Canada is known for its beautiful winter season. It has a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, such as sledding, cross-country skiing, and skating. My participation in recreation is generally low and even more so during winter. This paper aims to demonstrate the benefits of leisure education through observation and participation. This assignment will help illustrate my constraint to leisure and how participating in activities for this assignment contributed to my professional and personal outlook on leisure from an ethnic minority perspective.
The approach taken was to try out multiple winter activities for this report. These activities took place over a couple of weekends. I was excited to have the opportunity to participate in something new and challenging. I got my first taste of winter recreation when I tried sledding. It was straightforward to learn since it only required minimal skill, and it only cost a couple of dollars to acquire second-hand equipment. This activity was at Centennial Park, located in Dollard des Ormeaux. Skating was the second activity attempted; at Parc Jean Drapeau, this was one of several activities offered. It was a fun and fulfilling activity that I tried without breaking the bank. Although it was harder to master than sledding, even with falling several times, it was still fun and an excellent physical exercise. Whether indoors or outdoors, it requires a lot of skill and good cardiovascular health. Last, snowshoeing was the last activity at Parc Jean Drapeau. This activity requires skills comparable to hiking or walking, making learning relatively easy, and renting snowshoes is affordable. Practice at least once to ensure competence and comfort before long treks. This activity was a great addition to my winter repertoire. It provided an opportunity to explore the outdoors and have some fun. I participated in three activities, all accessible by public transit and within city limits.
Even though these parks are accessible by public transportation, they were not always the ideal venue for me to spend time. I preferred to have more of a community feel. I identified that the primary reason for not pursuing recreational winter leisure is the need for cultural diversity. In the summer, the Caribbean community is out in all its splendor for Caribana, Jamaica Day, and Reggae Fest, to name a few. During my winter pursuits, I counted a handful of ethnic minorities, let alone people of colour, participating in winter leisure; this was more than just putting up with old man winter. As a person of color, I was interested in the reason for racialized groups’ low participation level in recreation outside of their community. I gained a more profound knowledge about myself through my participation in different leisure activities. In addition, it has helped me develop a more robust understanding of myself. Due to my various struggles, I was diagnosed with depression and PTSD. Through these activities, I managed to get through my psychological health issues. It allowed me to relax and enjoy my life.
Studies on ethnicity and leisure have shown that ethnic minorities are less likely to participate in recreational activities than the rest of the population. Factors, including the preferences of diverse ethnic groups, the challenges of integrating, socio-economical inequalities, language barriers, and cultural differences, are some typical constraints (Karlis, G. et al., 2020). Cultural differences can play a significant role in the recreational activities of ethnic groups in Canada. For instance, in specific ethnic communities, the emphasis is placed on family and community activities, which can prevent members of these groups from participating in other organized recreational activities (Karlis, G. et al., 2020).
Many ethnic groups often balance their leisure activities with the culture of their host country; studies have revealed that some individuals have difficulties with their language skills and lack of social network or community. These constraints can also limit their leisure choices (Karlis, G. et al., 2020). Furthermore, the study reveals that ethnic groups often prioritize leisure activities over their ethnic groups.
Based on the study of leisure and ethnicity, we know that participating in leisure activities can help ethnic minorities feel more included in the community (Aizlewood, A., 2005). Nevertheless, this idea of community centers around people who look or speak like you. While looking for an organization that provides opportunities for people of color to get outside and have fun, I found one very interesting. ‘hikeMtl’ recognized that leisure for everyone is a fundamental human right. It allows individuals to pursue their passions and improve their quality of life. It also serves as a vital part of the community. The organization is dedicated to serving its members’ diverse needs, specifically those of color, by creating a safe environment where people can enjoy themselves. Their mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. They employ diverse strategies while partnering with organizations providing expertise and equipment and promoting inclusivity (Events Page | Hike Mtl, n.d.).
Studies have shown that many immigrants in Canada only enjoy their leisure activities once they arrive because they are working and solidifying their lives in their new country, which can limit their free time. Therefore, the government must provide them with the necessary resources and tools to improve their leisure experiences ((Aizlewood, A., 2005). Many immigrants and ethicists experience issues with their mental health when they arrive in a new country. Many factors contribute to various factors, such as the environment they are coming from or the lack of proper coping mechanisms.
Studies have shown that many new immigrants need more time to enjoy the various leisure activities available in their new country. They may need more resources to pursue the various leisure activities that they can enjoy. Therefore, organizations must provide these individuals with the necessary resources and support. Doing so will allow them to access these activities and make decisions regarding their participation. There is also a need to make accommodations for people of color. Canada’s recreational facilities are more accessible with various initiatives, including training programs to help employees become more inclusive of ethnic minorities.
