Bridges of Belonging - Favoriser l’appartenance

In today’s world, values-based leadership is the driver that creates a  sense of belonging. Both Gail Hamamoto and Ainka Jess use their  experiences with not belonging to create safe, inclusive and authentic  spaces not only for their colleagues but for the people their  organizations reach. Having each had extensive careers in sport, their  personal and professional growth has given them unique perspectives on  authenticity and belonging, and look forward to the opportunities and  journeys that they can foster for the next generation of leaders in  sport.

 L’épisode était chargé de passion et notre bavardage était centré sur l’opportunité présentée par le sport comme égalisateur. Notre animatrice Fannie Smith fut jointe par Samantha Rogers de Relate Social Capital et Maxime Gagnon de Défi Sportif Altergo. 

Le travail d’inclusion au Canada ne doit pas oublier la diversité de langue et des différentes cultures, surtout lorsqu’il en est de nos langues officielles. Sam nous a parlé de son expérience comme Québécoise anglophone et sa fierté d’être Montréalaise. Elle nous expliqua comment sa perception a changé lorsqu’elle a vécu à Toronto et Vancouver et se trouva dans des situations où elle devait défendre le besoin d’inclure la langue française et qu’une approche culturelle anglo-canadienne dans l’Ouest ne s’appliquera pas au Québec. De même, Maxime explique son intimidation quand il était invité à Calgary pour des conférences où il devait s’intégrer dans un milieu anglophone. 

Après plus de 25 ans, la passion de Maxime à combattre les barrières pour l’inclusion des personnes handicapées dans le sport brûle tout aussi fort. Il est évident que l’événement Défi Sportif a un impact durable sur non seulement la communauté du Québec mais au niveau international. Défi Sportif sert non seulement à fournir une occasion pour les personnes à tous les niveaux d’habileté de se joindre ensemble mais aussi à éduquer et démontrer ce qui est possible à toute la population.

 Marni Abbott Peter and Stuart McReynolds shared their vulnerable paths through belonging. Both shared how sport had been such a rich space of belonging for them, a catalyst of personal change as they navigated their journeys. They each talked about embracing their own challenges and finding ways to own the challenge and to be open and vulnerable about that part of their lived experiences. We talked about the importance of social inclusion, and the power of taking care of yourself along the way to ensure that you can show up for your team, your family and your work in the ways that are needed.  

We had a rich conversation with Lucha Villar and Marg McGregor where they shared their paths through life and career – starting from early experiences rooted in advocacy through their parents. As we explore this juncture of health, financial and social crisis, it is an opportunity to do different – but it is a unique point in time, and we have to use the platform and intentionality to give visibility and opportunity to share each voice and amplify the ones who need it the most. We spoke about microaggressions and how commonplace those are – and Marg referenced the opportunity to ensure we also celebrate all the good, and the small things to support people – we could call these micro-affirmations. Lucha spoke about the power of the Lima 2019 games and how that had created social change in Peru and elevated the appreciation and understanding of people with disabilities in their country. We talked about how much language matters, as well as patience, and listening to understand. We have a long way to go, and progress sometimes feels evasive but we have to keep driving forward in our journeys – of our selves and of our shared belonging.