MLSE Foundation, Ontario Ministry Of Sport Announce Investment In Sport Access For 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
July 3, 2024
MLSE Foundation, through the Ontario Ministry of Sport, has announced an investment of $300,000 into grassroots organizations that prioritize access to sport for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. The provincial funding granted to MLSE Foundation will be distributed to ten local organizations whose work in the 2SLGBTQ+ community leverage innovative ideas and concepts to further access and retention in sports as well as health and wellness programming.
“MLSE Foundation’s core belief is rooted in recognizing the power of sports to change the world, and this grant is a positive step towards actioning change for a community that has proven to be marginalized from participation,” said Tanya Mruck, Vice President, Community Engagement and Social Impact, MLSE. “Together with the Ontario government, we are proud to extend further resources to like-minded organizations that prioritize the sports experience of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.”
MLSE Foundation’s investments and community engagement priorities are founded in data, with the ‘Change The Game’ research study being a driving resource. Over the past three years, this annual study of youth sports has pooled over 10,000 survey responses and a data set of over 25,000 Ontario youth. Key findings indicate that youth identifying as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are particularly marginalized in accessing and participating in sport, with over 50 per cent reporting that they avoid organized sport because of discrimination or lack of access to a safe sport environment. Of those who engaged in sport, more than 70 per cent participate only in individual sport or with trusted friends. Equipped with these results, MLSE Foundation is investing in organizations that work to help leveling the playing field for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and share a commitment to empowering all youth to use sport to recognize and reach their potential.
“Our government is proud to provide funding in support of MLSE Foundation’s continued efforts to create welcoming and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for children and youth,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport.“Today’s investment will empower grass root organizations across the province to deliver programs that equip young participants with new skills and encourage their involvement within the local community, creating leaders that are positioned to succeed today and tomorrow.”
To recognize the recipients of the grant, MLSE Foundation hosted “Sport Try It Day” on Wednesday, June 26 at MLSE LaunchPad. The first-of-its-kind event provided 2SLGBTQ+ youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports programming at an introductory, skill-based level. Sport Try It Day’s ambition is to grow youth across all communities’ interest in sport and active recreation in an environment that is welcoming, accessible and accepting.
For more information on the grant recipients, and to donate or get involved with MLSEFoundation, visit mlsefoundation.org.
Media Contact: Victoria Malisani, MLSE, victoria.malisani@mlse.com
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July 3, 2024
MLSE Foundation, through the Ontario Ministry of Sport, has announced an investment of $300,000 into grassroots organizations that prioritize access to sport for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. The provincial funding granted to MLSE Foundation will be distributed to ten local organizations whose work in the 2SLGBTQ+ community leverage innovative ideas and concepts to further access and retention in sports as well as health and wellness programming.
“MLSE Foundation’s core belief is rooted in recognizing the power of sports to change the world, and this grant is a positive step towards actioning change for a community that has proven to be marginalized from participation,” said Tanya Mruck, Vice President, Community Engagement and Social Impact, MLSE. “Together with the Ontario government, we are proud to extend further resources to like-minded organizations that prioritize the sports experience of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.”
MLSE Foundation’s investments and community engagement priorities are founded in data, with the ‘Change The Game’ research study being a driving resource. Over the past three years, this annual study of youth sports has pooled over 10,000 survey responses and a data set of over 25,000 Ontario youth. Key findings indicate that youth identifying as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are particularly marginalized in accessing and participating in sport, with over 50 per cent reporting that they avoid organized sport because of discrimination or lack of access to a safe sport environment. Of those who engaged in sport, more than 70 per cent participate only in individual sport or with trusted friends. Equipped with these results, MLSE Foundation is investing in organizations that work to help leveling the playing field for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and share a commitment to empowering all youth to use sport to recognize and reach their potential.
“Our government is proud to provide funding in support of MLSE Foundation’s continued efforts to create welcoming and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for children and youth,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport.“Today’s investment will empower grass root organizations across the province to deliver programs that equip young participants with new skills and encourage their involvement within the local community, creating leaders that are positioned to succeed today and tomorrow.”
To recognize the recipients of the grant, MLSE Foundation hosted “Sport Try It Day” on Wednesday, June 26 at MLSE LaunchPad. The first-of-its-kind event provided 2SLGBTQ+ youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports programming at an introductory, skill-based level. Sport Try It Day’s ambition is to grow youth across all communities’ interest in sport and active recreation in an environment that is welcoming, accessible and accepting.
For more information on the grant recipients, and to donate or get involved with MLSEFoundation, visit mlsefoundation.org.
Media Contact: Victoria Malisani, MLSE, victoria.malisani@mlse.com
MORE STORIES
July 3, 2024
MLSE Foundation, through the Ontario Ministry of Sport, has announced an investment of $300,000 into grassroots organizations that prioritize access to sport for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. The provincial funding granted to MLSE Foundation will be distributed to ten local organizations whose work in the 2SLGBTQ+ community leverage innovative ideas and concepts to further access and retention in sports as well as health and wellness programming.
“MLSE Foundation’s core belief is rooted in recognizing the power of sports to change the world, and this grant is a positive step towards actioning change for a community that has proven to be marginalized from participation,” said Tanya Mruck, Vice President, Community Engagement and Social Impact, MLSE. “Together with the Ontario government, we are proud to extend further resources to like-minded organizations that prioritize the sports experience of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.”
MLSE Foundation’s investments and community engagement priorities are founded in data, with the ‘Change The Game’ research study being a driving resource. Over the past three years, this annual study of youth sports has pooled over 10,000 survey responses and a data set of over 25,000 Ontario youth. Key findings indicate that youth identifying as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are particularly marginalized in accessing and participating in sport, with over 50 per cent reporting that they avoid organized sport because of discrimination or lack of access to a safe sport environment. Of those who engaged in sport, more than 70 per cent participate only in individual sport or with trusted friends. Equipped with these results, MLSE Foundation is investing in organizations that work to help leveling the playing field for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and share a commitment to empowering all youth to use sport to recognize and reach their potential.
“Our government is proud to provide funding in support of MLSE Foundation’s continued efforts to create welcoming and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for children and youth,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport.“Today’s investment will empower grass root organizations across the province to deliver programs that equip young participants with new skills and encourage their involvement within the local community, creating leaders that are positioned to succeed today and tomorrow.”
To recognize the recipients of the grant, MLSE Foundation hosted “Sport Try It Day” on Wednesday, June 26 at MLSE LaunchPad. The first-of-its-kind event provided 2SLGBTQ+ youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports programming at an introductory, skill-based level. Sport Try It Day’s ambition is to grow youth across all communities’ interest in sport and active recreation in an environment that is welcoming, accessible and accepting.
For more information on the grant recipients, and to donate or get involved with MLSEFoundation, visit mlsefoundation.org.
Media Contact: Victoria Malisani, MLSE, victoria.malisani@mlse.com
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