The three Niagara dailies (Niagara Falls Review, St. Catharines Standard and Welland Tribune) announced that Parks and Recreation Ontario named the city of Welland’s annual Girls Sports Day the 2025 IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) Award winner for creating welcoming, empowering spaces that keep girls confident, engaged and active in sport.
The article highlights that launched in 2021 in partnership with Niagara College, Girls Sports Day has quickly become a signature event in the Rose City. Held each June at the Empire Sportsplex at the Welland International Flatwater Centre, the event offers girls the chance to explore new sports, build confidence and connect with inspiring role models.
Niagara College’s Senior Director, Athletics and Student Engagement, Michele O’Keefe, is quoted in the coverage:
“We are incredibly proud to stand alongside the city in delivering this meaningful experience for young athletes…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 1, for their dedication and passion.”
Read the November 26 Welland Tribune article here.
