Welland Girls Sports Day honoured with provincial Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Award

The City of Welland is celebrating provincial recognition after Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) presented Welland Girls Sports Day with the 2025 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Award at its November 20 Awards Gala. The Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, attended the gala and took part in presenting awards to this year’s recipients.

The IDEA Award recognizes programs that expand equitable access to recreation through inclusive design, advocacy, and community leadership. PRO selected Welland Girls Sports Day for its success in creating a welcoming, empowering space where girls can discover their strengths, build confidence, and stay engaged in sport.

“This award is a testament to the power of partnership, purpose, and creating spaces where every girl feels seen and supported,” said Jessica Ruddell, acting chief administrative officer for the City of Welland. “Girls Sports Day reflects our community’s commitment to inclusion, health and well-being, and livability. When girls gain confidence on the court or the field, they carry that confidence into every part of their lives.”

Launched in 2021 and delivered in partnership with Niagara College, Girls Sports Day has quickly become a signature event in Welland. Each June, 200 girls ages six to 12 take part in sport and activity stations led by collegiate athletes, Niagara College coaches, community volunteers, and local female role models. The event introduces participants to a variety of activities—basketball, beach volleyball, tennis, softball, and more—within an environment designed to encourage trying new skills, forming connections, and feeling a sense of belonging.

Niagara College has played a central role in shaping the event since its inception, ensuring the day reflects both high-quality sport experiences and supportive mentorship.

“We are incredibly proud to stand alongside the City of Welland in delivering this meaningful experience for young athletes,” said Michele O’Keefe, senior director of athletics and student engagement at Niagara College. “When girls see role models who look like them and are encouraged to try something new, it sparks confidence that lasts far beyond one day. We also want to thank our incredible organizing committee, almost all of whom have been working on this since day one, for their dedication and passion.”

A key feature of the event is its commitment to accessible and inclusive sport experiences. Parasport activities, including sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, are integrated throughout the day to ensure all participants learn and play in an environment that normalizes inclusive sport. These activities are supported by the Canadian Tire Jumpstart inclusive multisport court at the facility, a purpose-built space with accessible design features and parasport court lines that help set Girls Sports Day apart.

The initiative also addresses a well-documented challenge: adolescent girls continue to leave sport at significantly higher rates than boys. Girls Sports Day helps counter this trend by fostering an early sense of belonging, representation, and confidence, factors shown to influence long-term participation.

Hosted each year at the Empire Sportsplex, the event continues to use a premier facility recognized for excellence. Empire Sportsplex received the 2023 Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) Park or Facility Design Award, making it a fitting venue for a day focused on skill-building, teamwork, and confidence.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Orlando
Communications Specialist
905-735-1700 x2133
paul.orlando@welland.ca