In honor of the Toronto 2017 NAIG (North American Indigenous Games), Canadian athletes have launched a special initiative called 'Team 88.' Not only does the initiative aim to promote the benefits of sport in Canada's Indigenous communities, but it also references the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 88th call to action.
The Toronto 2017 NAIG is a sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous Peoples in North America that is set to take place in Toronto from July 16 to July 23.While the games are widely recognized as a powerful vehicle for supporting Indigenous sport development in Canada, Team 88 aims to take the measure a step further. Team 88 is an initiative that references the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 88th call to action, by noting how sport can play a powerful role in supporting healing and reconciliation among Canada's Indigenous population. More specifically, the aim of Team 88 is to call on "all levels of government, corporations and the community to increase the opportunities for long-term athlete development."
The Team 88 initiative demonstrates how sporting events can take on a deeper and more impactful role in the cities in which they are hosted.
Indigenous Athletic Campaigns
'Team 88' Promotes the Benefits of Sport at the Toronto 2017 NAIG
Trend Themes
1. Indigenous Athletic Campaigns - Sport campaigns that promote the benefits of sport in Indigenous communities, with a focus on healing and reconciliation.
2. Supporting Indigenous Sport Development - Efforts to increase opportunities for long-term athlete development in Indigenous communities through government, corporate, and community support.
3. Sport Events as Agents of Change - Recognizing the potential for sporting events to have a deeper, more impactful role in promoting social change and unity.
Industry Implications
1. Sports and Recreation - Opportunities for companies to support and invest in Indigenous sport development programs and initiatives.
2. Government and Policy - Government agencies working to implement policies and initiatives that support long-term athlete development in Indigenous communities.
3. Community and Social Services - Organizations that provide resources and support for healing and reconciliation efforts through sport in Indigenous communities.