Creating safe, inclusive and accessible sport spaces for women is more important than ever. Last fall, a Youth Leadership for Change microgrant from the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO) turned a student’s vision for a new student-led initiative into reality: the WeSport Women’s Sport Club, a women-only multisport club, officially launched on campus, giving women who might not otherwise feel free to participate in sports the opportunity to take part, become more confident and build a meaningful community.
A new sports space for women
WeSport has a clear mandate: to provide safe, empowering spaces for women to discover sports, build new skills and share meaningful experiences with one another.
For WeSport founder and president Chaymaa Dinouri, a fourth-year student in political science and communications, the idea stemmed from personal experience. As a competitive athlete, she was eager to continue training after arriving in Canada, but when she joined a boxing club, she quickly noticed several barriers that many women face, such as discomfort in mixed-gender settings, limited capacity and long waitlists, and a lack of women-only sport spaces on campus. The fact that the only women-only sports group on campus was a small weightlifting group illustrated the need for women to have more diverse, accessible and welcoming opportunities to stay active.
With that realization Chaymaa decided to take ownership of the issue: she created the WeSport Women’s Sport Club, which now offers swimming, Muay Thai, running and other activities during women-only hours, with more activities planned for the winter term.
From idea to official student club
Starting a club or a community-wide initiative from scratch is never easy, especially for students. Balancing academics, part-time work and administrative requirements can quickly become overwhelming.
However, Chaymaa’s involvement in organizations such as the Muslim Student Association, Enactus, and the JDSP (Jeux de la science politique) teams helped her understand how student clubs operate, identify the right contacts and structure the project effectively.
With the support of friends and newly recruited members, she formed a dedicated executive team of ten students. The team provided bilingual resources and held interviews to recruit volunteers who were genuinely passionate about the club’s mission.
The club quickly launched weekly programming, including outdoor running, indoor Muay Thai sessions and swimming. All activities were scheduled during women-only hours to maximize member comfort and accessibility.
How SPCO funding helped WeSport
The SPCO grant marked a turning point for the club.
Before receiving funding, the club had to borrow equipment, struggled to cover the cost of booking spaces, and lacked the resources needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Then Chaymaa learned about the SPCO program through emails and other student clubs. Thanks to its strong community-focused vision and testimonials demonstrating a clear need, the WeSport application for SPCO funding stood out.
But Chaymaa stressed that the SPCO provided more than just money: “They supported us throughout the entire process. The information sessions were clear, structured and incredibly helpful. They asked the right guiding questions to help us understand our goals, strengthen our organizational skills, and plan for the future of our project.”
The SPCO team made the application process informative, empowering and accessible, even for first-time applicants who were students with little experience. The funding eventually allowed the club to purchase its own sports equipment, secure safe indoor and outdoor spaces, offer consistent weekly programming and grow independently and sustainably.
Youth supporting youth: A club with real impact
One of the most powerful aspects of the SPCO’s Youth Leadership for Change program is its belief that real change is driven by youth-led initiatives. Young people understand the challenges their peers face and bring creativity, empathy and energy to community-building.
The impact of the WeSport Women’s Sport Club is already clear. Since its launch, the club has grown to more than 100 members, with up to 30 participants attending each session.
The club is actively encouraging women to be more physically active, building confidence through sport, creating a strong sense of belonging, and filling a major gap in campus life.
“WeSport is an initiative built and led by passion, created by women for women, and I’m proud to say that I see it growing thanks to our members and the financial support that we received.”
Chaymaa Dinouri
— WeSport Founder and President
What members are saying
Members were asked what they enjoy most about WeSport. Their feedback highlights the importance of women-only spaces and community connection.
Many shared that they value the women-only environment and the welcoming atmosphere. Others highlighted the variety of sports offered and the motivation they feel from being part of the group. Several members expressed appreciation for the bilingual efforts and inclusive approach, while others simply described the club as fun, supportive and empowering.
One member shared that the Muay Thai sessions are a highlight, noting how comfortable and confident they feel staying active in a women-only environment.
A recent general assembly, featuring food, open conversation and community-building activities, further demonstrated how meaningful this space has become for members.
More than a sports club
WeSport considers itself more than a sports club: it is a movement, a community, and a space where women feel seen, supported and empowered.
And thanks to the SPCO, this is only the beginning. Knowing that SPCO funding is available, other clubs and associations should feel empowered to find solutions to injustices, on or off campus, because with the right support, many other projects are possible.
If you want to propose your own solution or fund a cause important to you, take the next step: take a look at the Youth Leadership for Change microgrant program or attend an information session on it. You’ll learn more about funding eligibility, timelines and best practices so you can turn your ideas into action.
