation. The Ottawa Sport Council is passionate about sport and this community grant aims to enhance sport excellence, guided by True Sport Principles, in the City of Ottawa. “We are very pleased to support the work of the Ottawa River Canoe Club and Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa through our partnership with the Ottawa Sport Council Foundation. There is a growing sense of opportunity to “build back better” after the pandemic, ensuring community sport experiences give greater consideration to addressing social inequalities, which these programs have the potential to address,” said Karri Dawson, Executive Director of the True Sport Foundation. “Through their commitment to the True Sport Principles, the Ottawa River Canoe Club and Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa programs are providing positive, rewarding experiences that will instill character in participants, strengthen communities, and increase opportunities for excellence, which we need now more than ever.”
About the Ottawa Sport Council
As the unified voice of amateur sport in Ottawa, the Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) facilitates advocacy and growth for all community sport organizations.
We believe that there should only be positive experiences in sport.
About the True Sport Foundation
The True Sport Foundation is a national charitable organization committed to ensuring that sport makes a positive contribution to individuals and communities. The Foundation works with its many partners through programs and activities that promote values-based and principle-driven sport for all Canadians.
For more information please contact:
Executive Director, directrice générale