Winter 2019 ParaSport Magazine

www.parasportontario.ca

MAGAZINE WINTER 2 0 1 9

Mostwith

THE

Durham Region 2019
Ontario Parasport Games

Sitting Volleyball
Serving Up a Sport for All

Pioneering
Women’s

PARA
ICE HOCKEY

On Course
for Inclusion

Para Pro-Am
Golf Tournament

OUR CLIENTS COME FIRST

Since 1962, we’ve helped clients and their families move forward with dignity and trusted expertise when faced
with life-altering injuries. When you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s important to find professionals to guide you
through every obstacle, stand by you and treat you like family. At Gluckstein Lawyers we stand together
through successes and hardships as a family, every step of the way. That is our promise.

Gluckstein Lawyers is an award-winning leader in brain and spinal cord injuries, birth injuries and
medical malpractice cases, call 1.866.308.7722 or visit www.gluckstein.com.

CONTENTS W I N T E R 2 0 1 9

26-30 F E AT U R E S

36-40

Preparing to be the Best … On Course for Inclusion … 44-46
Durham Region 2019 The Inaugural Para Pro-Am
Ontario Parasport Games Golf Tournament Power Play …
Pioneering Women’s
Sledge Hockey

PARASPORT NEWS

Message from the Executive Director . . . . 4 ParaSport® Ontario News . . . . . . . . 10-11
ParaSport® Ontario Sponsors . . . . . . . . 6-7 Parasport Community News . . . . . . . 12-14
ParaSport® Ontario Partners . . . . . . . . . 8 TRY Me Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

DEPARTMENTS

INCLUSION PARALYMPIC SPOTLIGHT
Take A Seat A Guided Tour … Mac Marcoux
Sitting Volleyball for All . . . . . . . . . 20-22 Makes His Mark on the Mountain . . . 52-54

SPORT SPOTLIGHT RECREATION
Volt Hockey Making New Tracks
Scores BIG with Kids . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Track 3 Skiing Program . . . . . . . . . 56-57

CLUB SPOTLIGHT ACTIVE LIVING
The Niagara Penguins PARA DanceSport
Marching Towards More Milestones . . 34-35 Rolls into Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58-62

HEALTH & FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Training Ground Pedal Power
New Places and Spaces for Fitness . . . 42-43 Braced for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-65

LEADERSHIP www.parasportontario.ca
Put Me in Coach
Getting Para Athletes in the Game . . . 48-51

WELCOME

Welcome to the new ParaSport® MAGAZINE
Magazine, and the new ParaSport®
Ontario (PO) in fact. So, what’s new ParaSport® Ontario
at PO?” Much has changed over the 3701 Danforth Avenue
last year, but what has always been Toronto, ON M1N 2G2
best about PO remains the same. Phone: 416-426-7187
This I know first-hand. E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.parasportontario.ca
Forty years ago I was active in a lot of Facebook: @parasportont
sports. Then I sustained a traumatic Twitter: @parasport_ont
injury and didn’t think that there was Instagram: @parasportontario
anything I’d be able to play as a kid without any hands.
ParaSport® Ontario Board of Directors
ParaSport Ontario – which was Sport for Disabled Ontario at the time – Chair – Joe Millage
found me, advocated for me, connected me with a local parasport club, Finance Director – John Willson
and supported me on my parasport path… which ultimately guided me Vice Chair – Archie Allison
to the medal podium at three Paralympic Games. Director, Chair Nominating Committee –
Amanda Fowler
We still do that… and much more. Parasport pathways are different for Director, Chair Fundraising – Bernard Gluckstein, Q.C.
each one of us. ParaSport Ontario supports all members of the disability Director, Social Media & Marketing – John Szczygiel
community in finding their sport or activity of choice. We believe that Director, Classification, OCPSA Designate –
there is a sport for everyBODY!” Lorette Dupuis
Director, Awards & Alumni, ParaGolf Ontario
From our TRY Me parasport posters and postcards, and demonstrations Designate – Alan Dean
at schools, conferences, trade shows, community events and rehab facili-
ties, to our Equipment Rental program that gives parasport enthusiasts a Directors Karen Natho
“test-drive” we’re very busy encouraging participation and inclusion. Alexandra Creighton Robert Nigol
Jeff Virgo
We connect participants and athletes across the province with clubs and Aristotle Domingo
programs and organizations in the sport of their choice. Our 1,000 Years of
ParaSport Advisory Team answers questions of any kind related to getting Paul Iacono
involved in adapted recreation or sport. And we bring parasport news and
inspiration to Ontario’s disability community every day. ParaSport® Ontario Staff
Executive Director – Jeff Tiessen
We are working to make Ontario’s disability community more active and Office Manager – Barbara Morrow
healthy, which comes with greater independence, quality of life, friend- Communications Coordinator – Erin O’Sullivan
ships, fun and more. Program Coordinator – Richard Collins

If you need a nudge, a suggestion, or more information, ParaSport Ontario ParaSport® Magazine
is here to get you started! This issue of ParaSport Magazine only scratches The Official Publication of ParaSport® Ontario
the surface of adapted sport and recreation choices. There’s a sport for Executive Editor – Jeff Tiessen
everyBODY! Managing Editor – Erin O’Sullivan
Art Director/Design & Layout –
Attain it. Sustain it. Starr Hansen, SJ Design Studio
Advertising Sales – Envision Inc. and ProMedia
Jeff Tiessen,
Executive Director Communications

PS: If you picked this issue up in a clinic or at an event, or wher- ParaSport® Magazine is published two times a year by DT
ever, and would like to get on our mailing list simply sign up as Publishing Group, Inc. for ParaSport® Ontario (PO). PO accepts
a Member of the ParaSport Ontario Family, and we’ll keep them no responsibility for injuries, damages or losses arising out
coming to you, along with monthly e-newsletters and much of the use or misuse of ideas, opinions, activities or products
more. And it’s FREE. Join us at www.parasportontario.ca. contained in this publication. Where appropriate, professional
advice should be sought. All material submitted to the magazine
becomes the property of ParaSport Magazine.

Canadian Postmaster: Please send address changes to ParaSport
Ontario, 3701 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M1N 2G2.
© ParaSport Ontario, 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction,
in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited.

ParaSport Ontario acknowledges the financial support from
the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) for ParaSport
Magazine. MTCS is committed to inclusion and accessibility.

4 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 Publications Mail Registration #10293
Canadian Mail Agreement #40069170
Printed in Canada.

Achieve
your best!

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that comes to you.

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sponsors of ParaSport www.bayshore.ca
Ontario’s TRY ME program.

We’re here to help.

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Thank You ParaSport® Ontario Sponsors

To join our family of Corporate Sponsors and support our work in providing
parasport opportunities for all Ontarians with disabilities, please contact us.

Special Thanks to Our Founding 5 TRY Me Campaign Sponsors
Personal Injury Lawyers

6 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

Christina Sorbara &
Kerry Weiland-Sorbara

Inalco
Frank & Freda Spain

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 7

ParaSport® Ontario Partners

ParaSport® Ontario is proud to support the work of our Partners by promoting the
sports and physical activity opportunities they provide to Ontarians with disabilities.

Disability Today

NETWORK Online.Anytime.

