PHE Canada is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Gopher Equipment Grant and the Margaret Eaton Legacy Fund, awarding a total of $11,000 to support inclusive, engaging, and high-quality physical and health education initiatives across the country.
From the Yukon to Nova Scotia, and from small rural schools to large urban districts, this year’s recipients demonstrate how access to meaningful physical activity equipment can foster a sense of belonging and transform physical and health education into safe, inclusive spaces that promote equity and joy.
PHE Canada extends sincere congratulations to all recipients and thanks Gopher and the Margaret Eaton Legacy Fund for their continued commitment to supporting healthy, active school communities across Canada.
Gopher Equipment Grant Recipients
Jack Hulland Elementary School – Whitehorse, Yukon
At Jack Hulland Elementary School, Alysa and her colleagues support 287 students, many of whom are Indigenous, newcomers to Canada, or from underserved communities. In a northern climate where winters are long, dark, and often reach -20°C, indoor physical activity is essential.
Through this grant, the school will purchase basketballs, soccer balls, dodgeballs, youth footballs, badminton racquets, nets, and multi-sport discs, equipment that will dramatically expand activity options for students throughout the winter months. With only a handful of usable balls previously available, this funding ensures every child has the opportunity to move, play, and stay active in a supportive environment.
Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School – Tatla Lake, British Columbia
In a small rural K–10 school serving just 25 students, Kimberley and her team are committed to building athletic confidence despite limited resources and long travel distances to competitions.
The grant will fund new soccer balls, shot puts, and discus equipment to strengthen their track and field and soccer programs. With proper training tools, students can better prepare for meets and tournaments, continuing the momentum of recent successes, including a senior student qualifying for provincials in high jump. For this close-knit community, updated equipment fosters equity and pride and enables students to compete safely and confidently.
École Notre-Dame – Gatineau, Québec
Located in a highly underserved neighbourhood, École Notre-Dame serves approximately 300 students, many of whom are from immigrant families. Laurence and her colleagues recently launched four mini-volleyball teams "Les Couguars" with 24 young athletes who proudly represent their school’s values of engagement, respect, and openness.
Grant funding will provide knee pads, volleyballs, and a professional-grade ball cart, ensuring students can train and compete safely. For many families unable to afford personal equipment, this support removes barriers and allows students to fully experience the joy and belonging that school sport can offer.
E.B. Chandler Junior High – Amherst, Nova Scotia
Jamie and the physical education team at E.B. Chandler serve approximately 300 7th and 8th grade students in a region with one of the highest child poverty rates in the province. For many of these students, physical education class is their main opportunity to participate in organized sports.
With Gopher funding, the school will build an inclusive indoor mini-golf course using putting greens, adaptive golf equipment, and creative obstacle materials. The initiative introduces students to a new, low-barrier activity that emphasizes focus, skill development, and participation. Importantly, the mini-golf course design allows students with mobility challenges to participate fully, creating an activity the entire school community can enjoy.
Thames Valley District School Board – Ontario
Representing approximately 80,000 students, Meghan and the Thames Valley District School Board are expanding equitable access to inclusive physical activity through their centralized equipment Distribution Centre model.
The grant will fund additional indoor curling and bowling kits, high-demand, low-barrier activities that engage multilingual learners, Indigenous students, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, students with disabilities, newcomers, and rural students. Between February and June 2026 alone, the new kits are expected to reach approximately 1,920 students across multiple schools.
By pairing equipment access with educator collaboration and student voice initiatives, the board is using physical activity as a vehicle for inclusion, leadership, and belonging.
Margaret Eaton Legacy Fund Recipient
Merah G. – University of Victoria, British Columbia
This year’s Margaret Eaton Legacy Fund recipient, Merah, is completing her Master of Arts in Physical Education at the University of Victoria. Her research focuses on Nature-Based Literacy within Physical and Health Education, grounded in community engagement and connection to the Land.
Partnering with teachers in School District 71 (Comox Valley), Merah will deliver eight outdoor, nature-based physical activity and health sessions across multiple seasons for participating classes. The bursary supports travel, accommodations, and the creation of comprehensive Nature-Based Literacy Kits complete with lesson materials, books, and resources that will remain with teachers long after her visits conclude.
Through this work, Merah is empowering educators and students alike to experience physical and health education beyond the walls of the gymnasium, fostering confidence, community connection, and lifelong well-being.