Raising Awareness

Spread the word!

Why is it important to Raise awareness?

You know what they say: knowledge is power.
And that’s why we’re here to give you the lowdown on national and international awareness months.

The world is a big and complicated place. There are so many issues and problems, and it can feel overwhelming to think about all the ways you can help. That’s why awareness months are so important—they help us focus on one issue at a time, making it easy to get involved and take action.

I know what you’re thinking: “What’s an awareness month?” Well, it’s a special day, week, or month dedicated to raising awareness about important topics. It’s also called an observance or recognition day. Awareness is strongly influenced by attitudes toward different conditions and societal problems in the community. It is also affected by a wide range of social and cultural factors that impact on self-awareness and self-identity. Stigma and lack of understanding about this are major barriers.
Are you looking for ways to get involved?

Raising awareness is a great way to take action and make a difference in your community. It’s something that everyone can do, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity or simply spreading the word about an important issue, raising awareness is an essential part of creating change. We’ve highlighted some of the causes we find important below.

Do Your Research

85%

Talk About It

79%

Organize an Event

90%

Volunteer and Participate

100%

Ways to break to stigma

  • Know the facts, educate yourself
  • Choose your words carefully
  • Be aware of your attitudes and behaviour
  • Pass on facts, educate others
  • Support people
  • Include everyone

click on a topic to learn more!

educate

21 March

Every person, regardless of their race or ethnicity, should be treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination based on race is unjust and has no place in a fair and equitable society.
Learn More

2 april

Encourage everyone to take steps to improve global awareness for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Together we can promote acceptance, understanding and inclusion.
Learn More

3 December

Let’s prioritize an inclusive and accessible society that values the abilities of all individuals. Encouraging dialogue and understanding can break down barriers and foster a supportive community.
Learn More

10 october

It’s important to make mental health and well-being a priority for everyone. You never know what someone is going through. Be gentle with your mind and be kind for others.
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"We don't know how strong we are, until being strong is the only choice we have"

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Anti-Racism & Discrimination Awareness

Racism in sports is a pervasive problem that has existed for many years. Discriminatory insults, racist chants from the stands, and refusals of membership due to one’s race or ethnicity are just a few examples of the many faces of racism in sports. The problem is especially prevalent in team sports, where individuals of different races and backgrounds must work together to achieve success. When racism is present in such an environment, it can lead to a lack of trust, reduced motivation, and ultimately, a failure to achieve common goals.

Unfortunately, many people who experience racism in sports have also experienced discrimination in other aspects of their lives, such as at school or in the workplace. This makes it all the more difficult for them to fully participate in sports activities. For instance, if a person has experienced racial discrimination at school or in their workplace, they may be less likely to feel welcome in a sporting context, or may expect that racism might occur there as well. This can be a significant barrier to their participation in sports and can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion.

One of the challenges of addressing racism in sports is that it is deeply embedded in our society. It is not just an issue within sports, but is part of a larger social problem. Therefore, addressing racism in sports requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, community engagement, and policy changes. Education is important because it helps to raise awareness and understanding of the issue, while community engagement can help to build bridges between different groups and promote inclusion. Finally, policy changes are necessary to create a more equitable and just sports environment, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

4 ways to combat racism & discrimination

1. Education

Learning about the unconscious and automatic ways racism presents itself will help one recognize it and take steps to stop it.

2. Confrontation

Calling out and addressing instances of racism and discrimination in sports, including challenging offensive language and behavior.

3. Empathy

Empathy is a powerful tool in combating racism as it involves putting oneself in someone else's shoes and understanding their experiences and struggles.

4. Allyship

Encouraging allyship and support from individuals and organizations within the sports community, standing in solidarity with those affected by racism and discrimination

Autism awareness

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Many people with autism have difficulty with sensory processing and may struggle with coordination, balance, and motor skills, making it challenging to participate in sports. However, research has shown that sports can provide numerous benefits to individuals with autism, including improved social skills, increased physical fitness, and enhanced self-confidence.