8 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

ARBIT Let’s Work TogetherMBERS

Founding partner and proud supporter of ParaSport® Ontario
416-866-2400

WWW.YORKSTREET.CA

SERVING THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
1 3 0 A D E L A I D E S T. W E S T, S U I T E 7 0 1 , T O R O N T O , O N M 5 H 2 K 4

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ParaSport® Ontario NEWS

TRY ME SESSIONS
AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Photo by: Brian Summers TRY Me is an outreach program PO programs are delivered to a vast
developed under the light of array of venues and events including
ParaSport® Ontario’s Ready, Willing elementary, secondary and postsec-
and Able program. TRY Me offers ondary schools, camps, and commu-
unique sport demonstration ses- nity and corporate events. PO works
sions and an equipment rental with hosts to plan and develop
program for schools, community unique programs catered to their
and corporate events, and personal objectives and audiences.
use. ParaSport Ontario (PO) demon-
strations and equipment encourage ParaSport Ontario also has adaptive
participation in adapted sport and sport-specific equipment available
recreation to help guide Ontarians for loan. Adapted equipment repre-
on their lifelong path of healthy, senting over 10 different parasports
active living. is available for rent to individuals,
families, schools, events, community
TRY Me sessions are demon- programs, clubs, rehabilitation centers
stration events that showcase a and disability service organizations.
multitude of accessible sports and
activities. TRY Me sessions connect Visit www.parasportontario.ca for
sport leaders with Ontarians with more information, rental inquiries
disabilities and are an impactful way and reservations. Fill out an inquiry
to expose Ontarians with disabilities form about your event and talk to
to adapted sport and active living someone in our office about host-
opportunities of their choice. ing your TRY Me event.

2018 VARIETY Photo by: Brenda Spielmann
HEART AWARD

Tracy Schmitt is a motivational speaker, bestselling
author, teacher, world traveler, adventurer, mountain
climber, sailor, scuba diver and decorated athlete/
alumni of Variety Village and now, the recipient of
the 2018 Variety Heart Award. A four-way amputee,
“Unstoppable Tracy” is also an advisor on ParaSport®
Ontario’s 1,000 Years of Parasport Advisory Team.
Her work to break down barriers and challenge the
way people view disability, and their own lives, has
paved the way for many others in their pursuit of
sport, recreation and excellence.

DR. ROBERT W. JACKSON Ambassador of
AWARD OF DISTINCTION the Year Award

Bernard Gluckstein, Q.C., to make it happen. The The athlete ambassadors who
represent ParaSport® Ontario,
and his firm Gluckstein Paralympics in Canada and parasports in general,
contribute immeasurably to
Personal Injury Lawyers, were born when Dr. the mission of ensuring that
there is a sport or active living
have been passionate Jackson organized our opportunity for everyBODY.
One member of the ambassador
advocates for parasports nation’s first Paralym- team who has truly represented
this cause is Jamoi Anderson,
for not only their clients pic team of athletes who untiringly dedicates himself
to not only being a member
but the disability commu- that competed at the of the Men’s National Sitting
Volleyball Team, but to count-
nity in general. Gluckstein 1968 games in Tel Aviv, less events as a ParaSport
Ontario ambassador. He rep-
has been a driving force Israel. Today, Canada is a resents his sport and others,
and shares his dreams, vision
behind ParaSport® On- Paralympic world leader. and personal story with count-
less hundreds of youth and
tario’s growth for many Dr. Robert W. Jackson Gluckstein is a most adults each year.
years. As part of the Para fitting recipient of the Dr.

Pro Am Golf Tournament this year, Robert W. Jackson Award of Distinc-

Gluckstein was honoured with the tion for his vision and dedication to

Dr. Robert W. Jackson Award of the power of sport for all Ontarians.

Distinction for his outstanding vol- A celebrated personal injury lawyer

unteer service and dedication. and Canadian Disability Hall of Fame

A prestigious award, the late Dr. inductee, Gluckstein has worked

Jackson is known as the father of tirelessly to advance the causes of

Paralympics in Canada. It was the Ontarians with disabilities, particularly

1960s and most Canadians didn’t those with acquired brain injury and

know very much about people with those with spinal cord injury as well.

disabilities at all. But one man set In addition, he has combined his love

out to change that. Dr. Jackson, a of photography with his desire to sup-

renowned orthopedic surgeon, knew port the Paralympic Movement as an

what was possible when Canadians accredited photographer at numerous

dare to dream and then work hard Paralympic Games.

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 11

Community NEWS

PLAY FINDS A WAY Canadian Tire Jumpstart has
announced a five-year, $50 million
“Play is about more than getting active; commitment to support community
it’s about helping kids reach their full potential.” partners in providing play for kids of
all abilities. Part of this plan involves
helping to offset the costs associated
with building inclusive infrastructure
and programming.

Jumpstart has started construction
on creating large-scale, accessible
playgrounds in every province and
territory across Canada, hoping to set
the standard for an inclusive model of
play and bringing kids of all abilities
the magic of play side-by-side.

Each playground will be created
with a universal design that provides
a sensory-rich environment for kids to
promote physical, social and emo-
tional development. Some features
of the inclusive playground include
double-wide ramps, roller ramps and
bucket seat with harness swings.

ONTARIO TRACK AND FIELD AWARD WINNERS

Athletics Ontario hosted the 2018 Awards Gala and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in September in
Toronto. Athletics Ontario’s All-Ontario program recognizes important members of the athletics community
including top male and female Para-Athletes of the Year. Congratulations to the award winners: Keegan
Gaunt (Female Para Track), Joshua Cassidy (Male Para Track), Kevin Strybosch (Male Para Field) and Pamela
Lejean (Female Para Field).

Keegan Gaunt Joshua Cassidy Kevin Strybosch Pamela Lejean

GREAT OUTDOORS IS OPEN TO ALL KAREN O’NEILL

WindReach Farm officially opened its Abilities in Motion to offer unique Named Sports Executive
doors in 1989. Specially-designed to year-round sport opportunities that of the Year
meet the needs of individuals with are specifically focused on getting
a variety of disabilities, WindReach people active in the great outdoors. Sports Media Canada
Farm includes fully wheelchair accessi- The program offers unique oppor- announced its hon-
ble pathways, trails, buildings, barns tunities to participate in a variety ourees for the 2018
and stables. of activities such as tandem cycling, Achievement Awards
archery and paddling. in September which
Offering a range of programs and included Karen
built on the foundation of inclusive- With different community partners O’Neill, CEO of the
ness, WindReach Farm welcomes the loaning specialized equipment, the Canadian Paralympic
able-bodied community as well. But Get Outside! program has been able Committee, as Sports
its programs and services have been to expand programming considerably Executive of the Year.
developed with full accessibility at since its start in the summer of 2017.
the forefront. Situated on 105 acres New additions in 2018 include pad- During the 2018
of land provides a unique environ- dling and wilderness skills sessions, Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeong-
ment allowing the programs to which cover topics like orienteering, Chang, South Korea, Canada enjoyed
combine both a natural farm with an fire-building, hiking, and survival its best-ever medaling year to date.
assortment of animals that provide skills. The program, which welcomes The Ottawa-based Canadian Paralym-
their own form of ‘therapy’ to their people of all ages, and has worked pic Committee (CPC) works tirelessly
clients. The farm offers learning and with a variety of organizations such as to propel Paralympic sport, and the
experiential opportunities with the CNIB, Community Living, the Alzhei- athletes who compete and fight for
goal of engaging clients to strength- mer’s Society and Special Olympics, is inclusion for all.
en skills, independence, and physical made possible through funding from
well-being in a safe and nurturing the Ontario Sport and Recreation ParaSport® Ontario congratulates
environment. Communities Fund. Visit WindReach O’Neill for her excellent work at the
Farm’s website at www. windreach helm of CPC, a position she has held
WindReach Farm’s Get Outside! farm.org to learn more about this since 2013, and the performances of
Adaptive Sport and Recreation pro- exciting program. Get in touch and the entire Paralympic team.
gram has partnered with the Shelley Get Outside!
Gautier Parasport Foundation and Ontario Blind
Sports Association

Ontario Blind Sports Association
plans, promotes, coordinates and
sanctions events designed to assist
the development of sport programs
for athletes who are blind or visually
impaired in Ontario. What kinds of
sports do they offer? Many… goalball,
athletics, judo, powerlifting, swim-
ming, wrestling and 5-a-side soccer
(a.k.a. “blind soccer”).

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 13

PARALYMPIAN INDUCTED INTO
CANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME

A six-time Paralympian and six-time has also served as Chair of the Adams find success in the world of
World Champion wheelchair racer, Accessibility Committee for the business, where he has founded
Jeff Adams has shown the world Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid Commit- two wheelchair companies. His
how to find opportunity in adver- tee and Chair of the Ontarians with passion to realize life’s possibilities
sity. Born in Brampton, Ont., as an Disability Advisory Council. when faced with adversity have
infant Adams underwent radiation helped transform the way people
therapy to treat cancer. These Years of experience of contribut- across Canada and around the world
treatments saved his life but perma- ing to innovative wheelchair design perceive adaptive sport disciplines
nently damaged his spinal cord, and while competing on the international and athletes with disabilities.
Adams began using a wheelchair at racing circuit have also helped
the age of nine.
Photo: © 2000 The Canadian Olympic Committee/ Jean-Baptiste Benavent
An athletic child, his love for
sport helped him overcome the
challenges of adapting to life with
a physical disability. Learning to
use his wheelchair as a piece of
athletic equipment, Adams quickly
discovered new ways to fulfill his
potential. Powered by determina-
tion, he quickly rose to elite levels
of competition on the international
wheelchair racing circuit. Between
1988 and 2008, he competed in
six consecutive Paralympic Games,
capturing an outstanding total of
13 medals. Highlighting his winning
ways, at the Paralympic Games in
2000, Adams captured gold medals
in both the 1500m and 800m races,
silver in the 400m event, and bronze
medals in both the 5000m race and
4x100 relay.

One of Canada’s most successful
Paralympic athletes, Adams’s com-
petitive achievements have inspired
his equally dynamic brand of activism.
Serving as a spokesperson, journal-
ist and media commentator, he has
often leveraged his athletic achieve-
ments to advocate for accessibility
and lend support to organizations
that promote equality for people
with disabilities. Unafraid to put him-
self in the public eye for a good cause,
at one point he climbed all 1,776
steps of the CN Tower in a specially-
designed wheelchair to raise funds
for accessibility awareness. Adams

14 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

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across Ontario. JOIN US FOR THE 2019 SEASON.

SWINGING INTO THE SEASON • 18 Hole Golf Tournaments

May 25th, Fanshawe GC August 17th, Bluewater GC
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The ParaSport® Ontario Sports speak to us, and in the case
Postcard and Poster Series of ParaSport® Ontario’s “TRY Me”
multi-sport postcards and posters,
By Vanessa Fragomeni so does the adaptive equipment.
Participating in physical activity is These print materials are designed
essential to everyone, including people to start Ontarians with disabilities
with disabilities of course, to keep of any age on a path to participa-
our bodies healthy… not to mention tion in parasports.
the social and psychological
benefits that come along with it. A common challenge for people
with disabilities is an unfamiliarity
Photos by: Brian Summers with the many different parasports
that are available, or the parasport
paths that exist. Or simply, despite
an enthusiasm to try a sport, they
just might not know which sport is
best for them.

The TRY Me postcard and poster
series is an effective resource to as-
sist members of the disability com-
munity – youth and adult – as well
as parents and practitioners with
introductions to various parasports
and the provincial sport organi-
zations and clubs that provide
adaptive sport opportunities both
recreationally and competitively.

The TRY Me print package is a
FREE resource, featuring 10 differ-
ent parasports on posters and over-
sized postcards for give-away. The
back of each postcard describes the
sport and connects card recipients
with the organization that rep-
resents that parasport.

Whether you want to play
competitively or recreationally,
there is a sport for everyBODY.

TRY ME Partners Ontario Volleyball Association Ontario Sledge Hockey
www.ontariovolleyball.org Association
Ontario Cycling Association www.ontariosledge.com
www.ontariocycling.org Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports
Association Ontario Curling Council
Ontario Blind Sports Association www.ocpsa.com www.ontariocurlingcouncil.com
www.blindsports.on.ca
Cross Country Ski Ontario Athletics Ontario
Ontario Track 3 Ski Association www.xcskiontario.ca www.athleticsontario.ca
www.track3.org

18 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

THRIVE-Ad_2016_cmyk.qxp_art 2016-01-26 1:27 PM Page 1

G QUOTES

THRIVE-Ad_2016_cmyk.qxp_art 2016-01-26 1:27 PM Page 1

G QUOTES

You can order your FREE TRY Me print package by filling out
the TRY Me order form on our website under Programs.

Presented by ParaSport® Ontario’s Founding 5 TRY ME Campaign Partners

Personal Injury Lawyers

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 19

INCLUSION

TAKE A SEAT

Sitting Volleyball
for All By Joe Millage

Photo courtesy of
Canadian Paralympic Committee

Sinclair High School
represented by

two dozen students
at Fitness Friends
in Whitby

It’s tough when others don’t get it. This summer I spent a few hours with a very unique team. They were agile and
strong as they gracefully bumped and set and powerfully smashed the ball over
Wanting something so badly that the net to a team on the other side that did the same. When the ball hit the
floor, their coach served another and the sequence continued without missing
it hurts, sacrificing time away from a beat.

friends and family to get to practice After the play stopped the teams quickly moved to serve or receive the
serve, gliding quickly into position, hips in constant contact with the floor.
and play, staying home on a Friday That’s right – with their hips never leaving the floor.

night to get enough rest for practice I was at the Toronto Pan-Am Sport Centre with the National Women’s Sitting
Volleyball Team as they prepared for an international tournament in the Neth-
the next morning, turning down fun erlands. Of the nine players on the roster, eight were amputees. But the stories
of how they found their sport were all very different.
foods and drinks to follow a strict

diet. Five days out of the week you’re

sweating it out at the gym, just to

push yourself to go twice a day during

an entire phase of training. You drink

the pink. You sweat. You cry. Then, for
a few glorious hours a week YOU GET
TO PLAY WITH YOUR TEAM WHO
UNDERSTAND AND LIVE IN THE
SAME WORLD YOU DO.

Albertan JENNIFER OAKES had her leg am-
putated after a boating accident. Oakes, a sec-
ond-year human kinetics major, plays libero for
the No.1-ranked University of British Columbia
Okanagan Heat women’s volleyball team and is
one of the key players on the Canadian Women’s
Sitting Volleyball Team. Just a month after her
accident, a member of Canada’s sitting volleyball
team reached out to her. They talked about life
and sport. From there, her curiosity for sitting
volleyball grew and in short time Oakes found
herself training with the national team in prepa-
ration for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where
she ended up representing her country.

