Niagara College is celebrating a provincial honour as Welland Girls Sports Day has received the 2025 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Award from Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). The award was presented by the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, at PRO’s Awards of Excellence gala on November 20.
“We’re thrilled that Welland Girls Sports Day received this awesome recognition,” said Michele O’Keefe, Senior Director, Athletics and Student Engagement. “Our partnership with the City of Welland is truly special and this day is an amazing way to show young girls the power of sport.”
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.
Delivered in partnership with NC’s Athletics & Student Engagement department and the City of Welland and hosted each June at the Empire Sportsplex, Welland Girls Sports Day has become a beloved community event empowering girls ages six to 12 to discover the joy of sport in a fun, supportive environment. The event also helps generate lasting interest in sport and combat the trend of girls leaving sport at significantly higher rates than boys.
At the event, participants rotate through series of sport and movement-based activities and stations guided by NC varsity athletes, coaches, student volunteers, community partners as well as local female role models. Activities typically include basketball, softball, tennis, beach volleyball and other movement-based games, along with opportunities to explore parasport experiences, such as sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, which ensures the day remains inclusive and welcoming for girls of all abilities.
To learn more about previous Welland Girls Sports Day events, visit:
