Notes
Community organizations: WinSport
Key populations: newcomers to Canada participating in an introduction to winter sport program at WinSport in Calgary
Key recommendations:
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Alter the WNP and other newcomer introductory sport programs to intentionally focus on building social connections
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Avoid the pitfall of these sport programs acting as assimilation tools into White Canadian identity.
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Expand WNP and other similar programs to have more options for adult programming.
Future research / gaps identified: Study findings are for a specific sample in a specific program and location, thus findings are not generalizable.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
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The study highlighted the multifaceted ways in which winter sports contribute to the integration of newcomers into Canadian society, emphasizing the significance of these programs in fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
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The paper showcased the diverse outcomes and varied meanings experienced by participants in the WinSport Newcomers Programme, underscoring the complex and individualized nature of their experiences.
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The study identified program shortcomings, emphasizing the need to address issues such as power asymmetries and the collective nature of integration to enhance the experiences of newcomers in winter sports.
