May 09, 2013 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is pleased to announce the 2013-14 recipients of the Para-Equipment Fund, supported by Invacare Canada, as well as the Recruitment Program Fund. Both funds are supported by the Government of Canada’s Sport Support Program.

The Para-Equipment Fund (PEF) delivers grants of up to $5,000 to national and provincial sport organizations as well as local level clubs to purchase adapted equipment – for sports such as wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, or skiing for people with visual impairments, for example – to enable people with a disability to take part in sport. Grants awarded help the sport organizations cover 50 per cent of the total cost of the equipment.

This year, 42 sport organizations representing 17 parasports in regions across Canada received a total of $154,679.17 from the Para-Equipment Fund. Due to the matching nature of the Fund by the recipient, a total of $309,358.34 will be invested into the parasport system.

“Our involvement in the Para-Equipment fund allows us at Invacare and our performance wheelchair team at Top End to work towards our goal of making life’s experiences possible,” said Vince Morelli, General Manager of Invacare Canada, a leading manufacturer of wheelchairs for both everyday use and competitive sports. “The Fund will help nurture the hopes and dreams of more kids with disabilities, allowing them to participate and be active through Invacare’s product lines – and maybe even one day compete for Canada at the Paralympic  Games!”

The Recruitment Program Fund (RPF) awards grants of up to $10,000 to sports organizations to financially support the creation of a new sports program or the expansion of an existing successful program that provides a positive introductory sports experience for participants
with a disability.

Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more.

This year, 28 sport organizations representing 18 parasports in regions across Canada received a total of $196,151.00 from the Recruitment Program Fund.

Between the two funds, a total of $350,830.17 in funds will be distributed to 60 sport organizations across the country (10 organizations are receiving both funds), representing 21 different sports. