Newcomers and Canadian Sports Culture – How is it connected?

Sporting enthusiasts abound in Canada. Whether professional or amateur, almost every Canadian will find a sport of interest. According to one study, roughly one-third of Canadians follow professional sports and watch them daily. In Canada, almost every major organized sport has legions of fans. Plus, this country has a diverse range of players, teams, and leagues. During the lockdowns in 2020, an online survey result showed that “one-half of Canadians are passionate about watching live professional sports on TV.” The same research showed that the importance of being able to watch live professional sports on TV is highest in Ontario (with more than half indicating it is important) and lowest in Atlantic Canada and Quebec (as only four in ten views it as important).

A variety of factors influence how sports are practiced in Canada, including the four seasons and the geographic and social diversity of the country. The sport system allows people from all walks of life in Canada to participate in sports at all levels and in various ways. This includes more than 2,800 immigrants working as athletes, coaches, officials, and referees across the country, plus more than 16,000 immigrants who earn their living as program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness, according to the 2016 census of Statistics Canada. Some of the well-known athletes, such as Geraldine Heaney, Donovan Bailey, Wally Buono, Bianca Andreescu, Denis Shapavalov, and Elvis Stojko are all immigrants or born to immigrant parents.

Sports participation has recently been discovered to be a “particularly strong predictor of social connectedness, even more so than involvement in other community organizations.” It fosters trust, which is beneficial to both strengthen existing social networks and create new community connections. Sporting organizations especially contribute to both the development and the upkeep of relationships within groups of people with similar socioeconomic status, as well as the establishment of relationships between individuals from various social groups.

With that, sport is successfully used to connect newcomers to important community services and support. Physical activity is being used by immigrants to alleviate depression, stress, and anxiety. They reported having more meaningful social interactions while participating in and watching sports than they have in other settings, such as their workplace. 87% of new immigrants agree “that watching their children play sports makes them feel more connected to the community.” These sports and recreation opportunities also create an avenue for refugees and immigrants to connect with their fellow refugees and immigrants, possibly also from their home countries, by providing guidance, comfort, and empathy to newcomers. Thus, assisting newcomers in integrating rapidly into Canadian culture.

Additionally, a blog was also made to keep Canadian newcomers updated with helpful tips they may need as they transition into their new home country. Should you need to send money to your families and loved ones back home, RemitBee is here for you. An online money transfer service created by immigrants for immigrants. It’s a sure win for you!