Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility guides the I.D.E.A.s that lead the Saskatchewan amateur sport community and help build a better future for the province’s sport system.  

KidSport and Ringette Saskatchewan have done just that by creating a welcoming space for new Canadians and diverse language speakers by offering brochures and booklets in inclusive languages. 

KidSport Saskatchewan widened their language inclusion by translating their brochures into Ukrainian, Dari, Arabic, Swahili and Pashto. The brochures provide more than background information on what KidSport is as an organization and expands on how newcomers can be helped by them, including how families can apply for funding. KidSport worked with Regina Open Door Society (RODS) to determine which languages the brochures should be translated into based on their clients. Attendees of RODS past information events have expressed their gratitude to having an item offered in their language.  

“KidSport Saskatchewan wanted to offer inclusive resources to new Canadians and open the door to the province’s amateur sport community. There is a comfort in coming to a new place and having access to information in your own language,” said KidSport Provincial Coordinator, Tammy Hoffart. “Participation in sport can become expensive and we want to make sure all of Saskatchewan’s residents have equal access to our financial resources and opportunities.”  

It is a valuable tool for new Canadians that are interested in introducing Saskatchewan sport into their family but may require the extra assistance throughout the process. 

Ringette Saskatchewan has been working with Moose Jaw’s multicultural centre to translate their “What is Gym Ringette” handbook from English into four other languages. The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association provided a grant to support the development and printing of the handbook, which can now be accessed in Arabic, Somali, Swahili and Ukrainian. 

Over the summer, Ringette Saskatchewan employees travelled throughout the province to deliver their handbook to various towns and cities to make sure there was vast coverage and accessibility to the newly developed resource. By doing so, Ringette Saskatchewan was able to provide information to new Canadians on a sport that is popular within Canada, but not yet globally.  

 “To see something in your own language after moving to a new country makes individuals feel like they are a part of the community and can connect more easily,” said Carrie Livingstone — Ringette Saskatchewan’s Technical Coordinator — who embraces the same idea as Hoffart.   

“We want offer a space that is welcoming to everyone,” asserted Livingstone as she explained the importance of accessibility and acceptance of all future, current and previous clients of Ringette Saskatchewan. 

By offering resources in various languages, Ringette and KidSport Saskatchewan can make sport education an accessible option to everyone.