Main Highlights:
- Action Granting Program to increase physical activity
- Giving schools grants between $500 and $20,000
- Countless opportunities for sport and physical activity both indoors and outdoors in Canada
- Who is qualified for funding?
Action Granting Program to increase physical activity
Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) is pleased to announce funding from Sport Canada through the Access to Action Granting Program to increase physical activity among K–12 students across Canada. Since Access to Action is the only school-based programme supported by the COVID recovery fund (Community Sport for All Initiative), it is in a unique position to benefit this academic year by reaching more than 500 schools and countless students.
According to reports, between 2018 and 2020, the average amount of physical activity per week fell by two hours during the pandemic. Furthermore, from 50.8% in the fall of 2018 to 37.2% in the fall of 2020, fewer young people met the Canadian physical activity recommendation for children and youth (Stats Can, 2022).
The disparities that equity-deserving students (including Indigenous, Black, students with disabilities, LGBTQ2IA+, and Newcomers) face when gaining access to sports and physical activity opportunities have been brought to light over the past three academic years, reinforcing the need for better health and physical education support for all students.
Giving schools grants between $500 and $20,000
By giving schools grants between $500 and $20,000 to develop and support new sports and physical activity opportunities before, during, and after school hours, Access to Action hopes to close gaps between students, educators, and community members. With the help of grants, schools will be able to forge deep connections with local nonprofits to encourage the participation of youth who deserve equity in physical activity and sport.
“The announcement made today strengthens our dedication to creating communities that are stronger and healthier. The development of leadership qualities and self-esteem through sports enables individuals to advance and thrive on all fronts—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Everyone should have access to it, and it should serve as the foundation for our kids, who ought to all have the chance to engage in sport and physical activity.” The Honorable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister in Charge of the Quebec Economic Development Agency
“The majority of Canadian youth can be reached most effectively in schools. The disparities in youth physical activity opportunities over the past three years have come to light, especially given Canada’s varied climate.
According to Melanie Davis, Executive Director of PHE Canada, “Access to Action will meet young people where they are at – school – and expand school-based physical activity options to what is relevant and meaningful to them.
Countless opportunities for sport and physical activity both indoors and outdoors in Canada
For example, newcomer students may not have had the opportunity to be active in cold-weather months, or communities that are recovering from traumatic events may not have the resources required to facilitate meaningful and restorative physical experiences.
Linking the local sports community with the schools will increase capacity and lower engagement barriers by addressing registration costs, equipment shortages, and transportation. PHE Canada can support thousands of students across the nation with a grant of this size and start them on the path to a healthy, active life.
There are countless opportunities for sport and physical activity both indoors and outdoors in Canada, a vibrant and diverse country. Even so, many students encounter obstacles to participation. Access to Action will be able to reach a significant portion of youth who deserve equity by assisting educators and schools, opening doors to pertinent and affirming physical activities that will improve physical, social, and mental health in the short and long term.
Schools, school boards, and school divisions are urged to submit applications as soon as possible because funding will be distributed as early as November and on a rolling basis throughout the fall and winter. This will help ensure that students benefit from the programme all year long.
Period of application: October 6, 2022 – February 28, 2023
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Access to Action will contribute money to at least 500 sports and/or physical activity programmes for the 2022–2023 academic year. With the help of grants, schools will be able to build meaningful connections with local sporting organisations and provide opportunities for youth who deserve equity to participate in physical activity and sport.
Who is qualified for funding?
Access to Action is uniquely positioned to reach schools across Canada as the only school-based programme supported by the COVID recovery fund (Community Sport for All Initiative).
The primary applicant must be a recognised Canadian school, board, division, or community organisation, such as:
– Publicly funded elementary, middle, or secondary schools.
– Elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions of learning for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
– Canadian educational institutions (such as school boards/divisions, first nations education departments, etc.)
– Supervised alternative learning institutions, such as special education institutions, Care, Treatment, Custody and Corrections (CTCC) programmes, institutions for the blind and the deaf, demonstration schools, etc.
– Private schools with a higher percentage of equity-deserving students, with an emphasis on those who aren’t involved in sports or other forms of physical activity.
Community organisations
