By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
Women and girls are an integral part of the sport system in Manitoba and around the world. To help them continue to excel and achieve their dreams, our communities can make a big impact by uniting to support gender equality in sport.
In this post, we share what programs, events, and support Sport Manitoba offers right here in our province to advance women and girls as athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders.
PROGRAMS
Female Mentorship Program
The Female Mentorship Program, run by Sport Manitoba Coaching, is a crucial effort aimed at boosting the number of confident and capable female coaches across the province. The program focuses on working with mentees who are passionate female coaches and matching them with educated and eager female mentors.
The purpose of this mentorship program:
- Create a mentoring program for female coaches in Manitoba that includes relevant mentee/mentor matches.
- Assist mentee coaches in expanding and improving their toolkits by providing an online community of practice.
- Provide opportunities for female coaches from a variety of sports and contexts to learn from other experienced coaches across the province.
- Increase the number of Manitoba coaches who are qualified and equipped to coach in a variety of settings, from Fundamentals through Train to Train.
- Create long-lasting and supportive relationships among coaches, ensuring the sustainability of our present female coaches across the province.
For more information on the Female Mentorship Program, including mentee/mentor criteria and how to sign up, click the button below.
Bison Transport Girls Multi-Sport Series
The Bison Transport Girls Multi-Sport Series is an initiative to introduce a variety of different sports to girls in a safe and fun environment.
This half day introduction to sport program is held on school in-service days and gives girls an opportunity to engage in different sports. The program is held at Sport Manitoba (145 Pacific Avenue) and offers two different age groupings: ages 7-9 in the morning and ages 10-12 in the afternoon. The girls are led by female instructors and coaches from Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs).
We are pleased to offer this program free of charge, however, pre-registration is required.
EVENTS
Women in sport events are critical to build on the successes of women and girls in sport, and create a network that inspires them to excel.
Bison Transport Sport LeadHERship Day
Partnering with Bison Transport, Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association, and Manitoba’s Universities, this free, full-day event gives school-aged girls the opportunity to learn to lead in the context of sport, athletes, coaches, administrators, marketing professionals, and game day operators.
With multiple sessions throughout the day, participants will engage with emerging and soaring leaders on and off the playing field, and learn how to lead like a girl.
The Bison Transport Sport LeadHERship Day for 2024 was on February 16, but to stay up to date on future LesHERship Day events and to watch previous virtual sessions with incredible Manitoba women in sport, click the button.
SUPPORT
One of the barriers women may face in sport are the associated costs and limited resources available. As a sport organization, we believe providing women and girls with ongoing support and resources will help to enhance sustained participation and growth of women in sport.
Women to Watch Grant
The Women to Watch is a grant program administered by Sport Manitoba Coaching designed to assist young girls and women to further their involvement in their chosen sport. A $500 sport grant will be awarded to a female athlete, official, or volunteer, as well as a female coach who meets the criteria. The funds for this grant are provided by Sport Manitoba Coaching.
Ringette Coach, Nicole Desrosiers, is a former Women to Watch grant recipient.
“I am beyond grateful to be awarded this grant,” said Nicole. “As a full-time student, athlete, and coach, I am so thankful that I can use this grant towards developing as a coach, without stressing about the financial side of it, while pursuing all of my dreams and goals.”
Nicole’s commitment and guidance towards young athletes in the ringette community is inspiring.
For a full description of the grant, eligibility requirements, and application forms, click the button.
Women in Sport Supplemental Grant
The Women in Sport Supplemental Grant is available to those who identify the need for additional assistance and is to be used to cover childcare related expenses in addition to those included in the Coach, Official, or Volunteer Assistance Grants. Applicants should complete the Supplemental Grant application form and include it with their initial Coach/Official/Volunteer grant application.
Read this real grant impact story on Artistic Swimming Coach Holly Hjartarson, and how she was able to maintain a healthy work-life balance with the help of this grant.
For more information on eligible events, available assistance, registration, and more, click the button.
Coaching for Women and Girls
Coaches and other members of the Integrated Support Team (strength and conditioning coach, physiotherapist, biomechanist, sport psychologist, dietitian, sport scientist, physician, and others) need to be aware of how poorly designed training programs and competition schedules can impact their female athletes.
Compared to males, female athletes have unique responses to flawed implementation programs and competition schedules. Parents and athletes should be well-informed of these issues to ensure best practices are being adopted for the health and wellness of the athlete.
Keeping Girls in Sport Presented by Jumpstart
Keeping Girls in Sport is an online resource that helps coaches and youth activity leaders to create safe and respectful environments for female athletes. The program is designed to do exactly what it says: help girls stay enrolled and engaged in sport and physical activity.
Gender Equity eLearning
Canadian Women & Sport’s Gender Equity LENS e-learning module gives you the information and tools you need to act on your commitment to gender equity, helping you make policy and program decisions to better serve women and girls in your sport.