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 21

JOL AN WONG of Petawawa, Ont., and a
ParaSport® Ontario Ambassador for that region
and Ottawa, brings plenty of international expe-
rience to the women’s sitting volleyball team. She
was a member of Team Canada at the 2010 World
Championships and the Toronto 2015 Parapan
American Games where Canada won the bronze
medal and earned its berth at the 2016 Paralympic
Games in Rio. The Canadian Women’s Sitting Volley-
ball Team made history in Rio as the first Canadian
team (men’s or women’s) to compete in sitting volley-
ball at a Paralympic Games.

Wong lost a leg to bone cancer at age 13, but
that didn’t deter her from keeping active. She par-
ticipated in numerous sports through high school,
was a para-cyclist and played standing amputee
hockey until she was 18, before switching to ath-
letics. At age 14, she began a four-year standing
volleyball career with J.R. Robson Marauders until
she got involved with sitting volleyball.

The biggest challenge these days for the mother
of two is raising her family with her husband while
training, travelling and finding a balance between
family and sport.

In February 2019, Durham Region will host
the next Ontario Parasport Games and seated
volleyball will be a featured sport. Teams from
Whitby’s Sinclair High School, Toronto’s Variety
Village, the St. Catharines-based Niagara
Penguins and the Grandview Children’s Centre
will be competing, many for the first time.

I am amazed at the passion of Sinclair
teachers Catherine Kolesnik and Darrin Lee,
therapists like Cathy Kelly from Grandview,
and coaches like Karen Natho of the Penguins
who, in a very short time, have opened doors so
others can find their sport and get a chance to
demonstrate their excellence.

Most recently the Aurora Sports Council
expressed an interest in starting a program
and ParaSport® Ontario (PO) is working with
the Ontario Volleyball Association to grow the
game across the province. PO has five Ambassadors who play for the National Team and each of them is ready, willing
and enthusiastic about helping to create and develop new programs.

For clinic locations, dates and times contact the PO office at 416-426-7187 or visit www.parasportontario.ca.

22 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

Did You
Know?

In Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program will
pay for custom orthotic braces and prosthetic
limbs that are made and provided only by a
Certified Orthotist or Certified Prosthetist.
OAPO Members are Certified Orthotists,
Certified Prosthetists, and Registered Orthotic
and Prosthetic Technicians dedicated to
providing the best Orthotic and Prosthetic care.

To learn more, or to find an OAPO Member
near you, visit www.oapo.org today!

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

AS KIDS GROWING UP IN CANADA Only three percent of youth with disabilities the chance to partake in
many of us played hockey at one disabilities participate in physical a team-based sport independently.
point or another. Whether it was activity. While some sports and Volt Hockey is one of the activities
in gym class, on a community team, recreational activities are available that provides both the access and the
or in the park or on a pond with our for children with physical disabilities, independence.
friends, it’s the Canadian way. While those with limited mobility or upper
most of us have had the chance body strength have even less options. Originating in Denmark, Volt
to play the nation’s official winter Furthermore, there are very few Hockey is an adapted version of ice
sport, some never did. activities that give youth with severe hockey that equalizes the playing
field for children with disabilities.
Played by over 50 teams through-
out Denmark, Germany, Norway,
Sweden and the United States,
Volt Hockey has finally made its
way to Canada! Working with the
Royal Danish Consulate General
in Toronto, Variety Village formed
the first-ever Canadian Volt Hockey
Team in 2016.

This para hockey sport consists of
three players on each team on the
court at one time, maneuvering a
specialized electric wheelchair. The
Danish-designed Hockey Sport Chair
allows players with limited upper
body movement to maneuver the
machine using a joystick, offering
them the ability to spin the chair
360 degrees and reach speeds of up
to 13 km/h.

24 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

VOLT Hockey

Scores BIG with Kids

By Issa Ocampo, Assistant, Communications & Fundraising, Variety Village

Unlike other para palsy and uses an electric chair to get Village, a Volt Hockey
hockey sports such as around. He has very limited mobility summer camp in Markham,
sledge or leagues for and usually requires assistance when a new team set to begin
visually impaired players, playing sports like sledge hockey. next March in London, and
Volt gives individuals with Since the Volt Hockey chairs only interest for teams in Barrie
very limited upper body require the ability to toggle a joystick, and Mississauga.
mobility the ability to play Zach finally has the chance to move,
Canada’s favourite game play and score goals all on his own! The more communi-
on their own. Athletes ties that Volt can expand
with a variety of disabil- Now that Volt has made its way to into, the more kids, who
ities including muscular Ontario, the goal is to build a league thought they would never
dystrophy, cerebral palsy, of teams throughout the province. get a chance to play hock-
spina bifida, osteoporosis Currently, there is a team at Variety ey, can participate. “I would
and dwarfism have the never have imagined that
chance to play the sport I would be able to see my
without any assistance son play hockey,” smiles
from anyone – a first for parent Harjeet Sandhu.
many and a dream some kids never “Seeing my son Bhavjeet
imagined could come true. play hockey has made my dreams
come true too.”
Take six-year-old Liam Marriage
who has loved hockey since he was Variety – the Children’s Charity of
two years old, but was never able to Ontario: In a world of differences,
play because of a condition called we make a world of difference.
arthrogryposis, which makes moving Support Variety Village – the sport,
his joints difficult. He became accus- fitness, education and life skills facili-
tomed to being the slowest kid in ty where all abilities are welcome
every group, but thanks to Volt he can and anything is possible. To learn
go faster than he’s ever gone before! more or to make a donation, visit us
at www.varietyvillage.ca.
Zach, who is seven, has cerebral

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 25

FEATURE PREPAR

Games Co-Chair Emmy Iheme and Durham Region
Games Mascot PACHI couldn’t be more
excited to greet more than 500 partici- “Athletes across the province are
pants from February 8 to 10, 2019. working hard to be at their very best
when they come to compete, so you
need to work hard and be at your
very best too.”

Those words of advice from Mike
Frogley, a Durham resident and Na-
tional Academy Director and Coach
for Wheelchair Basketball Canada,
inspired the volunteer organizing
committee for the Durham Region
2019 Ontario Parasport Games
as they prepare to host over 500
participants competing in 11 sports
from February 8 to 10, 2019.

“We’ve taken Mike’s words to
heart,” says Don Terry, 2019 Ontario
Parasport Games Co-Chair. “They mo-
tivate us to leave no stone unturned in
making these Games the best yet.”

Durham Region boasts the acces-
sible facilities that are essential to suc-
cessfully host the Ontario Parasport
Games. The Abilities Centre in Whitby,
for instance, will serve as the head-
quarters, hosting the Opening Cere-
monies and VIP Reception, as well as
sitting volleyball and boccia compe-
titions. Terry believes the event will
not only be an economic boon for
Durham Region, but will also shine a
light on its inclusiveness.

