IRISE in Action: Celebrating Growth, Equity, and Participation in CISAA Sport

As the 2025–26 school year draws to a close, it is important to reflect on the values that guide the educational experience we provide through school sport. “IRISE” has become embedded in all aspects of CISAA athletics: Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, Sportsmanship, and Education. As we continue to promote strong character and ethical conduct among all participants in CISAA sport, we also recognize the tremendous scope of our programs and the thousands of student-athletes and coaches who come together in respectful and supportive environments to compete, learn, and grow. The life skills developed through participation in school sport will remain with our student-athletes long after their playing days are over. Congratulations to all who participated this year.

CISAA values equity in school sport and recognizes the importance of providing boys and girls with equal opportunities, encouragement, and support to pursue athletics. The summary below highlights the close balance that exists within our school sports programming for boys and girls.

At the same time, a trend observed both within CISAA and across North America is that girls leave sport during adolescence at nearly twice the rate of boys. Participation statistics from Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 reflect this ongoing challenge, with lower participation numbers among girls compared to boys.

To support continued learning and discussion around the factors influencing girls’ participation in sport, we encourage you to review information published by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools: Give Them a Sporting Chance: Changing the Climate of Girls’ Athletics.

Tim White
CISAA Director