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October 21, 2022
Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) is working to increase the physical activity of K-12 students across the country through a school-based Access to Action Granting Program. Funded by Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) – a COVID recovery fund – the new program will reach more than 500 schools this school year.
Physical activity among Canadian youth dropped from 50.8% in 2018 to 37.2% in 2020, with especially significant decreases for minority groups. And, Canadian Community Health Survey data reports that the percentage of Indigenous youth meeting the recommended physical activity decreased from 67% pre-pandemic to 38% during the pandemic.
The Access to Action program aims to close the physical activity gap among students, educators and community members. The CSAI component of the Sport Support Program will particularly focus on supporting community sport initiatives for “equity-deserving groups”, namely Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, low-income and newcomers to increase participation and retention in sport.
“Schools are the best way to reach the vast majority of young people in Canada. The last three years have highlighted the inequities in physical activity opportunities among youth, especially in Canada’s diverse climate. For instance, newcomer students may not have had the opportunity to be active in cold-weather months, or communities who are recovering from traumatic events may not have the resources required to facilitate meaningful and restorative physical experiences” said Melanie Davis, PHE Canada’s Executive Director.
Grants between $500 and $20,000 will be provided to faciliate new sport and physical activity opportunities before, during and after school hours. By connecting the local sports community and schools, the program intends to reduce barriers to engagement by alleviating registration costs, equipment shortages and transportation isssues.
“Sport plays an important role in building self-esteem and leadership skills, which allow people to grow and thrive physically, emotionally and socially. It should be accessible to everyone and become the basis for our children, who all deserve the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity,” said The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
Distribution of funding will begin in November and on a rolling basis throughout fall and winter. Schools, school boards and school divisions in Canada are encouraged to apply for the grant now to ensure that students can access an abundance of sport and physical activity opportunities.
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