ING TO BE THE BEST

2019 ONTARIO PARASPORT GAMES

“The Abilities Centre is a state- pleased but not surprised by the “The toque knitting initiative also
of-the-art facility that was built for strong community support we’re boosted our efforts to add as many
people of all abilities,” enthuses receiving.” people as we could to our Games
Emmy Iheme, 2019 Ontario Parasport team and raise awareness of the chal-
Games Co-Chair. “Its tagline is ‘You Be- The Games’ toque knitting lenges and capabilities of the para
long Here’ and the athletes are going initiative is a great example of that athletes and others in our communi-
to feel right at home at the Abilities support. As part of a commitment ty,” explains Terry.
Centre and here in Durham Region.” to sustainability and delivering a
memorable experience for the The Games organizers also
Other accessible venues and sports athletes, volunteers were sought to launched a contest for residents
include: 5-a-side soccer at Pickering knit 400 toques as gifts. It took only and students in Durham Region to
Soccer Centre, sledge hockey at Iro- 10 days to sign up enough volun- design the medals to be awarded.
quois Park Sports Centre, wheelchair teers. A decision was then made to The winning design is unique and
basketball at Durham College and the knit toques for coaches, managers, embraces the Games tagline of “Play
University of Ontario Institute of Tech- and support staff. It took less than together. Win together.”
nology, wheelchair rugby at Brooklin two days to sign up volunteers to
High School, para alpine skiing and knit those 130 toques.
para nordic skiing at Brimacombe ski
resort, goalball at Donald A. Wilson
Secondary School, and wheelchair
curling and visually impaired curling at
Oshawa Curling Club.

Students and interested residents
had a chance to try some of these
sports and meet athletes during the
100 Day Countdown event held at
Pickering High School in November.

“Hosting the Ontario Parasport
Games is an opportunity for Durham
Region to demonstrate our value for
accessibility and inclusion,” notes Lori
Talling, Sport Tourism Coordinator at
The Regional Municipality of Durham
and Games Program Manager. “We’re

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 27

“W e’re also committed to helping grow parasport participation
here in Durham and across the province.”

– Lori Talling

The organizing committee is also status is not a barrier for youth Tourism, Culture and Sport, $20,000
working with sports organizations, with disabilities wanting to partici- from Durham Region and contribu-
schools, service clubs, businesses, pate in a parasport. tions from sponsors.
and cultural groups.
This is not the region’s first foray For more about the Durham Region
“We’re also committed to into hosting a provincial sports 2019 Ontario Parasport Games
helping grow parasport participa- competition, as the 2000 Ontario visit www.durhamregion2019.ca
tion here in Durham and across Summer Games and 2010 Ontario and follow DurhamRegion19 on
the province,” adds Talling. “An 55+ Summer Games emanated from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
extensive school try-it program Durham. Several events were also
has been proposed and our Legacy held in Durham during the 2015
Fund is another key initiative.” The Parapan American Games.
proposed try-it program would
include providing high schools with Terry explains that while
the equipment needed to offer a parasport athletes are proud
number of parasports, and training competitors, the games are about
on how to integrate students of much more than medals. “For me,
all abilities. Also proposed is an an- I truly believe that when we all
nual parasport festival where high play, we win. Some of these
school students of all abilities will athletes are exceptional at their
compete together. individual sports but when you
see the sheer joy on their faces, to
A partnership has been struck me, that in a nutshell is what these
with Their Opportunity, a not-for- games are all about. And hosting
profit organization based in Durham the Parasport Games will also help
Region, to manage the Games athletes in the future.”
Legacy Fund following the 2019
Ontario Parasport Games. The fund The event is funded through a
will ensure that family financial $100,000 commitment from the
Ontario government’s Ministry of
28 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

EVERYONE SHOULD
HAVE THE CHANCE TO PLAY!

Caldwell Securities Ltd. is a Proud Sponsor
of the Para Pro Am Golf Tournament

Caldwell Securities Ltd. also supported bringing out
young special guests – 10 ParaSport athletes and 10 junior

golfers with disabilities. These individuals represent the
next generation of athletes in inclusive sports for all.

150 King St. West, Suite 1710, P.O. Box 47, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1J9
Tel: 416-862-7755 • 1-800-387-0859 • Fax: 416-862-2498
www.caldwellsecurities.com

100 Day Countdown There’s a sport
for everyBODY!
CELEBR ATION
ParaSport® Ontario’s
After working on these Games for two years, the organizing
committee was excited to celebrate its SPORTS & CLUBS
100 Day Countdown mile-
stone on November 1, 2018. D I R E CTORY
About 500 people joined the
festivities and tried a number We at ParaSport Ontario
of different parasports, met know that it’s not always
athletes, watched the unveil- easy finding the sport that
ing of the Games medal design, is right for you or finding a
high-fived PACHI, and left excit- club close to you.
ed about the 2019 Games.
ParaSport Ontario is seri-
The event was hosted by the ous about getting you in
Durham District School Board the game for fitness and
and Pickering High School. fun. Our online Sports and
The students at the daytime Clubs Directory can help
sessions from Lincoln Ave- you find the sports for you
nue Public School, St. Fran- and the clubs nearest you.
cis De Sales Catholic School,
Lincoln Alexander Public Over 30 SPORTS
School, Eagle Ridge Public
School, and Pickering High to choose from, and profiles
School couldn’t have been
more enthusiastic. on over 200 CLUBS

Partners from the across the province!
Ontario Ministry of
Tourism, Culture and Use our special LOCATOR
Sport, The Regional
Municipality of Durham, Sport Durham, tool to find clubs near you.
Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association,
ParaSport® Ontario, There is a sport
and the Abilities Centre for everyBODY. Visit
contributed to the day’s www.parasportontario.ca
activities. Andrew Genge, for a club or program
who represented Canada
(and Durham near you.
Region) at the last
Paralympic Games as a
Para Snowboardcross com-
petitor, was on hand as a
special guest. A gold med-
al-worthy celebration it was.

Fitness, recreation,
competition.
Humber is proud to
support healthy and
inclusive communities.

humber.ca

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 31

ONTARIO BLIND SPORTS
ASSOCIATION

32 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

BOWPPAOIRRTTUHRNIOTIYE,URTS

Founding partner &
proud supporter of
ParaSport Ontario

Toll Free 1.866.308.7722 www.gluckstein.com

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

THEPENGUINS

Marching Towards More Milestones

As the BROCK NIAGARA PENGUINS tance of ensuring that all athletes who were not able to propel them-
enter their 13th year of serving the have access to the equipment neces- selves in a chair well enough to play
Niagara Peninsula, they are ready as sary to participate, without having to basketball but still wanted to par-
ever to expand para-programming purchase it themselves. ticipate in sport and compete. In re-
options in the Niagara region. sponse, the parasport boccia program
The Penguins started with a swim was developed in partnership with
In 2006, a small group of people program, twice a week, with a small the Niagara Children’s Centre, which
recognized the importance of starting “siblings-included” sports program has culminated in a regional tourna-
a program for athletes with physical on the weekends. This venture ment each spring.
disabilities, where children and young swiftly evolved into a wheelchair
adults could join a team, expand their basketball team. The wheelchair For the past two summers, a
physical literacy skills and have the basketball team competes in Ontario one-week parasport day camp has
opportunity to compete amongst Wheelchair Sports Association-host- been hosted at Heartland Forest,
their peers. ed tournaments and hosts their own an accessible venue in Niagara,
annual match every March. With 17 where 12 junior athletes try differ-
With welcoming arms from Brock athletes currently on the roster, ent parasports, meet Paralympic
Sports and the Faculty of Applied the team trains once a week and and Olympic athletes and try new
Health Sciences at Brock University incorporates a house league game activities throughout the week.
and various grants, the Penguins were at every practice. Volunteers from the Penguins
able to purchase sport wheelchairs, have also assisted local high school
indoor sledges and a pool lift. The In 2013, the Penguins added a wheelchair racers to learn and
club quickly recognized the impor- third sport to their programming develop their racing techniques.
portfolio to accommodate athletes

