Many of us share the goal of getting more exercise and movement. From enhancing mental health to reducing chronic disease risk, physical activity has multiple benefits for everybody. Yet, across British Columbia, diverse families face unique and intersecting barriers to participating in physical activity.
So how do we work together to ensure that everyone can participate, and all children can play? A new report, developed on behalf of the organizations that make up the Physical Activity for Health Collaborative (PAHC), provides essential insights and guidance.
The report reflects the voices of equity-deserving families in 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. Their experience-based insights and recommendations can inform and improve access to physical activity programming.
On February 12, at 10:00-11:15am Pacific Time, we are bringing this report to life with a virtual event featuring superb panelists:
- Community leaders Wendy and Christina (Centre for Family Equity) will share their families’ experiences accessing physical activity programs.
- Andrea Carey (OneAbility Games) will share examples of truly inclusive, in-school play opportunities for children with disabilities.
- Kabir Hosein (Sport for Life) will discuss proven practices to engage newcomers in physical activity.
All are welcome! Organizations and leaders who support physical activity programming will find the insights and recommendations especially helpful.
-REGISTER HERE–
About the Speakers:
Wendy (he/they/she) is a 37-year-old disabled parent to a disabled child. A lifelong resident of BC, currently residing in the traditional territories of Stolo Nation, multiply neurodivergent, with multiple physical disabilities, and a member of the Queer community. Enjoys coffee and crochet!
Christina Carlick (she/her) is a proud member of the Tahltan Nation and resilient survivor of intergenerational trauma. As a reiki practitioner, she uses her lived experience to foster healing and mindfulness in others. Her greatest joy and motivation comes from her family, as she is a devoted single mother of four and a proud grandmother to three. Christina is an avid adventurer who finds peace and clarity in the great outdoors. you can often find her learning snowboarding, ziplining, or hiking through nature to fuel her spirit. She stays grounded through a regular yoga practice, believing that movement is essential medicine for the soul.
Andrea Carey (she/her) is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional, holds a Masters of Education in Leadership Studies, and is a Certified Executive Coach. Andrea is the Chief Inclusion Officer for INclusion INcorporated and the Executive Director for OneAbility and is leading the OneAbility Games which are launching in 2026. Andrea has been a senior leader in sport and physical activity and champion of inclusion for more than two decades. Andrea has experience with episodic disability related to surviving a brain tumor at age 17. This experience, along with her passionate belief in equity and belonging, has fueled her contributions professionally and personally to inclusion and belonging. Andrea worked on an appointment as a Special Advisor on Disability Inclusion for federal Minister Carla Qualtrough. She spent ten years on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and chaired the organization’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Paralympic Pathways Committee. Andrea is currently a Board Director with KidSport Victoria.
Kabir Hosein (he/him) is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Sport for Life. A father of four very active kids and from the Caribbean, Kabir was a leader in the Athletics Association and Olympic movement in Trinidad and Tobago. Since joining Sport for Life, he has been an integral part of the organization’s management, bringing his experiences in sport and physical activity as a Newcomer to Canada into his work. Kabir takes time to build relationships and co-create initiatives that reflect his values of “physical activity and sport for everyone can create a sense of belonging.”
We look forward to seeing you there!
