Ontario is investing $800,000 to expand access to community sport and recreation programs for nearly 6,000 children and youth, with funding directed toward baseball, organized sport, swimming and basketball officiating programs across the province.
The provincial funding will flow through Ontario’s Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and support three organizations: Jays Care Foundation, KidSport Ontario and Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network. The government says the funding is intended to reduce financial barriers, increase participation and help young people build confidence, leadership skills and long-term connections to physical activity.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to play, build confidence and reach their full potential through sport,” said Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport. “By investing in community organizations, we’re making sport and recreation more accessible and affordable for families across Ontario, while helping young people stay active, build lifelong skills and thrive.”
Jays Care Foundation to Receive $300,000
Jays Care Foundation will receive $300,000 to expand two programs expected to reach more than 4,200 children and youth.
The organization’s Challenger Baseball program provides adaptive baseball opportunities for children and youth with disabilities, while the Indigenous Rookie League delivers community-based baseball programming aimed at Indigenous participants.
“Our government is proud to invest in Challenger Baseball so children and youth with disabilities can enjoy the tremendous benefits of team sports. This is how we are driving accessibility. Project by project, community by community – we are getting it done.”
– Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
“Providing increased opportunities for Indigenous youth to participate in sports fosters skills development and teamwork for life. This funding enhances accessibility for Indigenous youth to learn, play and grow through the sport, and beyond.”
– Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
Peter King, executive director of Jays Care Foundation, said the funding would help expand grassroots baseball while supporting broader personal development.
“Jays Care Foundation is deeply grateful to the Ontario Ministry of Sport for their continued generous support of Jays Care programming across the province. This funding will not only support the growth of grassroots baseball but also help kids across Ontario build character, resilience and a sense of belonging through sport. By expanding access to sport programs like these, together we are creating healthier and more connected communities and giving more kids the opportunity to experience the power of baseball.”
– Peter King
Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation
KidSport Ontario Funding Targets Financial Barriers
KidSport Ontario will receive the largest portion of the new funding, with $400,000 allocated to help approximately 1,100 children and youth from low-income families participate in organized sport.
The funding will assist families with registration fees and equipment costs, two expenses that can prevent young people from joining community programs.
“When children and youth are able to access sport, they and their families experience a sense of belonging and develop a connection to the community in which they live. Without the funding we receive from the Ministry of Sport, many of those families would have to say no to the question ‘Can I play this season?’ We are grateful for the ministry’s continued support of the KidSport grant program, allowing us to ensure children and families who are facing financial barriers are able to access sport in their community.”
– Sara Restani
Executive Director, KidSport Ontario
Swimming and Basketball Programs Focus on Inclusion
A further $100,000 will go to Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network to increase participation among Black, Indigenous and other racialized children, youth and families.
The funding will support free swimming lessons and lifeguard training for approximately 650 young people. It will also provide training and mentorship for up to 30 young women from racialized communities to become certified basketball officials.
“Creating a more inclusive sport system starts with ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, grow and lead. We are proud to work alongside the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport to expand access through Breaking Barriers to Swimming and mentorship opportunities for young female basketball officials. This investment allows us to continue creating pathways that empower the next generation and strengthen inclusion across sport in Ontario.”
– Shauna Bookal
President & CEO, Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN)
Ontario Expands Long-Term Community Sport Investment
Ontario says the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program has helped approximately 150,000 children and youth participate in sport and recreation since its launch in 2021-22.
The province also invests more than $23 million annually in inclusive physical activity programs and has committed $500 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to renovate existing facilities and build new recreation spaces.
“Our government continues to invest in programs that help children and youth access the opportunities they deserve. This funding will expand access to affordable programs, strengthen leadership and ensure young people across Ontario stay active while achieving their full potential.”
– Graham McGregor
Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
The latest funding adds to Ontario’s broader strategy of using community-based recreation programs to improve accessibility, reduce participation costs and create more opportunities for young people to remain active across the province.