34 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

This fall the Penguins program ex- winning Paralympic gold, an alumni uting member of their team and has
panded to its fourth sport. In partner- athlete who is now on the Canadian developed skills in their respective
ship with the City of St. Catharines, women’s Para Ice Hockey team, and sport while supporting the mission
the Brock Niagara Penguins started a a wheelchair racer who took the of the Penguins. But the Penguins is
sitting volleyball team. With two Try-It silver medal at OFSSA. so much more than the athletes in
Nights in September and January, the gym or pool, or on the track and
and practice every Monday night And yet, the Penguins are equally court. It is all possible because of the
after that, the hope is to develop a proud of the less lofty narratives it volunteers who contribute to the
team to complete at a future Ontario has helped create over the past 13 practices, games and events, support-
ParaSport® Games. years. Penguins’ athletes are delight- ing the program… over 25 volunteers
ed to wear their club shirts to school are actively involved from the Brock
In the 2017-18 season, there every Wednesday before boccia prac- and Niagara community.
were over 35 athletes in the five tice. There is great joy in cheering on
programs, ranging from six to 45 athletes scoring their first basket in The Penguins also rely on support
years of age. The Penguins have their first basketball tournament. And from organizations and communi-
enjoyed watching several of their onlookers won’t soon forget witness- ty members who, year after year,
athletes rise to national heights… ing an athlete who was so excited provide donations and in-kind funding
two nationally-identified boccia when his teammate dove off the to support the program and athletes.
players, a wheelchair basketball starting blocks and did a 25m front The Niagara region is fortunate to
player who joined the ranks of crawl, that he high-fived everyone on have such a program, always with an
sledge hockey as well and played the sidelines at a local swim meet. eye on expansion to meet community
for Team Canada in Para Ice Hockey needs and interest.
Each athlete has been a contrib-

For more information about the Brock Niagara Penguins visit www.niagarapenguins.org
or follow them on twitter #NiagaraPenguins.

FEATURE FOR

On Course
INCLUSION

36 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

By Erin O’Sullivan

A day of epic swings, fun and inclu-Photos by Michael Schneiderportion of the tournament congratu-
sion was had at the first inaugural lating PO for its “role in the develop-
PARA PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT ment of athletes with disabilities in
created and hosted by ParaSport® our province and continued support
Ontario and in partnership with the toward providing active living op-
PGA of Canada and ParaGolf Ontar- portunities and commitment to the
io. With a focus on the game’s inclu- principle of inclusive sports.”
siveness for “everyBODY” the format
of the event levelled the playing field Leaders from the professional golf
for a competitive tournament. community as well as para golfers
themselves helped guide the devel-
Eighteen professional players from opment of this truly unique event. An
the PGA of Canada teamed up with incredible network of sponsors - over
eighteen paragolfers from ParaGolf 35 in all – as well as community part-
Ontario, alongside celebrity guests ners, Paralympic athletes, volunteers
and corporate competitors to and friends of PO came together
comprise diverse five-player teams. to celebrate this tournament. Spe-
United, the message was clear… the cial guests included Greg Westlake,
game of golf is accessible for all. captain of Team Canada’s National
Para Ice Hockey team, as well as other
“Golf is a sport that is inherently in- Paralympians like multi-medal win-
clusive,” noted Jeff Tiessen, Executive ning wheelchair racing legend Jeff
Director of ParaSport Ontario (PO). Adams, gold-medal winning Para Ice
“It’s a sport for everyone, and it’s Hockey goalie Paul Rosen, sprinter-
remarkable to witness the excellence turned-CBC broadcaster Rob Snoek
within the paragolf community - be it and many more. Former Tampa Bay
players with limb loss, or players with Lightning defenceman Paul Ranger
functional or mobility impairment, or joined “Crazy Canuck” Olympic skier
even golfers who are visually impaired Steve Podborski among the class of
or blind.” celebrity players participating.

Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes Alan Dean, board of director for
presented an award from the House both PO and ParaGolf Ontario, a for-
of Commons during the dinner mer Paralympian, and current director
and member of the Aurora Sports
The Inaugural Para Pro-Am Council, sparked the concept of the
tournament by voicing the need to
Golf Tournament broaden the scope of inclusivity in the
golf community. Kevin Thistle, CEO of
PGA of Canada, was eager to contrib-
ute, proposing the idea of creating an
event that could grow into the “Pebble
Beach” of Canada, with that the PGA
was involved. Thistle made the event

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 37

One such guest was eight-year-
old Khelyse Crowe-Kasule, who with
her father Ivan had some incredible
moments together on the greens.
It was the first time since her injury
three months earlier that she had
met so many others with limb loss
like herself. She was presented with
her own set of TaylorMade junior
golf clubs. Within weeks of the event,
Khelyse was playing golf and benefit-
ting from private lessons from Carrie
Vaughan at Glen Abbey golf club.
And so, her journey on the parasport
path has begun.

Other young visitors from area
centres, Variety Village, Abilities
Centre and Holland Bloorview Kids
Rehab Hospital, attended as well,

Photo by Archie Allison

part of the RBC PGA of Canada Enthusiastic community partners
Scramble series, which was an excel- helped drive the event forward and
lent incentive for participants in that contributed to the success and fun of
Para Pro-Am Golf Tournament win- the day. Todd Keirstead, celebrity golf
ners could move on to the provincial entertainer, trick-shot artist of the
championship in Coppinwood, Ont. year, military advocate and a leader in
the golf-for-all attitude ran two clinics
The venue for the event was under his Bring Back the Game ban-
another key draw for participants, ner. His clinics are at the same time in-
hosted at the Angus Glen Golf Club in spiring, entertaining and educational,
Markham, Ont., known to be one of and introduced over 40 people with
the most accessible golf clubs in On- disabilities to a game they might not
tario while also boasting award-win- have ever considered to be one they
ning greens and notoriety as one of could enjoy and even excel at.
the premier golf courses in Canada.

38 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

Photo by Michael Schneider

participating in TRY Me sessions in a Photo by Michael Schneider
variety of different parasports host-
ed by PO’s ambassadors who bring For more on paragolf, visit the Canadian Amputee Golf Association at
years of parasport experience and www.caga.ca or ParaGolf Ontario at www.paragolfontario.ca. For golfers
mentorship to every PO event. who are blind or visually impaired, visit Ontario Visually Impaired Golfers
at www.ontarioblindgolf.ca.
The event received glowing
coverage on CTV Toronto, with live
on-site coverage seen by over one
million viewers across the province,
many who may have witnessed
paragolfers in action for the very
first time.

With such excellence on display,
there was a general curiosity as to
why the game of golf is not con-
tested at the Paralympic Games.
“There was much talk and enthu-
siasm throughout the day among
sponsors, members of the parasport
community and of course para-
golfers themselves to see paragolf
included in the 2024 Paralympic
Games,” said Joe Millage, PO Chair.
“We are committed as an organi-
zation to take on the challenge
of getting paragolf added to the
Paralympic Games program. It’s
an ideal sport for international
competition… it truly is a sport for
everyBODY!”

