Interval House of Hamilton is excited to welcome SportHamilton, as they join an impressive list of community partners working to end gender-based violence. SportHamilton will join forces with The Hamilton Tiger Cats, The Hamilton Bulldogs, McMaster University Department of Athletics & Recreation and FORGE FC, as they deliver the Be More Than A Bystander program in partnership with Interval House of Hamilton.
SportHamilton provides a pathway to sport-involved youth through many of their sport clubs and organizations. This pathway creates opportunities for professional athletes to bring the Be More Than A Bystander program into dressing rooms, locker rooms and practices across the City of Hamilton. Be More Than A Bystander ambassador players from the Hamilton Tiger Cats, Hamilton Bulldogs, FORGE FC and McMaster Department of Athletics & Recreation will be available to meet sport-involved youth and train players to recognize healthy vs unhealthy relationships and provide players with safe tools to intervene and stop gender-based violence. Ambassador players share the challenges of peer pressure and help youth develop the skills they need to be positive leaders and allies. After meeting with teams, Ambassador players join them for a practice – creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“The synergy between SportHamilton and Be More Than A Bystander and both program’s commitment to invest in youth is palpable. It makes sense to work together and create a lasting impact on youth, coaches and players. I am excited to see the Be More Than A Bystander program continue to grow in the City of Hamilton. The dedication from our partners is truly amazing” – Nancy Smith, Executive Director, Interval House of Hamilton.
Through this partnership, Interval House of Hamilton will also offer gender-based violence training to coaches, support staff and volunteers affiliated with SportHamilton. Training sessions will give adults the skills they need to create safe and healthy frameworks, as they lead their teams.
“Not only do coaches play a vital role in the skill development of their players, but they also have a huge impact on their players’ social development. Coaches can help end gender-based violence by understanding the importance of their role and mentoring positive violence-free messaging.” – Nancy Smith, Executive Director of Interval House of Hamilton.