The 3rd Annual Women in Sport Weekend concluded in Aurora, Ontario, on March 29, 2026, marking another step in the municipality’s commitment to closing the gender gap in local athletics. Held at the Aurora Town Square, the two-day event provided coaching certification and professional networking opportunities for women and girls aged 15 and older.
The Town of Aurora organized the weekend in partnership with the Coaches Association of Ontario. Participants completed industry-recognized training, including Fundamental Movement Skills and Principles of Healthy Child Development. These courses are part of a broader push to increase the number of women in coaching, an area that has historically seen lower participation rates than men according to Canadian Women & Sport.
To ensure the sessions were accessible, the town offered the training free of charge and provided complimentary childcare services for attendees. This is a shift from previous years, as the town continues to focus on removing financial and logistical barriers that often prevent athletes, coaches, administrators, and parents from pursuing formal certification.
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services for the Town of Aurora, described the event as a celebration of the strengths and expertise that women bring to the sporting community. The initiative stems from a 2019 partnership between the town and Canadian Women & Sport to review and improve gender equity in local sport programming. Community involvement in sport initiatives in Aurora also includes local groups like the Aurora Black Community Association, and the town has partnerships with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, which helps residents manage the costs associated with sport participation.