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 39

Photo: Kristin Streff, Lincoln Journal Star

Photo: Kristin Streff, Lincoln Journal Star GET
GiAn tMheE
The aspiring golfer may be surprised to learn that the grand
old game is an activity that challenges the entire body - building
mobility, strength and endurance. With its focus on swinging,
walking, bending, reaching and lifting, golfers need to prepare
and be aware of their bodies.

Not to say that the links are a place for the strong of arm and
back only. The beauty of the game is that it caters to enthusiasts
of all ages and abilities. Contact ParaGolf Ontario, an association
providing opportunities for golfers with disabilities, to partici-
pate in the “grand old game”.

Photo: AZCentral.com

40 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

“G olf is more than a game for Photo by Michael Schneider
me. It’s a vehicle to open minds
to what’s possible.”

– Todd Keirstead

BRING BACK THE GAME shows
us that golf can be a valuable
tool in building confidence
and self-esteem where it has
wavered or disappeared.

Golf is a sport for everyone –
regardless of age, gender or
ability level. Through golf clinics
we are helping individuals over-
come their personal barriers.

Help Bring Back the Game
of golf!

TODD KEIRSTEAD
BRING BACK THE GAME
121 Ash Street, Suite 511
Whitby, ON L1N 9H8

289-600-9957
www.bringbackthegame.ca
[email protected]

Photo by Michael Schneider. Golfer pictured is Edward Urquhart.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Training Ground

Photo by Active Sky Video

New Places ADVOCACY. AWARENESS. EMPOWERMENT. Three simple words, but
and Spaces they carry a lot of meaning for Jess Silver, founder and director of Flex for
for Fitness Access Inc., a non-profit organization and a ParaSport® Ontario partner.

42 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 Jess Silver knows all about the feeling of stepping into a new space and making
it her own. Born with cerebral palsy, Silver was determined to not let anything
stop her from her personal goals, ambitions and journey toward becoming a
personal trainer. Although many attempted to impose limitations on her, Silver
remained focused on her ambitions and philosophy towards training.

“It seems like it’s just accepted that those with physical disabilities are often
restricted to specific places to exercise, train or rehabilitate,” laments Silver. “I
didn’t want to accept that and so I created Flex for Access Inc.”

Taking on fitness and awareness challenges for people with disabilities is a
huge priority for Silver. “As an individual with a physical challenge and a yearning

The Farabloc
Pain Relief System

to pursue sport since I was young, I encountered a EMF shielding
number of arduous tasks or obstacles in front of me. limb cover for
First, I had to show people how having cerebral palsy amputees to
caused me to learn and execute movements in an ease Phantom
adapted way, but at the same time always strive to Limb Pain
participate in exercise in the same way as others.”
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Through Flex For Access Inc., Silver has been able Life
to push through her own limitations and prove to Again
many doubters that fitness really is for everybody.
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and typically “able-bodied” environments that are [email protected]
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Training for individuals with physical disabilities ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 43
and injuries takes precedence for Silver, who is
determined to help others engage in sport and
training opportunities in more facilities. Things
like advocating for accessibility, sourcing adaptive
equipment and even overcoming anxiety about en-
tering a new space are ways in which this powerful
trainer is helping her clients overcome the challeng-
es she once experienced.

Galvanized with a tough mental attitude and
energized with a positive approach to fitness and
training for every lifestyle, Silver emboldens her
clients in their pursuit to become more active or
enhance their exercise or training experience.

Silver can be contacted through the Flex for
Access website at www.flexforaccess.ca or on
social media.

FEATURE

POWER PLAY

Pioneering Women’s
Sledge Hockey

Claire Buchanan By Erin O’Sullivan

CANADA IS A PROUD HOCKEY NATION, so it is no
surprise that the women who make up Canada’s Women’s
Sledge Hockey team are as fierce and dedicated to the
sport as anyone else.

In a male-dominated and predominantly able-bodied sport,
there exists a core group of women who defy the odds to play

proudly, live boldly and give no mercy on or off the ice.
“I can look around the room and know that
every single person – players, coaches
and volunteers – has sacrificed time,
money and energy to be here,” says
Christina Picton, captain of the
Team Canada Women’s Sledge
Hockey Team and player since
2006. “It’s because we are
passionate about the same
thing and have the same
goals,” she adds. “That’s
an amazing feeling. It
makes us more than a
team; we are a family,”
Picton’s sledge
hockey journey began
at 11 years old and
she has watched the
sport grow ever

since. From long “ If girls with disabilities had tance of sports in
training days and building confidence
even longer days of the chance to see more para and community for
travel for practice those who play.
or competition, the sports for them it would be
women who play for “If girls with
Canada know that incredible for the Paralympic disabilities had the
they are working chance to see more
towards a much movement.” para sports for them
bigger goal. Rep- it would be incredi-
resentation on the – Claire Buchanan ble for the Paralym-
world stage is criti- pic movement,”
cally important for a “This season, we saw some recogni- notes Buchanan.
younger generation tion starting with the Agitos Founda- “One of our biggest
growing up looking tion and IPC [International Paralympic goals as an organi-
for role models. Committee] hosting and supporting zation is to go out
different events geared towards to different commu-
“Getting to meet developing women’s para ice hockey, nities, promote our
and mentor young which is a huge step forward. I think sport and get more
female players is if the momentum we’ve gained in the girls and women
really exciting,” last two years continues we will be playing sledge
enthuses Picton. “We need to ensure at the Paralympics a lot sooner than hockey. It is up to us as athletes to be
a future for the women’s team. we would’ve imagined just five years ambassadors for our sport and the
Hopefully we inspire them to keep ago,” Picton offers. goals we have for it,” she asserts.
playing and maybe one day play for Not only do these women help
the national team.” Supporting sledge hockey is a advance the sport and level of com-
fundamental step in supporting the petition, they provide a space where
In 2002, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the women who play and the future women have leaders and guidance in
world witnessed men’s sledge hock- generation of girls who will grow up the community to look up to and seek
ey, now referred to as para ice hock- with strong role models building the out for help. “I know how important it
ey, at the Paralympic Games for the sport. Claire Buchanan, a forward is to have role models around us,” ad-
first time. Canada’s team competed for Team Canada, knows the impor- mits Buchanan. “For any kid growing
under the umbrella of Hockey Canada up it is vital to see that both men and
and has at every Winter Paralympic women are capable of being success-
Games since. ful athletes and individuals. Our goal
is to encourage girls to be active and
So, why hasn’t the women’s team demonstrate how sports helps all
made it to the Paralympic level yet? aspects of our lives.”
Firstly, the sport of women’s sledge The para ice hockey women who
hockey is not included in the Paralym- play often do so at their own ex-
pic Games program. The more prob- pense, travelling across the country
ing question is… and why is that? for practices and training clinics to
help grow the future of the sport in
On one side, the number of smaller communities, and of course
women playing sledge hockey around travelling internationally for games
the world is not large or significant and tournaments.
enough yet to include the sport in the Looking ahead, the players
Paralympics. That’s fair, but without competing now have hopes that the
becoming a Paralympic sport, the sport will continue to gain support
funding necessary to grow the sport from new fans on social media and
is not available. continue to develop for newcomers
who want to take to the rink and try
“Funding will help the sport grow sledge hockey for themselves.
tremendously and full support from
National Sport Organizations and
governing bodies of Paralympic sport
would also be huge,” Picton explains.

ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 45

When the 2022 Paralympic Games of support and recognition for the or woman in a very male-dominated
kick-off in Beijing, China, the hope is sport, the hope is that it won’t be sport, but you can take some comfort
that for the first time ever, Canada long until this exciting game reaches in knowing that Women’s Sledge
will be represented by two national the highest level possible. Hockey of Canada is working hard to
para ice hockey teams… two decades provide opportunities to play in all-fe-
removed from the Paralympic sledge “The sport is hard,” acknowledges male environments. For those looking
hockey debut for the men’s event. Picton. “If you’re just starting out for more information or a way to play,
and things seem impossible or you there are opportunities available and
Outside of the Paralympic Games, get frustrated, know that that is strong mentors out there to lead the
the women still play at the highest completely normal,” she offers as way.”
level available for the sport currently. advice for the uninitiated. “Don’t get
The 2018 Women’s Para Ice Hockey discouraged; just
World Cup took place in Ostrava, keep practicing
Czech Republic, and welcomed and working
teams from Canada, Britain, United hard. You’ll get
States, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the hang of
The Netherlands, Japan, South Ko- things.” Picton
rea, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, continues, “also,
Australia, and Armenia. With so many it can be alien-
nations playing and raising the level ating to be a girl

www.canadianwomensledgehockey.
com has resources available for
those looking to get involved in

sledge hockey for the first time, or to

advance their level of play. Visit the

website for more information today.

46 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

ZACH, AGE 9
Zach has cerebral palsy
and uses an electric chair
to get around. He has
limited mobility and tends
to require assistance
when playing sports like
sledge hockey. Since the
Volt Hockey chairs only
require the ability to
toggle a joystick, Zach
finally has the chance to
move, play and score

goals all on his own!

CANADA’S NEWEST EMERGING FORM OF HOCKEY

Volt Hockey is an accessible form of hockey, played in a Danish-designed Hockey
Sport Chair that can be played by those with upper/lower mobility limitations.
The game only requires players to be able to manipulate a joystick. This emerging
form of hockey has become a game changer in sport, breaking down barriers for
youth with physical disabilities.

Interested in bringing Volt Hockey
to your community?

Contact: Archie Allison, [email protected]

STAY TUNED! Volt Hockey launching in London, Ontario early 2019
Volt Hockey Summer Camp in Markham in 2019

Watch Volt Hockey in action! varietyvillage.ca/volt-hockey

Variety_Village /VarietyVillageToronto @VarietyVillage varietyvillage.ca

LEADERSHIP

Put Me in Coach

Getting Para-Athletes Submittedby
in the Game the Coaches
Association
of Ontario

48 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019

MANY BELIEVE THAT COACHING A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY is more difficult than coaching a person who is
able-bodied. But in fact, in many ways, it’s the same. It takes a knowledge and passion for sport, along with an
understanding of someone’s capabilities. It’s still all about knowing how to help them achieve a goal that they’ve
set out to accomplish.

With Toronto’s Para Pan Am Games will help determine other factors, quired a disability are aware of sport
in 2015, and the Invictus Games for whether mental or physical, that may opportunities) and the First Contact/
ill and injured service members and hinder their progression. Knowing our Recruitment stage (creating a positive
veterans in 2017, and the Rio Paralym- athletes as a whole person confirms environment to retain these athletes
pics in between, the impact that these for them that we truly care. in the sport). Developing a better
games have had on our para-athletes understanding of an athlete’s disabili-
is undeniable, and includes increased For some great examples of ty will assist in planning practices and
media coverage and public awareness. coaches who embrace this holistic setting realistic goals, especially for
Canadians know more about parasport approach, check out the Ontario early specialization sports. Coaches
now than ever before. These games Coaching Excellence Awards Winners don’t want to begin by teaching new
also provide future para athletes with videos on the Coaches Association athletes more complex skills when
inspiration and motivation, relevant of Ontario’s YouTube channel: www. their fundamental movement skills
role models, goals to strive for, and youtube.com/user/CoachesOntario have not yet been mastered.
improved quality of life. As coaches, it
is our duty to mentor and push these Educate Yourself The Coaching Association of
individuals with the same passion as Every athlete’s disability is different Canada’s Coaching Athletes with a
any other athlete we coach. and it’s important for coaches to Disability module is a great place for
understand how they will develop coaches to get started on their para
Understand the Person within their sport. The Long-Term coaching journey. Coaching Athletes
Just like any other athlete, learning Athlete Development: Athletes with a with a Disability is a National Coaching
about an athlete with a disability as Disability model identifies stages that Certification Program (NCCP) eLearn-
a person will help coaches under- are very similar to those detailed for ing module to diversify coaching port-
stand how para-athletes need to able-bodied athletes. Two exceptions folios. NCCP training provides coaches
be coached. Are they interested in to this model are related to age and with the knowledge to deliver quality,
the competitive or the recreational rate of progress, which may vary due positive sport experiences for athletes
stream? What are their goals? Do to the disability. with behavioural, intellectual, physical,
they believe in themselves? Is their or sensory disabilities. It is an essential
disability something that they were There are two additional stages in resource for coaches who are new
born with or was it acquired? This the Athletes with a Disability model: to coaching athletes with a disability.
the Awareness stage (ensuring that And, many coaches who are already
those born with, or who have ac-

working with athletes with a disability Exposure to other Athletes
are finding useful information and Coaches should encourage their
resources in the online module. athletes to volunteer at major
games held each year around
The module provides coaches with Ontario. Getting involved not only
the ability to… gives athletes a chance to give back
to their sport or to a great cause,
• e xplain the benefits of sport partici- but it also provides them with the
pation for persons with a disability. opportunity to see and sometimes
meet athletes at a higher compet-
• communicate effectively and itive level to re-instill the idea that
respectfully with persons with a they can make it as well. Coaches
disability. can share monthly stories about
athletes who they can relate to…
• design positive, safe, and inclusive others who have faced difficulties
sport experiences for persons with and overcome them with hard work,
a disability. dedication and patience. It becomes
especially useful for those “I give
• consider next steps in their pro- up” moments. Additionally, take
fessional development related to the time to go out and watch major
coaching persons with a disability. games as a group. This will further
foster the coach-athlete relation-
Coaches can access this fundamental ship and generate more awareness
resource at www.thelocker.coach. for other sports.
ca by logging into your NCCP Locker
account.

How Do You Develop “I n my experience with para-athletes, they want to be
Your Para-Athletes? worked just as hard as able-bodied athletes. Once the
basic skills are in place and the athlete is working to
The Coaches Association go harder, faster, stronger, it’s easy to forget they are
of Ontario recently asked different at all. I like to maintain the basic principles of
coaches… “What are some respect, dignity and trust with all my athletes… para- or
of the ways you encourage able-bodied.”
athletes with disabilities to
be unconquerable? How do – Coach Katie,
you contribute to increasing Basketball, Toronto, 6 Years
the support and awareness
of adaptive sports?” “ Working with para-athletes has made me a better coach.
We often get into grooves of doing and saying the same
50 ParaSport Magazine | WINTER 2019 things, but working with para-athletes provides you with
the opportunity to re-develop old ideas and challenge
yourself to be better. These athletes are some of the most
dedicated and hardworking individuals I have ever worked
with, and their ‘differences’ only make me a better coach
for everyone, able-bodied and para-athlete.”

– Coach Gord,
Hockey, Ottawa, 9 Years