How can sport and recreation programs benefit diverse families and newcomers?

What key strategies can your sports and recreation organizations utilize to effectively engage diverse families?

How can community, sports and recreation organizations foster greater cultural competency in their programs?

Join with the Community Partnership Network for this informative session on Thursday September 23 9:30am-11:00am

The CPN, in collaboration with Sport for Life Society, Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services, West Shore Parks and Recreation, and ICA, invite you to this insightful presentation and discussion about how local sports, community and recreation organizations can better engage with diverse families and newcomers.

Participants will learn about:

• barriers and challenges local recreation providers encounter in reaching out to and engaging with diverse families (i.e. newcomers, ethnocultural and Indigenous)
• key actions and strategies to better connect and engage with diverse families
• examples of local sport and recreation programs - successes, tools and tips on how to effectively engage with diverse families.

The panel features leaders from local sports, community and recreation programs and newcomer settlement agencies who will share their knowledge, expertise and personal experiences around this topic.

Panelists include (see bios below):

• Kabir Hosein - Senior Manager, Operations and Newcomer Engagement at the Sport for Life Society

• Jason Jones- Diversity and Equity Programmer at Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services

• Bobbi Neal - Coordinator Community Development and Adult Programs at West Shore Parks and Recreation-

• Lemlem Ogbasilassie - Resettlement Assistance Worker at Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria and former member of the Eritrean and Canadian National Track Teams.

There will be a Q and A session following the presentations.

No cost to attend. Registration is limited. Priority will be given to CPN members.

Please note that a follow up email with the Zoom link will be sent to registrants 24 hours prior to the session.

For more information please contact: sbaileys@icavictoria.org

This event is made possible thanks to funding from the United Way of Southern Vancouver Island

Presenter Bios:

Kabir Hosein - Sport for Life Canada

Kabir Hosein is the Senior Manager, Operations and Newcomer Engagement at the Sport for Life Society. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, he was a leader in the Athletics Association and Olympic Movement. Since Kabir joined Sport for Life he has been an integral part of Management and Chairperson of their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee who have been working on several initiatives to support Equity Seeking populations. Kabir is a member of the CPN since 2020.

Jason Jones - Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services

Jason Jones is passionate about work that builds strong, diverse, equitable and inclusive communities. He works as the Diversity and Equity Programmer for Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services. He has worked in the field of community development for over 20 years working with Saanich's growing and diverse communities in the development of community and recreation programs and events. In 2015 Jason was recognized by the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA) with a provincial award for his demonstrated leadership skills and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion. Jason is also a long-time member of the Community Partnership Network Advisory Committee.

Bobbi Neal - West Shore Parks and Recreation

Bobbi Neal is the Community Development Programmer for West Shore Parks & Recreation in Victoria. Bobbi has 34 years of experience in recreation programming and community engagement. She is a leader in project, event and facility management. Bobbi is known for her expertise with community relations, fundraising and grant writing. Bobbi leads with a pragmatic, values-based approach; with a focus on universal access, equity and diversity.

Bobbi’s role is to build capacity and resources within the organizations and the communities in which she serves. Bobbi currently sits as the West Shore Parks & Recreation Inclusion Committee Chairperson, is an active member on the Royal Roads National Indigenous Peoples Day and Month Planning Committee and has been a member of the Community Partnership Network and Advisory Committee since 2015.

Lemlem Ogbasilassie- Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria

Lemlem Ogbasilassie immigrated to Canada from Eritrea in 2008. She currently works as a Settlement Worker in the Resettlement Assistance Program at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. An avid sports enthusiast and world-class track and field athlete, Lemlem is a former member of both the Eritrean and Canadian National Track and Field Teams.