Toronto Receives Global Grant to Launch Inclusive Sports Initiative for Newcomers

📅 Today 🏷️ City of Toronto Municipality

Toronto has been awarded a $400,000 grant to create a new sports program for newcomers, aimed at fostering inclusion and community engagement.

On September 20, 2026, the City of Toronto was recognized as one of the ten recipients of the 2026 Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees, an initiative spearheaded by the Mayors Migration Council. This program supports city-led initiatives that promote inclusion and opportunities for newcomers and refugees. Mayor Olivia Chow accepted the award during the Urban 20 Mayors Summit in New York City, addressing an audience of over 200 mayors, civic leaders, and partners from across the globe.
The City of Toronto will utilize the $400,000 (USD) grant to launch the Play Mobile for Newcomers program. This initiative aims to deliver free pop-up sports and recreational activities directly into neighborhoods throughout Toronto using specially equipped mobile recreation vans. Building on the City’s existing Play Mobile program, the new edition will specifically target newcomer children, youth, and families who face significant barriers to participation. This includes LGBTQ+ newcomers, girls, refugee claimants, and undocumented individuals.
Play Mobile for Newcomers is designed to connect residents with various City programs and services. This includes recreation programs, Newcomer Services Kiosks, resources from the Toronto Public Library, employment and training support, and community-based organizations dedicated to assisting newcomers.
Over the two-year funding period, the expanded program is expected to engage more than 20,000 participants each year, which includes approximately 6,000 newcomer children, youth, and their family members. Notably, newcomers will have a say in shaping and adapting the program to ensure it meets community needs and priorities.
In addition to engaging participants, the initiative will create 50 paid leadership positions for newcomer youth who will serve as community ambassadors, supporting outreach efforts and program delivery. Furthermore, the program will provide pathways to leadership and skills development through recreation-based training for 250 newcomer youth annually.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed the importance of this initiative by stating, "Toronto is making sport a front door to the city. No matter where you’re from, playing together with your neighbours is the perfect way to make friends and build a sense of belonging in your community."
Toronto, home to over three million residents, is recognized for its diversity and experiences, making it Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most livable cities. As the fourth-largest city in North America, Toronto excels in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation, and climate action, consistently ranking high in international evaluations due to the investments made by its government, residents, and businesses. For more information, residents can visit www.toronto.ca or follow the city on various social media platforms.

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