Province directs more than $24K to campaign fighting racism in sport

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This article was published 06/04/2023 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province announced Thursday that it’s providing more than $24,000 for its Anti-Racism in Sport Campaign.

The funds will go towards provincewide advertising to combat racism and other forms of discrimination in sport. The campaign — which is led by Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, with an advisory committee of 26 community organizations, including Sport Manitoba — includes research, school presentations, training for sport stakeholders and an anti-racism in sport accord.

Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan made the announcement at a news conference inside the Sport for Life Centre.

“I also faced racism on and off the field, but being 6-4 and 300-plus pounds made it a little easier for me to deal with. Unfortunately, not everyone is a six-foot-four, 320-pound football player,” said Khan, a former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman.

“In 2021, prior to me entering politics, I was pleased to be part of the Immigration Partnership, Winnipeg’s launch of its Anti-Racism in Sport Campaign. And as I said then, and it remains true today, inaction in the face of racism and discrimination is enabling the problem. It’s not enough to just not be racist.”

The minister also announced appointments to the Sport Manitoba board of directors.

Susanne Dandenault, a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame for her career in athletics (throwing events) and weightlifting, will assume the role of board chair until her current term expires Nov. 22, 2025. She’s replacing outgoing board chair David Patsack. Former CFL linebacker D.J. Lalama has been appointed to the board for a three-year term.

“I’m proud to be the first woman to chair this board and I believe I can, with your help and support, have a positive impact,” said Dandenault.

— Staff