Kingston, May 15, 2024 – Sail Canada is pleased to announce that 15 member sailing clubs and schools from across the country have been awarded a combined total of $60,000 as part of Sail Canada’s “Sailing for All” initiative.
The “Sailing for All” initiative was created to support grassroots programs in delivering sailing experiences to underserved or underrepresented communities, at low or no cost to the participants. The initiative was launched in December 2023 thanks to funding from the Sport Canada Community Sport for All Initiative and the Canadian Olympic Committee Return to Sport program.
Programs will be delivered by certified Instructors using Sail Canada’s CANSail dinghy, para-sailing and keelboat/cruising standards. In many cases, this funding has allowed new programs to be created, which will welcome new youth and adult participants to the sport. Sailing experiences will range from a few hours to a two-week summer camp style program, or a multi week lesson format, depending on the program. Some programs will also include school groups and participants from local community organizations. Delivery of these programs will also help to establish and build partnerships at the local levels between sailing clubs and schools and their local community through partnerships and opportunities to engage with new groups.
Another aspect of the initiative includes a webinar series focused on Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity, which was attended by representatives from all programs receiving funding. Topics covered in these sessions included understanding Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in sport, welcoming new participants, sexism and gender equality as well as anti-racism.
The 15 clubs’ programs that will be supported in the summer of 2024 are:
Alberta
-Calgary Yacht Club
British Columbia
-Calma Sailing
-Hollyburn Sailing Club
-Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club
Manitoba
-Gimli Yacht Club
Nova Scotia
-LaHave River Yacht Club
-Sail Able Association of Nova Scotia
Ontario
-Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club
-Brockville Yacht Club
-Fanshawe Yacht Club and Sailing School
-Lac Deschenes Sailing Club
-Royal Canadian Yacht Club
-The Boulevard Club
Québec
-Association québécoise de voile adaptée (AQVA)
-Club nautique du Lac Brome
About Sail Canada
Established in 1931, Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country. Sail Canada is a leading international sailing nation, proud of its world class athletes, lifelong participants and inclusive culture. The organization and its members are committed to excellence by developing and training its leaders, athletes, sailors, instructors, coaches and officials. With the valued support from our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations and our member clubs, schools, organizations and stakeholders, sailing is promoted in all its forms. By setting standards and delivering programs from home pond to podium for Canadians of all ages and abilities, from dinghies to keelboats, cruising to navigation, windsurfing to powerboating and accessible sailing, Sail Canada sets sail for all, sail to win and sail for life.
A sport in the Olympic program since the first Games in 1896, except in 1904, the pursuit of success in these Games is what fuels the focus of Sail Canada as Canadian athletes have so far achieved nine Olympic and five Paralympic medals.
