SocialSport

SocialSport is at its core an initiative to connect those that are new to their community with fun and active opportunities – allowing them both to explore pre-existing interests and passions in sports and to build new connections with friends and neighbours. More broadly, SocialSport aims to help new residents integrate into their respective community, to make new social connections without the pressures of school or work, and to just find new opportunities to have some fun! The communities of British Columbia have done an amazing job providing what essential resources, housing, and utilities they can to newcomers. However, we have observed that less attention has been paid to the immediate interests and passions of young newcomers, who no doubt would like to get away from the innumerable processes involved immigration and just find some time for fun. Approximately 25,000 refugees come into Canada yearly, and 80% of those coming to BC are settling in the lower mainland. A large majority of these new immigrants (over 60%) is under the age of 18, which pushes us to recognize the importance of sports and recreation (Canada Open Data). With the current influx of newcomers, there has never been a greater need to get young people active in their communities through sports and recreation. SocialSport operates to provide this necessary service by working with both community organizations and sports programs to help connect young new immigrants with opportunities in sports and recreation. Moving forward, SocialSport looks to you, and to any potential partners, to help us make a positive impact in the lives of young new immigrants. If you would like to join us as a partner, have any suggestions for clients, or are aware of any funding opportunities that can directly improve our ability to deliver our services, we would love to speak with you. Contacts: Kylan Gibbs: kylan.gibbs@socialsport.ca Estello Hill: estello.hill@socialsport.ca