Participation in the social fabric of Canada through amateur sport is known to improve newcomer health and wellbeing. In addition to immediate health benefits, sport offers social opportunities to people of all ages. It increases one’s sense of self-efficacy and opens doors to different social circles, social capital, and professional experiences.
Barriers to sport are frequently higher for racialized people and newcomers. Financial and time constraints challenge the ability of newcomers to participate in sport. Additionally, participation varies by gender and ethnicity, with fewer women taking part in sport across the board.
Men's participation in sports by ethnicity
Women's participation in sports by ethnicity
Source: Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work,” October 10, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.htm.
Participation in sports: racialized vs. non-racialized groups
Source: Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work,” October 10, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.htm.
Sports preference
Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work,” October 10, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.htm.
Respondents citing cost as a barrier to sports
Source:Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work,” October 10, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.htm.
Respondents citing lack of time as a barrier to sports
Source: Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work,” October 10, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.htm.
Barriers to sport participation by ethnicity
Respondents who reported finding it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to meet their financial needs over the past 12 months
Source: Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Recent Immigrants Report Greater Difficulty Making Ends Meet and Are Less Satisfied with Their Amount of Free Time,” June 18, 2024. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240618/dq240618b-eng.htm.
Respondents who reported high level of satisfaction with their amount of free time
Source: Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Recent Immigrants Report Greater Difficulty Making Ends Meet and Are Less Satisfied with Their Amount of Free Time,” June 18, 2024. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240618/dq240618b-eng.htm.
Suggested Citation: National Newcomer Navigation Network, "Sports Participation and Free Time Among Newcomers", August 2024