As the uncertainty around the pandemic continues, we’ve found comfort in conversations with colleagues, friends, collaborators, and others who are working to make the world of sport and beyond a better place. Our staff and Board recently participated in an anti-racism training led by journalist and sports activist Shireen Ahmed, who shared a quote from Murri artist and activist Lilla Watson:

“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

This spring, we’re reflecting on how we can renew our commitments to equity and collaboration and inspire others to do the same. Here are some offerings to help us continue in that work together:

• A recent shooting in Atlanta, Georgia is one of many incidences of devastating racist and gendered violence towards Asian people that have been increasing since the start of the pandemic. We want to extend our solidarity to all who are grieving the loss of their family and community members. Learn more about the history of Anti-Asian racism in Canada, how it intersects with sport, what you can do to honour the women killed in Atlanta, and explore resources like Project 1507.
• March 31 was International Trans Day of Visibility. While trans and gender diverse people may not be out to their coaches or teammates, they have always been present in sport and physical activity and deserve safer spaces to move and play. Explore resources from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, viaSport BC, and Canadian Women & Sport to help you build inclusive space for queer and trans participants.
• We are looking for sport clubs across the country to join us in piloting our exciting new Game On program. Coaches at each participating club will be trained to deliver an 8-week sport and leadership program for girls aged 14 – 18. Learn more and apply before Monday, April 12 to be considered as a pilot club!

Help us understand your organization’s gender equity priorities and challenges! Your feedback will help us develop the support best suited to advance gender equity, and 1 in every 50 respondents will be selected to win a $50 gift card to Canadian Tire.  Respond to our survey.How can sport and physical activity organizations better engage second-generation African Canadian girls in their programming? Learn more about master’s candidate Amina Haggar and her research on the topic in our new case study, co-published with the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC).  Congratulations to the 2021 WISE Fund Recipients! We are so proud to be supporting 45 sport and physical activity organizations to advance gender equity in Canadian sport. Learn more about the grant and the 2021 recipients.Financial support for sport to recover from COVID-19 is needed and welcomed; however, the allocation of funds to men’s sport without offering the same to women’s sport is unfair. Read our statement on inequity in sport relief funding.