OTTAWA (July 23, 2024) – The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation is thrilled to announce that Mesh Up
Ottawa and Ottawa Blizzard Floorball Club have been selected as the recipients of the 2024 Community
Opportunity Grant. These organizations have been awarded $2,000 by Their Opportunity to support
children and youth who face socio-economic barriers to participation in sport and underrepresented and
marginalized populations.
Mesh Up Ottawa is a community-based organization run entirely by volunteers committed to improving
local courts and supporting community organizations through sports and teamwork. Mesh Up travels to
basketball courts, particularly in equity deserving neighbourhoods in Ottawa, to install meshes in the
basketball hoops, donate basketballs and water bottles, and clean the parks together as a team.
Mesh Up Ottawa’s primary goal is to make these improvements so that the community members can
feel proud of their courts, have fun and to feel that someone cares. The communities greatly appreciate
the donations provided by Mesh Up Ottawa, as many youths lack access to the necessary sports
equipment. To date, the organization has distributed almost 1000 basketballs, donated 350 water
bottles.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous grant awarded to Mesh Up Ottawa. This support will enable us
to reach more communities across the city, fostering a greater impact on the youth we serve. With
these additional resources, we can provide more basketballs and water bottles, encouraging active and
healthy lifestyles. This grant empowers us to further our mission of promoting sports and well-being
among the young people of Ottawa. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us make a positive
difference in the lives of many”, said Patricia Verissimo, Mesh-Up Ottawa.
The Ottawa Blizzard Floorball Club strives to create a diverse, inclusive and active environment for the
youth of our community. With no experience required, all sport- specific equipment provided, and low
registration fees, floorball removes financial barriers. It provides a low-cost opportunity to engage in
sport. Additionally, the club ensures everyone has the option to participate, regardless of their ability,
gender, and identity. The Jr. Blizzard floorball program strives to introduce youth to a growing sport in
North America. Floorball is a fast-paced game similar to ice hockey, though it is played on an indoor
court. It is a highly accessible, low-cost activity that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship and
communication all while keeping kids active and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Funds from the grant will
be used for costs affiliated with the fall Junior Blizzard Floorball program.
“The Ottawa Blizzard Floorball Club is incredibly grateful for this opportunity. This grant will allow us to
offer floorball sessions to our local youth at little to no cost, thereby reducing barriers to sport
participation. We are excited to spread our love for the game with even more players this fall!”, said
Rylee Bourgaize, Ottawa Blizzard Floorball Club.
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: 2024 Community Opportunity Grant
supports programs which provide inclusivity and breaks down these barriers. We are delighted to support the programs offered by the Mesh Up Ottawa and Ottawa Blizzard Floorball Club , which offer inclusive programming for equity deserving populations.”
The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation’s 2024 Community Opportunity Grant was established in
partnership with Their Opportunity and the Ottawa Community Foundation. The Ottawa Sport Council
believes that there should only be positive experiences in sport. Their Opportunity is a national children’s
charity that delivers and subsidizes community sport and engagement programming to eliminate barriers
of access and empower youth to reach their full potential through sport.
“Sport has the remarkable ability to unite communities and transform lives. In Ottawa, we witness the
power of sport every day, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. At Their Opportunity,
we are incredibly proud to partner with the Ottawa Sport Council to empower programs that foster
inclusivity, teamwork, and resilience. Together, we are not just creating athletes; we are building a
stronger, more connected community where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.” –
Randy Gill, President & CEO of Their Opportunity.
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 Their Opportunity
Their Opportunity is a national registered children’s charity that has the vision to educate, uplift &
support children to overcome barriers through the strength of sport & generosity. Since inception, we
have helped provide opportunities for over 45,000 children & affected thousands more through our
Giveback Program; translating to 585,000+ hours of sport & recreation and 157,500+ hours of
community service or engagement.
Their Opportunity hosts a unique Giveback Program where children who receive subsidies or participate
in one of our core programs are asked to “pay it forward” within their community through volunteerism.
We believe in creating a cycle of generosity, where active youth are empowered to give back to help
build healthier communities.
For more information please contact:
Marcia Morris, P. Eng
Executive Director
Ottawa Sport Council