Adrinkahene

Adinkrahene Sports Program

Sport, mentorship, and movement can help young people build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

The Adinkrahene Sports Program offers Black, racialized, and Indigenous children ages 6–12 a welcoming, culturally grounded space to be active, learn new skills, and build relationships. Youth mentors ages 13–18 take on guided leadership roles, supporting younger participants and developing their own skills in responsibility, communication, and teamwork.

Through sport, mentorship, and reflection, participants can strengthen their confidence, focus, discipline, emotional regulation, and connection with peers and caring adults. In previous program delivery, activities included boxing fundamentals, conditioning, controlled sparring, and group reflections that connected lessons from training to school, relationships, decision-making, and personal responsibility.

Inclusive access to movement

Ifarada is committed to making sport, recreation, and wellness opportunities accessible, especially for youth facing financial barriers or living with disabilities. Programs are offered free or at minimal cost where possible. Activities are adapted as needed to support participation by youth with disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental delays, regardless of ability or skill level.

Movement is also part of other Ifarada initiatives, including Wonderfully Made Girl, Adinkra Leadership, and community wellness workshops, where youth may take part in dance, yoga, mindfulness, and other movement-based activities.

Support that extends beyond sport

Ifarada works with schools, community centres, and social service agencies to connect youth with programs and supports. When needed, participants and families can also be connected with counselling, mentorship, and community resources.

At the heart of the program is the belief that movement can help young people explore their strengths, connect with others, and experience recreation as a source of empowerment and healing.

Sports Education

Ifarada believes sports development should be accessible to youth at every experience and ability level. Regular physical activity supports physical health and well-being while helping young people build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others. For youth who have experienced trauma, movement can also offer a supportive way to reconnect with their bodies, feel grounded and safe, and enjoy a sense of normalcy.

Ifarada works with facilitators, business partners, and community leaders to provide sports education and develop skills through activities such as:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Boxing
• Pickleball
• Yoga
• Football
• Volleyball
• Dance

Mentorship

Youth ages 16 and up seeking volunteer and employment opportunities are invited to program support to participants, such as one to one guidance, coaching, and mentorship with younger youth.

Leadership

Teamwork

The Adinkrahene Sports Program reflects Ifarada’s values of Ubuntu and community. Youth are encouraged to build respectful, collaborative relationships with peers, younger and older teammates, and adult facilitators. Through shared activities, they practise conflict resolution, problem-solving, active listening, compassion, empathy, and encouragement. Boys and girls are invited to work together, recognize one another’s strengths, and value each person’s humanity and contributions.

What your child and youth will learn:

By participating in the Adinkrahene Sports Program, youth will:

1. Develop foundational skills in sports and physical activity, while practising safe participation and adapting activities to different abilities and experience levels.
2. Strengthen leadership and life skills, including self-regulation, time management, goal-setting, accountability, and asking for support.
3. Practise communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution through sport and group activities.
4. Build positive relationships across age groups through mentorship, peer support, and opportunities to contribute to their community.