TORONTO, September 22, 2026 – The City of Toronto has received $400,000 in funding to launch a free mobile sports and recreation program for newcomer children, youth and families. The program will use mobile recreation vehicles to bring activities directly into different communities, giving residents more opportunities to take part close to home.
The funding comes from the 2026 Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees. The new project, called Play Mobile for Newcomers, expands on Toronto’s existing Play Mobile program.
The program will serve newcomer children and youth, refugee claimants, undocumented residents, newcomer girls and others who may face barriers to taking part in traditional recreation programs.
When the mobile recreation vehicles enter communities, they will offer temporary sports and recreation activities and connect residents with other public services, including Newcomer Services Kiosks, Toronto Public Library, employment and training services, children’s and youth programs, and community newcomer-serving organizations.
The project will be funded for two years and is expected to reach more than 20,000 people each year, including about 6,000 newcomer children, youth and family members.
The program will also provide 50 paid youth community ambassador positions to support community outreach and activities. Each year, about 250 newcomer youth will also be able to take part in related sports training, gaining leadership development, skills training and work experience.
Newcomer residents will also be consulted during the design process, with activities adjusted based on the needs of different communities.
For families who have recently arrived in Toronto and are not yet familiar with municipal recreation services, this type of mobile program can bring free activities directly into their neighbourhoods while also helping residents learn about other public services.
（LJI by Yuanyuan）
