Canada Artistic Swimming is proud to announce that we are a recipient of $345,000 from the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) grant program, facilitated by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada. The funding is part of a broader effort under the Sport Support Program to address barriers and elevate sport participation rates among underrepresented groups through impactful community sport initiatives.

This grant enables Canada Artistic Swimming to launch over 33 inclusive initiatives nationwide, enhancing our existing introduction to artistic swimming programs including the AquaGO!, Try-It and Adaptive Artistic Swimming programs. Available at no cost, these select initiatives are designed to foster inclusivity for newcomers to Canada, individuals with diverse abilities and other equity-deserving groups. These programs aim to instill a love for water in Canadian children by combining fun, safety and learning, teaching essential aquatic skills through interactive games and activities, led by certified instructors. This effort strengthens our connections with the 128 clubs across the country and our provincial, territorial and community leaders, contributing to a sport environment that is welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Signature programs in this initiative are:

  • AquaGO! Programs: Twenty free sessions for underserved communities including newcomers to Canada, Indigenous, and persons of colour. This 8-week program is specially designed for 5–9-year-olds to first feel comfortable and enjoy movement in water, and then to build the skills to take part in aquatic-based activities throughout their lives.
  • Try-it Development Camps: Hosting a dozen camps with a focus on exposing the sport of artistic swimming to new communities. Many of the development camps leverage the power of the Canadian national team athletes to inspire new participation in the sport.
  • Adaptive Artistic Swimming (AdAS): Updating of rules and programs for athletes with unique abilities with multiple Try-it sessions that will focus on increasing participation rates of swimmers of varying neurological and physiological abilities including blind swimmers.

The funding will foster essential tools and resources alongside launching programs that boost community engagement and accessibility in artistic swimming. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Canada for their essential support and our provincial and territorial partners for their crucial support in making these programs possible.

“We are very grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada through the Community Sport for All Initiative grant,” said CAS Chief Executive Officer Steve Wallace. “This investment will serve as a catalyst for positive change, allowing Canada Artistic Swimming to break down barriers and reach out to all potential swimmers across Canada. Together, we are creating a more inclusive and vibrant community, and we invite everyone to join us on this journey towards a more accessible and diverse future in artistic swimming.”

For additional details on the Community Sport for All Initiative and to stay informed about our programs and their impact, please visit our website.

For more information about the Community Sport for All Initiative from the Government of Canada, click here

Minister Qualtrough announces funding to remove barriers and increase sport participation – click here for release | click here for some background information