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July 5, 2024
Through the Ontario Ministry of Sport, MLSE Foundation is investing $300,000 into grassroots organizations prioritizing access to sport for 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) youth in Ontario, Canada. The funding will be distributed to ten local organizations that are using innovative ways to increase access and develop health and wellness programming in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which numbers approximately one million people. The effort is part of the Foundation’s Change the Game initiative, which intends to leverage sport to address systemic barriers that contribute to an unequal playing field.
Launched in 2021, Change the Game is investing $30 million towards creating more equitable opportunities for young athletes through 2025. The campaign is providing greater access to free sports programs, community building and leadership opportunities that focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. Funds have supported Ontario-based organizations that are using sport and recreation to build healthy communities, focusing on Black and Indigenous youth.
Ontario is home to 23% of all Indigenous peoples in Canada. There are 133 First Nations communities, representing at least seven main cultural and linguistic groups. Many Indigenous communities have their own terms for gender and sexual identity. Two-Spirit means a person with both a feminine and masculine spirit living in the same body within Indigenous cultures.
For MLSE Foundation, it is important to recognize and serve the needs of Indigenous communities, and this extends to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Its annual Change the Game research study of youth sports found that youth identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are marginalized in accessing and participating in sport. Over 50% reported that they avoid organized sport because of discrimination or lack of access to a safe sport environment. Of those who did engage in sports, more than 70% participated in individual sports or with trusted friends. As a result of these findings, the Foundation is working to empower and break down disparities for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
“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.”
The Foundation hosted ‘Sport Try It Day’ on June 26 to recognize the grant recipients. This event provided 2SLGBTQ+ youth with the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports programming at an introductory level. ‘Sport Try It Day’ aims to foster a safe space that is accessible and accepting for all youth across all communities to participate in sport and active recreation.
Based in Ontario, MLSE Foundation is the charitable arm of professional sports and commercial real estate enterprise, MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment), owners of the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, Toronto FC and more. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of youth by building facilities, giving to sustainable programs and empowering young people through sport and recreation. Since 2009, it has invested more than $67 million into Ontario communities and youth programming.
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