Kanata Nordic Ski Club Receives Canadian Sport Funding

Nordiq Canada, along with its Divisions and Clubs, received a boost of support from the Government of Canada in the organization’s collective commitment to create a more inclusive and welcoming sport environment for all Canadians.

The national body for cross-country skiing in Canada will distribute $284,317 to 12 Ski Clubs across Canada to support community-led projects aimed at removing barriers to increase participation in cross-country skiing for underrepresented groups, particularly Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, low income and newcomers. Nordiq Canada was one of 11 national sport organizations sharing $4.7 million of additional funding earlier this month for the Community Sport for All Initiative.

“Nordiq Canada is committed to building a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community without borders that provides all Canadians with the opportunity to get in shape while finding their stride on a pair of cross-country skis,” said Stéphane Barrette, Chief Executive Officer, Nordiq Canada. “We are grateful to the Government of Canada for this investment that is sure to make a positive difference in Nordic communities across the country.”

In the spring, 14 Ski Clubs responded to Nordiq Canada’s call for applications for Clubs interested in delivering programming that fit under Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative guidelines: affordable; results oriented; focus on organized sport; green; accessible; and available.

Particular focus was centred around projects where Club planning included partnering their programming with equity-deserving community groups to help promote and invite participants to each of their programs. 12 projects will receive funding this winter, including:

Club: Kanata Nordic Ski Club, Kanata, Ont.
Project: Equity, Access, and Community Wellness through Outdoor Winter Recreation
Equity-Deserving Group Focus: Black, Newcomers, Indigenous, Low Income
Equity-Deserving Group Partners: Ottawa Carleton Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), Accora Village, Carlington Community Health Centre, 613-819 Black Hub Noir, Women of Colour Remake Wellness, and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition.Funding: $6,230