Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) will have the opportunity to improve access for girls and gender-diverse students in physical education and sport after receiving a grant.
The local school has partnered with the Canadian Women and Sport organization as part of The Next Play grant program to receive $5500.
Belinda Cox, a teacher at the school and former Phys ed instructor within the Upper Grand District School Board, says a new all-gender gym class for Grade 9’s and 10’s at her school will promote inclusion.
She says she experienced barriers surrounding Phys ed classes after moving to the country as a young child and believes the Next Play Grant will help educate teachers and coaches on the issues girls and gender-diverse students face.
Cox was struck by the stats she read in advance of applying for the grant and knows there’s room for improvement.
The grant will be a part of a multi-year plan to make school more inclusive.
Cox moved to Canada when she was 12, and says she felt uncomfortable in gym classes, until she found the non-competitive sport of weightlifting. She hopes to offer similar opportunities to students with the new funding and believes her background will be helpful.
As part of the grant, participating organizations will have training paid for aiming to equip their leaders with tools to engage girls and gender-diverse participants.
