The PLAY Sport For Development Project
This project's parent organization is MLSE Foundation and Right To Play Canada
It operates in Canada
It uses Basketball, Football (Soccer), Hockey
Shortlisted for the Best New Project
More about The PLAY Sport For Development Project
The United Nations Human Development Index states that living conditions and quality of life for Aboriginal people in Canada are similar to the developing world. Lack of access to education means 70% of Aboriginal students in Canada between 15 and 24 years, living on reserve, will never complete high school. Unemployment rates are twice that of non-Aboriginal populations. Growing rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide, diabetes and obesity impact Aboriginal people in greater percentage than any other cultural group in Canada.
The PLAY Sport for Development Project addresses these intergenerational effects of colonization in Aboriginal communities. We do this through sport and play. Using sport as the driver of social change, combined with an Indigenous worldview model, we build capacity in local Community Mentors through nationally recognized coaching certification; Sport For Development clinics for youth; and creating lasting change in Aboriginal communities through consistent recreational programming.