Free resources to help you celebrate Black History Month

Editor’s note: This article was published on Feb. 3, 2021.

Celebrating Black History Month is an important way to explore and understand the many achievements and contributions Black Canadians have made. In honour of this month, the Canadian Olympic School Program has released a new collection of Team Canada Athlete Stories that celebrate the Black athletes who have shaped our country, communities, and culture for the better.

These free bilingual resources are available to educators to help you foster an understanding and appreciation of diversity, representation, and inclusion among students. Each resource tells the story of an inspiring Team Canada athlete.

Athlete Stories: Celebrating contributions made by Black Canadians in sport shines a light on some of the nation’s greatest role models and ambassadors including Donovan Bailey and Beijing Olympic hopeful Dawn Richardson Wilson, along with Raymond Lewis, Phil Edwards, Daniel Igali, Sarah Nurse, Jennifer Abel, Gary Reed, Seyi Smith, and Tammara Thibeault.

On its website, the Canadian Olympic Committee has also compiled these anti-racism resources.

And if you’re looking for even more helpful and inspiring resources, the Canadian Olympic School Program offers over 100 free online education resources that are aimed at promoting safer and more inclusive sport environments, and engaging Canadians in adopting and maintaining healthy active lifestyles. Find the full library of resources here.