GENDER EQUITY
Creating gender-inclusive, welcoming wheelchair rugby club communities across Canada.
GENDER EQUITY PLAYBOOK FOR LOCAL CLUBS
Wheelchair rugby has the power to transform people’s lives. For decades, Canadians have enjoyed scrimmages at their local clubs: building community and having fun in the process. Unfortunately, these benefits have not been enjoyed equally. For much of our sport’s history, women, girls, and non-binary individuals have been underrepresented in our clubs.
Addressing the gender inequity across our clubs will take commitment and action from all of us who participate in wheelchair rugby. To help our Club Organizers get started, we’ve created a comprehensive gender equity playbook. Built into this resource are best practices, event formats, program formats, and tips for recruiting and retaining women and non-binary volunteers.
NEW TO WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
Now is a fantastic time to get involved in wheelchair rugby. We have many opportunities to participate across the country. To get started, click the button below and find a club near you!
CREATED IN CONSULTATION
This resource could only have been made possible through the contributions of the women who play, compete, coach, classify, officiate, and volunteer across the country. Through many months of consultation, they shared their perspectives and insights that informed the contents of our gender equity playbook. A special thanks to our provincial partners who so generously shared their time and insights.
Discover the playbook’s practical tools to start increasing the participation of girls, women, and non-binary individuals in your club. Click the button below.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund supports women pursuing leadership roles in Wheelchair Rugby. This fund assists women involved in coaching, officiating, classification, governance, or leadership across various levels of the sport. The WILD Fund offers three grants of $3,000 each for leadership advancement, which can be used for leadership training, mentorship, or professional development.
HOW IT WORKS
- Applications will be open from April 23, 2025
- After the application period ends, the selection committee will review all submissions. Successful candidates will be notified by May 28, 2025
- Once the successful candidates accept the offer, they will be publicly announced as recipients of the WILD Fund.
- The recipient will move forward with pursuing the personal development plan. This may include leadership training, mentorship, education, or other professional development opportunities.
- Each recipient commits to sharing their learning and development experiences with the broader Wheelchair Rugby community.
APPLY
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one or more of the following:
- Active in provincial administration or governance (board/committee)
- Serving on a national-level board/committee for Wheelchair Rugby Canada
- Holding a leadership role in a community wheelchair rugby club/organization
- Employed in a staff position within Wheelchair Rugby
Applications open April 23, 2025 and close May 21, 2025
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Expectations of Fund Recipients
- Submit a report on the funding impact
- Provide invoices for expenses (if requested)
- Remain in the same rugby executive role during the development
- Share photos or videos of the experience
Legal Notes: No funding is guaranteed if work begins before the funding decision
The final award amount may differ from the request
All awards are subject to additional terms and conditions
