FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cheer Canada Receives Sport Canada Funding to Advance Equity and Safe Sport Initiatives
Cheer Canada is pleased to announce that it has received funding from Sport Canada through the Gender Equity, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GE-EDI) and Safety in Sport (SiS) funding streams for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
This funding has supported the implementation of key initiatives designed to strengthen inclusive participation and enhance safe sport environments across the cheerleading community in Canada. Delivered throughout early 2026, these initiatives have included targeted education, policy development, and the advancement of practices that promote equity, accessibility, and participant well-being.
“Creating a sport environment where every participant feels safe, respected, and included is central to our mission,” said Krista Gerlich-Fitzgerald, President of Cheer Canada. “This funding has enabled meaningful progress in advancing equity and strengthening Safe Sport across our system, supporting athletes, coaches, and members at every level.”
Through the Gender Equity, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (GE-EDI) funding, Cheer Canada has advanced initiatives aimed at addressing systemic barriers to participation and fostering a more inclusive sport system that reflects the diversity of communities across Canada. This work has included the development of educational resources and tools to support equitable access and representation.
Funding received through the Safety in Sport (SiS) stream has supported the continued strengthening of Cheer Canada’s Safe Sport framework, including enhancements to policies, education, and processes that promote safe, respectful, and accountable environments for all participants.
Cheer Canada is grateful to have met the requirements to access this project-based funding opportunity and remains committed to ongoing engagement with Sport Canada. This funding applies to the 2025–2026 fiscal year, with criteria and allocations established annually. Cheer Canada will continue to advance its alignment with Sport Canada requirements in support of future funding opportunities.
Cheer Canada remains committed to building a sport system that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and excellence, and to continuing this work in collaboration with its members and partners across the country.
“Every Canadian deserves to feel safe, respected, and included in sport. That’s how more people—especially women and girls—can participate, grow, and thrive,” said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “Through our partnership with organizations like Cheer Canada, we’re helping build a stronger sport system rooted in trust, respect, and accountability.”
About Cheer Canada
Cheer Canada is the national governing body for cheerleading in Canada, dedicated to the growth and development of the sport from grassroots participation to high-performance international competition. As a member of the International Cheer Union (ICU), Cheer Canada supports athletes, coaches, and officials through national programs, education, and competition pathways. The organization is committed to safety, inclusion, and excellence, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to thrive in a positive and supportive sport environment.
Media Contact
Joanna Low
Executive Director, Cheer Canada
info@cheercanada.ca
www.cheercanada.ca