Sport helps build community by bringing people together and plays an important role in society as it builds solidarity and reminds us of the importance of being connected. The same can be said for sports in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), more specifically, the rebranding of the Intersection (IS) Program to the a Non-Public Property (NPP) Sports Program.
Dating as far back as 2012 the IS Program did not allow for the inclusion of active DND/NPF civilian employee participation. Without Defence Team support, the CAF only IS league formation caused a steady decline in program participation, inconsistency in programs offered, and some leagues were then omitted.
Changing the design of the program in 2018, as well as rebranding it from “Intersection’ to the current “NPP Sports Program”, civilian DND/NPF employees were given the opportunity to participate (provided they met caveats outlined in the NPP Sports Program Constitution) making the sports program at CFB Kingston more diverse and inclusive. The inclusion of active DND/NPF civilian personnel in the program has promoted the total Force concept and reinvigorated the sports program as a whole.
There are several grassroots leagues within the NPP Sports Program, e.g. Garrison Hockey League, Garrison Soccer League, Garrison Golf League, etc. Diversity and inclusion are recognized as drivers of innovation that contribute to the overall health, wellness and readiness of the CAF and the morale and welfare of itself and its Defence Team counterparts.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair. Sport speaks to people in a language they can understand.” – Nelson Mandela
For information regarding the NPP Sports Program, please contact Chantal Fortin at Fortin.Chantal@cfmws.com or local 2769.
Article: Chantal Fortin, Administrative Assistant, Fitness & Sports, PSP
Editor: Cheryl McKinnon, CFB Kingston