The Physical Activity for Health Collaborative (the Collaborative) brings together leaders from across sectors (academic, health, sport, and recreation) to improve physical activity outcomes across the province. The Collaborative recognizes that despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity – from reducing chronic disease risk to enhancing mental health – inequities in access and participation persist, particularly among equity-deserving groups. The Collaborative is committed to ensuring everyone can participate, and all children can play.
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.
The Recommendations
Every recommendation reflects the voices, experiences, and wisdom shared by the participants from the engagement sessions. The recommendations provided are a reflection of the direct ideas participants shared.
Indigenous Families
Physical activity programs create opportunities for Indigenous families to connect with culture & land in ways that are meaningful for them. Their recommendations highlight ways organizations & leaders can support meaningful physical activity in their communities.
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Newcomer and Refugee Families
Newcomer & refugee families are keen to participate in recreation, as it helps them get to know their new neighbours. Their recommendations show how organizations & leaders can ensure physical activity programs are accessible to them.
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2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
Physical activity offers mental health benefits such as boosting self-esteem & mood, but sport & recreation spaces can be intimidating for queer youth. Their recommendations highlight how organizations & leaders can ensure programs are inclusive for youth, regardless of background or identity.
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Families of Children with Disabilities
Physical activity programs help families of children with disabilities find community – but costs & registration are challenging to navigate. These recommendations show ways to support families on their active living journey.
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Rural and Remote Families
Rural and remote families said active transportation keeps them moving, but it’s not always possible. Their recommendations highlight how to address intersecting challenges such as missing infrastructure, geography, and costs.
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Families Impacted by Low Income
One way to ensure recreation is accessible to families of all backgrounds is to make sure there are programs that allow the whole family to participate. These recommendations show how organizations & leaders can support families impacted by low income.
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Environmental Recommendations
Well-lit and clean parks, recreation centres, and well-maintained streets encourage communities to be active. Recommendations from BC families highlight how physical spaces can support their active living journey.
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