WATER SKI AND WAKEBOARD SASKATCHEWAN’S SUMMER EDI PROGRAMS
This summer, Water Ski and Wakeboard Saskatchewan (WSWSask) made significant strides in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in towed water sports through three impactful programs: Women on the Water Cable Park, Adaptive Give it a Go and Members’ Nights, and an Inner City Program. These initiatives were made possible thanks to funding from Sport Canada and Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s grant program. Each program showcased the transformative power of sport, fostering growth, connection, and skill development.
Women on the Water Cable Park
This program was a resounding success, with the initial camp quickly filling up and inspiring two additional clinics to meet demand. Participants, many with multi-sport backgrounds, embraced the opportunity to learn and excel in a new sport. By the third session, the progression was remarkable—athletes confidently completed full cable park runs without falling and even began hitting features!
The impact extended beyond the program, as several participants became members and returned with their families to enjoy the cable park throughout the summer. This program demonstrated its potential to engage more women in towed water sports, breaking barriers and building community.
Adaptive Give it a Go and Members’ Nights
The Adaptive Give it a Go program remains a cornerstone of WSWSask’s efforts to introduce adaptive athletes to towed water sports. The program continues to thrive, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for participants to discover their potential.
Building on this success, the Adaptive Members’ Nights program at Saskatoon Water Ski Club (SWSC) is entering its second year, with plans to expand to an additional site in 2025. These nights focus on offering athletes the next level of experience beyond grassroots, introducing them to the Adaptive Development stage, including training opportunities for athletes and pathways for aspiring coaches, officials, and volunteers.
This season, seven athletes progressed through five Members’ Nights, moving beyond introductory skills with the help of dedicated volunteers and high-performance athletes. One of the highlights was the joy of a young 10-year-old athlete, whose smile lit up the site as he achieved independence from the side skier. This year also saw an increase in volunteer engagement, with experienced individuals returning to share their knowledge, further enriching the experience for everyone involved.
Inner City Program
The Inner City Program expanded its reach this summer, combining boat-based clinics with cable park clinics for the first time. Young participants not only developed foundational skills but also progressed to advanced features and tricks at the cable park. One standout athlete attended every session, displaying incredible growth and fearlessness, hitting features and landing tricks by the end of the program.
These initiatives reflect WSWSask’s commitment to growing participation in towed water sports by creating accessible and inclusive opportunities for all. The programs’ success highlights the power of collaboration and support, which were instrumental in fostering a welcoming environment for participants of all backgrounds.
Together, we are building a more inclusive future for towed water sports!
ANNOUNCING WSWC EDI PROGRAM
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is excited to introduce the groundbreaking Sport Support Program (SSP) for Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) funded by Sport Canada. This initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within towed water sports across Canada.
What is the EDI Program?
The EDI Program, part of our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusivity in sports, is designed to support national sport organizations (NSOs) and their members in promoting diversity and inclusion within their respective communities. It expands upon previous efforts and encompasses a broader spectrum of equity deserving populations.
Who Can Apply?
The program welcomes applications from NSOs and their affiliates who provide sport-related programs and services for both able-bodied athletes and athletes with disabilities in towed water sports. We encourage participation from a diverse range of groups, including but not limited to women and girls, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, individuals from Black, racialized, and religious minority communities, people from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and newcomers to Canada.
What Does the Program Support?
Recipients of the Gender Equity and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport funding will receive support in developing and implementing policies and action plans aimed at fostering gender equity and inclusivity within their sports. This includes the development, renewal, and publication of gender equity and/or equity, diversity, and inclusion policies, as well as the creation and execution of action plans to drive meaningful change.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet certain criteria and adhere to specific requirements, including being a member in good standing of their Provincial Sport Organization, holding an active club or school membership, and ensuring that all EDI participants, support staff, volunteers, and coaches maintain active memberships with their PSOs. Additionally, events must have at least one Foundations trained coach present, and program delivery must be in Canada.
For a full list of eligibility criteria and requirements, please visit this link.
How to Apply
Interested individuals and organizations can apply for funding through our online application portal. We strongly encourage all applicants to participate in EDI educational programming provided by the NSO, with dates to be announced soon.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of driving positive change within towed water sports in Canada. Apply now and join us in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all!
The application deadline is June 7, 2024.
Note: All program support recipients must comply with the rules and requirements outlined in the application guidelines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Thank you to Sport Canada for funding this intitiative.