Parasport in Canada Receives Investment in Grassroots Programmes

The Canadian Paralympic Committee has announced that a total of $346,500 in funds will be distributed to 51 sport organizations across the country. 31 May 2012

Sonja Gaudet releases the stone during a wheelchair curling round-robin game against Great Britain at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

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By IPC

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Recruitment Programme Fund and to play a leading role in the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport."

The Canadian Paralympic Committee has announced the recipients of the 2012-13 Recruitment Programme Fund, presented by RBC Insurance and supported by the Government of Canada's Sport Support Program. This year, a total of $346,500 in funds will be distributed to 51 sport organizations across the country.

"It's inspiring to see the time, effort and energy these organizations have committed to creating and enhancing programs that encourage athletes to become more active in sport at the community level," said Neil Skelding, President and CEO of RBC Insurance. "We are extremely proud to be involved with the Recruitment Programme Fund and believe that through this programme, we will see more Canadians with a disability compete on the world stage and pursue their Paralympic dreams."

The Recruitment Program Fund delivers grants of up to $10,000 to sports organizations across Canada to support the creation of a new sports programme or financially support the expansion of an existing successful programme that provides a positive introductory sport experience for participants with a disability. Funds may be used towards enhancing programme options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more.

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Recruitment Programme Fund and to play a leading role in the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "Our Government is committed to promoting meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to become involved in and develop through sport, according to their interests, abilities, and talents."

Over the years, grant recipients have made substantial contributions to valuable programmes and initiatives across Canada. One of them is Curl BC, an organization that wants to increase participation in wheelchair curling in British Columbia and build on the tremendous success of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

"Thanks to the Recruitment Programme Fund, we are pleased to be offering professionally-coached and facilitated CAN Curl More: Discover Wheelchair Curling clinics across the province," said Scott Braley, CEO, Curl BC. "Our goals are to facilitate more wheelchair curlers joining leagues and to double the number of teams competing in the BC Wheelchair Curling Championships over the next five years."

"Making the benefits of sport available to everyone is important," added Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "To do this, it is critical to make quality introductory sport programming available as widely as possible to give those with a disability not only a place to play, but a positive sport experience. I would like to congratulate all the recipients of the Recruitment Programme Fund and thank all those involved in the programs for their dedication and efforts in helping develop Canada's parasport system."

More information about the recipients and the Recruitment Program Fund can be found by visiting www.paralympic.ca/funding.