Table 1 Summary of cases

Ontario

5 youth

Boxing program aimed to inspire and teach life skills about physical fitness, nutrition, community, social skills development, and mental skills.

Goal was to foster relationship building between participants and producing community champions.

Participants ranged from 6 to 18 years of age; majority of participants were between 12 to19 years of age. The participants were identified as “at risk” youth, youth from low socioeconomic status backgrounds, and new Canadians.

Funding was used for a four-week boxing/life skills program in which organizers taught youth life skills that are transferable into jobs and sports training. Provides an inclusive, safe environment, and teaches youth how to be their “true self.”

3 organizers

British Columbia

1 youth

Figure skating program.

Program was designed to support recreational and competitive figure skaters in a fun, friendly environment.

Participants ranged from 5 to 16 years of age; majority of participants were between 12 to16 years of age. Participants benefitted from funding due to low socioeconomic status.

Funding was used for skate-for-free day, bring a friend and get active day, skating scholarships for individuals demonstrating financial need, and strength training for skaters.

1 organizer

Yukon

5 youth

High school breakdancing program.

High school and program goals are to reduce bullying, improve peer acceptance, and promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Multicultural high school student population from grades 8–12 (13–17 years of age).

Breakdancing program developed through a partnership with the local dance studio; one of the instructors came to the high school to teach students about breakdancing. Program philosophy includes dancers in a dance circle which is supportive and where dancers can try out moves and learn from others.

2 organizers

Manitoba

9 youth

High school basketball program.

School/program objective was to try and promote PA and school pride while involving at-risk youth in after school activities to keep them safe and off the streets.

Inner-city high school serves the needs of students 13–18 of age from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Students are considered "at risk" or marginalized, low income, exposed to gangs and drugs, and includes new Canadians from all over the world.

Funding was used to purchase new basketball jerseys; in previous years students would re-use old jerseys or make their own.

3 organizers

Québec

5 youth

Youth community organization providing after-school and summer sports, cultural, and preventative programming.

Mission of the organization was to promote positive life skills development among all youth, but particularly for at-risk teens.

Participants ranged from 12–17 years of age; some participants also formed a ‘teen advisory board’ to provide input into which programs and events to organize for youth in the community.

Events included a ski and snowboard day to allow youth to try the activities for free; following the event the equipment was used to support the organization’s ski club, where teens could participate in skiing and snowboarding at the local ski hills. Additional funds were used to purchase multi-purpose sport equipment.

2 organizers

Nova Scotia

6 youth

High school breakdancing program.

School goals were to promote a diverse, progressive, educational community; to engage, challenge, and support students through the practice of respect and responsibility within a safe environment.

High school serving students 15–18 years of age.

Funding was used to support the school’s breakdancing club by hiring an instructor and support an annual competition to showcase students’ skills. The aim of the club was to develop confidence and physical skills in its members and to actively engage teens in an expressive art form.

1 organizer

Prince Edward Island

3 youth

Community fitness centre in partnership with local high school.

Program goal was to familiarize students with the fitness centre and help foster confidence with various modes of PA; to promote PA participation and to improve the health of participants.

High school in a small, rural farming community. Program participants were Grade 9 students (14 years of age).

Funding for students to participate in fitness sessions for free at the community fitness centre; funding covered drop-in costs as well as instruction/supervision by a personal trainer.

2 organizers

Newfoundland & Labrador

4 youth

Church group run by volunteers in small, rural, coastal community.

Providing recreational and social activities for youth within a faith-based structure.

Participants ranged from 11–18 years of age; participants from neighbouring communities were also invited to participate in activities.

Funding was used to purchase sport equipment and a ping pong table for youth at the church group; opportunities for recreation and PA were limited and the church group was the only provider of structured, organized activity for youth in the community.

1 organizer

Newfoundland & Labrador

2 youth

National, not-for-profit organization focusing on enhancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

The goal of the family swim program was to provide a safe, supportive, comfortable environment to facilitate swimming skill development for individuals and their families.

Participants ranged from 11–25 years of age as well as family members (e.g., siblings, parents).

Funding covered the costs of booking a community pool to ensure participants did not incur costs related to participation. Free access removed potential financial barriers common among participants and their families. The family swimming program provided an important transitional link to other programs focused on developing competence among disabled individuals.

2 organizers