David Thibodeau talks about how sport can be used as a policy to create social cohesion on and off the field in Canada.
Social inclusion is the process of improving the conditions for individuals and groups to participate in society. Improving the capabilities, opportunities and dignity of people who are disadvantaged based on their identity.
How can sport contribute to social inclusion?
The most basic element of sports is that people come together to play. Sport breaks down barriers and builds bridges where boundaries usually exist. Sports can be understood across cultures, languages, and religions. Sport can bring a sense of unity to society, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender expression, able-bodied or disabled people, religion, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
How can policy accelerate inclusion through sport?
Retention and integration of new entrants
Sports organizations and governments can increase reconciliation programs that focus on sports as a catalyst for integration. Sports offer great opportunities to make friends and connections within the team, helping newcomers to put down roots in their new hometown. Payment institutions are often unaware of how sports and physical activity programs and partnerships can benefit newcomers in integrating them into their new lives.
After-school sports programs in priority areas
Making this a policy allows young people to participate in structured programs that provide a space to express themselves in safe ways and learn important life skills. Such policies aid the social inclusion of people from underserved communities and support marginalized groups in cities and towns.
Athletes of different abilities should practice together as much as possible
From what I’ve seen, organizations like the Special Olympics are mostly independent practices. Often this is necessary due to training needs or space limitations, but sometimes why not practice with other groups? One of the things I really like about the Canada Games is that all It’s about athletes competing at the same time.
protection from discrimination
Athletes, coaches, and volunteers need to be able to participate in sports without fear. This provides a platform from which inclusion can begin.
Canada
There is a movement to promote inclusion policies in Canadian sports. One example is the 2006 Policy on Athletes with Disabilities. and, more recently, the 2018 Minister of Science and Sport’s Working Group on Gender Equality in Sport. These are great initiatives and should be replicated to include new entrants. LGBTQ and other marginalized groups.
An example of a program is the Commonwealth Games Canada New Sports Program. The expected outcome is an increase in the frequency of the sport and the retention of young newcomers to Canada.
Challenges facing inclusion in sport
Of course, there are challenges to incorporating it into sports. The first challenge is always money. Whether it’s money to participate in sports or money to provide sports and recreation programs.
Canada’s infrastructure is aging. The pool I swam in in Fredericton was built in his 1960s and was not built with accessibility in mind. The only way to get to the pool was down the stairs. This is just one example of how our facilities do not meet today’s needs and how difficult it is to incorporate into the sport.
The current state of sports culture is very male-centered. This culture can discourage people from participating, especially women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people.
Our facilities are also closed to transgender and non-binary athletes. There are changing rooms for men and women, which may not be a safe place for some people.
Many coaches and sports administrators are volunteers. This means they often don’t have the time or financial resources to train coaches or research ways to create a more inclusive environment.
leadership diversity
As a former swimmer, I quit swimming at the end of my sophomore year because I didn’t think I could be an athlete and gay at the same time. For a long time, I struggled with the idea that there was a mismatch between who I was now and who I wanted to be. I had never heard of gay athletes and never thought I could participate in sports. To create a more inclusive environment, we need to change the culture of sport and make it more welcoming for everyone. We need diversity at all levels of sports leadership.
When everyone participates in society, everyone benefits. Inclusion through sport can have a huge impact on society.
David Thibodeau is a former competitive swimmer and current National Coaching Certification Program certified coach. He founded Sports for Social Impact to research sports policy and provide insightful analysis to those working in the sports industry. He advocates for better inclusion of his LGBTQ+ people in sports and physical education classes.
This article was first published by Sports for Social Impact. Edited for length by the management team.