Sport Inclusion Task Force launches LGBTQI2S+ inclusion website & resource hub
The Sport Inclusion Task Force (SITF) has launched a dedicated website for LGBTQI2S+ sport inclusion resources to mark the beginning of Pride Month. The newly launched site is a hub for sport organizations and individuals alike to learn how Canadian sport can be safer and more welcoming to those who are LGBTQI2S+.
The SITF is an informal coalition formed by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Professional Golfers Association of Canada, Canadian Women & Sport, the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, and Challenge Accepted Collective.
Ontario Basketball encourages its members to learn more at sportinclusion.ca.
Read the full Canadian Olympic Committee press release below:
TORONTO (June 2, 2021) – To kick off Pride Month, the LGBTQI2S+ Sport Inclusion Task Force (SITF) proudly announced the launch of its new website on Tuesday: sportinclusion.ca. The site will support National, Provincial/Territorial, and Local/Club Sport Organizations intent on making their organizations more equitable, diverse, and inclusive for those who identify as LGBTQI2S+.
Sportinclusion.ca will serve as a go-to hub for sport organizations, and the general public, looking for LGBTQI2S+ news, resources, speakers and consultants. It will also provide tools, policies and frameworks that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion for LGBTQI2S+ people.
“Making sport truly inclusive and accessible for all takes education, resources, expertise and concerted effort from all levels in the system, ” said David Shoemaker, CEO and Secretary General, Canadian Olympic Committee. “There has been a lot of progress made by many within our community to develop programs, initiatives and resources to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Having a centralized website to house these resources and best practices will go a long way in supporting sport organizations on their diversity, equity and inclusion journey.”
Founded during the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games, the SITF is steered by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Professional Golfers Association of Canada, Canadian Women & Sport, the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, and Challenge Accepted Collective. It is managed by a coalition of sport leaders who are committed to ending LGBTQI2S+ bias in sport through education for and promotion of LGBTQI2S+ inclusion in Canadian sport.
The SITF’s four core objectives include:
- Sport organizations (at all levels) in Canada are aware of how LGBTQI2S+ inclusion is part of making sport safer and free from maltreatment.
- Sport organizations in Canada have the capacity (knowledge, skills, and abilities) and commitment to make Canadian sport safer and more welcoming to those who are LGBTQI2S+.
- Sport organizations in Canada take meaningful and multidimensional action to make Canadian sport safer and more welcoming for those who are LGBTQI2S+.
- Canadian sport is safer and more welcoming for all who are LGBTQI2S+.
“We celebrate the launch of a central hub that provides resources for all levels of sport organizations to take tangible steps toward inclusion of LGBTQI2S+ individuals,” said Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO, Canadian Women & Sport. “Sport that is inclusive of LGBTQI2S+ people is sport that is safer and welcoming for all individuals. We encourage all sport leaders to visit this website and make full use of the resources and tools offered.”
The website will be updated regularly to ensure the most up-to-date best practices are readily available. For more information, visit www.sportinclusion.ca.