FINDING AN ADAPTIVE SPORT THAT FITS
ParaPlay is a free, introductory multi-sport program for youth with disabilities/diverse abilities, hosted by OneAbility, the Greater Victoria Collaborative for Adapted Sport and Physical Activity. Youth are encouraged to sample a variety of adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, para-athletics, therapeutic riding, climbing, boccia, and sledge hockey. The program is designed to develop physical literacy, sport skills, positivity, inclusion, and set foundations for being active for life.
In 2022, ParaPlay held four sessions each for 9-15-year-olds at the Pacific Institute for Sport Education and 16-25-year-olds at the University of Victoria’s Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities. A total of 32 youth participated, with the younger group all male-identifying. The most popular sports were climbing and therapeutic riding. Four youth went on to play organized adaptive sports. Eight coaches were trained in coaching all abilities, welcoming newcomers, and keeping girls in sports.
Going forward, ParaPlay will aim to raise more awareness of para-sport opportunities, including that sports can be further adapted after first try, and support more equitable participation across ages, genders, and abilities in both individual and team sports.
Source: OneAbility