SPORT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES (SSDIC)
Love and Unity Run, Nunavut
• Project Highlights
• Impacts Achieved
• Lesson Learned • Read Blog
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Real Life Research Institute was honored to have received the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Community Services grant under the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) initiative.
With this support, we delivered the ‘Iqaluit Love & Unity Run’ a community-centered initiative that brought together over 100 participants of all ages and backgrounds to promote inclusion, health, and social cohesion. Preparations began over the summer, culminating in the race held on August 23, 2025, at the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) arena.
ACHIEVED…
Celebrated relationships, culture, and Inclusion
Promoted health, well-being, and social cohesion
IMPACTS ACHIEVED…
Engaged people of all ages and abilities (with elders, youth, families, and pets joining in)
Broke down gender barriers in sport (race categories open to all and no distinctions made)
ACHIEVED…
Promoted community spirit (free hoodies/t-shirts, & a community BBQ gathering)
Engaged the community with in-kind support from the City of Iqaluit (grills, tables, water, etc.)
IMPACTS ACHIEVED
The overall best runner received a cash prize of $1,000, boosting confidence and encouraging continued engagement in future events.
High community interest highlights the importance of the event and requires planning for a larger turnout and sufficient resources next summer, including more hoodies
LESSONS : LEARNED
In-kind support from the City of Iqaluit (grills, tables, water, etc.) enabled us to accommodate more participants than expected and encouraged positive feedback, highlighting the value of expanding community and stakeholder partnerships.
The cash prize for the overall winner, generously provided by Real Life’s Board, encouraged continued involvement; extending awards to runners-up will boost engagement and participation in the next race.
https://reallifeinstitute.org/iqaluit-comes-alive-at-real-life-res
earch-institutes-love-and-unity-run/
REAL LIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE