We, at Pacific Sport Okanagan, would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we operate is the unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples.
We work with local, regional, and national partners to improve gender equity in sport by raising awareness.
We are committed to creating and supporting a sport ecosystem in the Okanagan Valley that is safe and inclusive for all. We are proud to work collaboratively with Kelowna Pride.
Ethnocultural Diversity
Inclusion is an all-encompassing term. At PacificSport Okanagan we believe that cultivating an inclusive sport culture, where sport is accessible to all regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexuality, or diverse abilities. We are chasing a dream whereby the conditions in sport allow a safer, more equitable, and inclusive space for each athlete and coach.
Following in viaSport’s footsteps, we want to work to identify, educate, and distribute the resources to foster an inclusive environment in sport to coaches, sport organizations, and other leaders in the community.
Several demographics are shown to be less likely to participate in sport, or be retained in sport, through research including the following (viaSport, 2020):
- Women and Girls
- Persons with Disabilities
- LGBTQI2S Community
- Marginalized Youth
- Indigenous People
- Socio-economically Disadvantaged
- Newcomers to Canada
- Rural, Remote and Isolated Regions
- Older Adults
PacificSport Okanagan is committed to raising awareness on the barriers that these groups of individuals face with respect to access to sport, and empowering sport environments. We will continue to inform and broadcast ways that local sport organizations and coaches can execute within-organization practices to enhance inclusion in their sport.