he Ontario government is investing $330,000 to help expand access to affordable sport and recreation opportunities for children and youth across the province through a new partnership with the MLSE Foundation.
The funding, delivered through Ontario’s Inclusive Grassroots Recreation (IGR) program, will support programming aimed at reaching nearly 2,000 young people in communities including Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, Durham, Clarington and Blue Mountain. The initiative is designed to reduce barriers to participation and increase access to local sport opportunities for youth from a wide range of backgrounds.
“Our government is supporting more opportunities for children and youth to participate in sport and recreation close to home,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By partnering with organizations like MLSE Foundation, we are helping more young people develop confidence, build valuable life skills and experience the many benefits of staying active, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Programming supported by the investment will include basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, adapted sport and multi-sport activities, with a focus on ensuring inclusive and accessible participation for youth in underserved communities.
MLSE Foundation says the funding will help expand its reach and strengthen its ability to deliver community-based programming that promotes both physical activity and mental well-being.
“Every person deserves a safe, welcoming place to play, yet too many youth still face barriers that keep them on the sidelines,” said Kendra Kerr, director of MLSE Foundation. “With this milestone investment, MLSE Foundation is expanding affordable, inclusive programming in communities across Ontario where barriers to participation are highest and ensuring that everyone in the province has the chance to play, grow and thrive. We’re proud to deepen our partnership with the province to make sport truly accessible for all.”
The Ontario government says the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program continues to support community-based initiatives that make sport more accessible and inclusive, while encouraging long-term participation in physical activity.
Since its launch in 2021–22, the program has provided opportunities for approximately 150,000 children and youth across Ontario to participate in local sport and recreation programming. The province also notes it invests more than $23 million annually in related initiatives, including after-school programs and cultural recreation supports.
Ontario is also investing $500 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to help build and upgrade local facilities across the province, with the goal of increasing access to safe and modern recreational spaces.