One of the reasons why sports have a positive effect on people with autism is that they can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to learn and grow. In many cases, sports organizations and coaches are trained to work with individuals with autism, and can provide a tailored approach to meet their needs. This can include modifications to the rules of the game, extra support during practices and games, and strategies to help individuals with autism feel more comfortable and confident.

Another reason why sports can have a positive effect on people with autism is that they can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Many individuals with autism struggle with anxiety and sensory overload, and sports can provide a healthy outlet for these emotions. Sports can also help individuals to learn how to regulate their emotions, and to develop coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

To make sports more inclusive for individuals with autism, it is important to provide targeted support and accommodations. This can include creating sensory-friendly environments by reducing sensory input, such as loud noises or bright lights, and providing sensory supports like weighted vests or fidget toys. Additionally, coaches and teammates can be educated on autism and how to interact with individuals with autism in a supportive and inclusive way. Adaptive equipment, such as modified balls or sports gear, can also make it easier for individuals with autism to participate in sports.

8 sports that are considered beneficial for people with autism:

  • Bowling
  • Track and Field
  • Golf
  • Skiing
  • Swimming
  • Bicycle
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding

Disability awareness

3 December is a special day for the celebration of Disability. It is not about celebrating disabilities but focusing on abilities. The aim of spreading awareness is simple, it is to educate people. Many people who do not have a disability or know anyone who is disabled may not be aware of the daily challenges and struggles that individuals with disabilities encounter. Disability awareness is crucial as it helps to educate people on these challenges and promotes positive changes in society.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding disabilities. One common misconception is that all disabilities are visible, which is not true. Disability refers to a mental or physical impairment that can limit the ability to participate in everyday activities. It is important to avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes or misconceptions. Disability awareness brings these misconceptions and stereotypes to the forefront, leading to more positive attitudes and behaviors. Sport is an excellent way to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with disability. It can transform community attitudes about persons with disabilities by highlighting their skills and reducing the tendency to see the disability instead of the person. Through sport, persons without disabilities can interact with persons with disabilities in a positive context, forcing them to reshape assumptions about what persons with disabilities can and cannot do.

Sport teaches individuals how to communicate effectively, the significance of teamwork, cooperation, and respect for others. Sport is also well-suited to reducing dependence and developing greater independence by helping persons with disabilities to become physically and mentally stronger. It changes the person with disabilities in an equally profound way by empowering them to realize their full potential and advocate for changes in society. Through sport, individuals with disabilities acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of change.

Some ways we can include people with disabilities more in sports

Inclusion of people with disabilities in sports is a crucial step towards promoting equity, diversity, and social inclusion.

  • Partnering with organizations
  • Ensuring equal opportunities
  • Offering adaptive equipment
  • Promote awareness and advocacy
  • Improve accessibility
  • Provide accessible facilities
  • Encouraging participation
  • Offering adaptive sports programs

Mental Health Awareness

Sports have been proven to have a positive impact on mental health. Engaging in physical activity can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, helping to improve overall mental well-being. Furthermore, sports provide an opportunity for individuals to build self-confidence and self-esteem, which can have a significant impact on mental health.

The benefits of sports on mental health are numerous. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are hormones that make us feel good. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood. In addition, sports provide an outlet for aggression and frustration, helping to relieve negative emotions that can contribute to mental health problems.

Sports can also help to build social connections and reduce feelings of isolation. Joining a sports team or league provides an opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and build a sense of community. This can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall mental well-being.

Furthermore, sports can help to build self-esteem and self-confidence. Setting and achieving goals, learning new skills, and working as part of a team can all contribute to feeling more confident and capable. This can have a significant impact on mental health, as individuals who feel confident and capable are more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity.

Benefits of sports for mental health

We all know that sports are great for your physical health. But sports also have many psychological benefits.
  • Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Improves your mood
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Provides a sense of community
  • Improves cognitive function
  • Improves social skills
  • Promotes healthy sleep patterns
  • Increases resilience
  • Increases resilience
  • Provides a healthy coping mechanism