Download the Registration Form!
The 2011 Grade 9 Try Day program where schools receive funds to introduce a new sport or physical activity (thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport) is now SOLD OUT.
Funds were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and 95 schools received funds to introduce new activities into their programs. Priority was given to new applicants, and small and rural schools.
We hope to continue this program next year, so please check back!
What is "Try Day"?
- Schools can receive funds up to $700 to introduce Grade 9 students to a new or non-traditional sport or physical activity.
- The intent of this project is to provide exposure to new or unconventional sports not currently offered in the school program, to motivate Grade 9 students to get involved in high school sport and physical activities, and to encourage lifelong participation in these areas.
- Priority will be given to those schools that have not received funding in the past, and to schools in rural and remote areas.
- In order to receive funding, schools must fill out the registration form and submit it to OFSAA. Schools accepted for funding will be notified by the OFSAA staff and a reporting package and posters will be sent to the schools once the school program has been approved.
Program Requirements
- To be eligible for Grade 9 Try Day funding, a minimum of 60 Grade 9 students, OR a minimum of 80% of the Grade 9 population in schools with 75 or less Grade 9 students, must participate. (As long as the Grade 9 minimum is met, additional grades may have access to the program.)
- The opportunity must introduce students to a new sport or physical activity that currently does not exist in your school environment.
- All Grade 9 ‘Try Day’ programs must be completed by March 31, 2010.
- Schools must submit the final report, receipts, photos, and any media articles of their Try Day event, prior to reimbursement.
Apply for Funding
- Purchase equipment to develop a new sport/club for the students
- Hold a clinic for Grade 9 students to learn the basic skills and then implement that activity in your school program throughout the school year
- Introduce a sport that encourages participation of students that do not typically take part
- Enhance or rejuvenate your intramural program with new sports/activities
- Access a new activity at an athletic facility in your community
- Conduct a ‘Grade 9 day’ to include several non-traditional sports to create interest
Please direct any questions to Diana Ranken, or call Lindsey Evanoff at (416) 426-7437.
Some of the ideas below come from the many creative activities that schools did for their Try Day program. Put a new twist on old activities, or build upon your current programs with new, challenging and fun sports.
Partner with a sport organization and make use of their expertise to hold a clinic and introduce a new sport or activity to the students. There are many possibilities, including ultimate frisbee, floorball, step aerobics, archery, and beach volleyball. Follow up by purchasing equipment and conducting intramural or curricular programs for a larger group of students. Many of the sport groups have special programs designed for high school students, and fit in well with the Try Day program and objectives. They can often connect you with local clubs or facilities to assist your program. Make your job easier - give them a call! See the back cover for contact information.
Make use of your community by accessing specialty companies and facilities which can help you with a program geared specifically for your students, and can provide instructors to assist with the presentation. Think rock climbing, high ropes, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boat racing, self-defense, orienteering, yoga. Provide new and exciting challenges for your students.
Rejuvenate your intramural program with fun, low organization activities that are cost-effective and inviting for the non-athletic students. Purchase equipment with Try Day funds which will maintain these programs for years to come. Consider pickleball, tchoukball, scooter hockey, cup stacking, or dodgeball.
Hold a ‘multicultural day’ and introduce several non-traditional sports to the student body. Popular ones include cricket, sepak takraw, Aussie rules football, lacrosse, kinball, omnikin, men’s field hockey and Thai kick boxing. This type of event can expose students to many different sports and cultures, and can provide a variety of equipment for classroom or intramural programs in the future.