Growing evidence showed that less active families in BC face unique challenges that need targeted, community-informed solutions. In order to address these challenges, the Collaborative wanted to hear from communities about what they need so they can enjoy being active. For this project, we brought together focus groups of parents and youth, and worked with several organizations: the Centre for Family Equity, Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC), Canucks Autism Network, Mosaic Family Centre, YMCA BC, McCreary Centre Society, Sunny Hill Centre, Q-Munity, and Re-imagyn BC. Conversations within these focus groups showed that families value physical activity and want to be active - they just need some support and accommodation to feel included.
Every recommendation in this report reflects the voices, experiences, and wisdom shared from equity-deserving families across BC: Indigenous families, newcomer and refugee families, families with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, families of children with disabilities, families living in rural and remote communities, and low-income families.
Because many participants hold multiple, intersecting identities, some recommendations reflect opportunities for action that can benefit multiple equity-deserving communities.
We all need to work together with diverse communities so that we can make the changes that will allow everyone to be active and healthy.
Read the full report here.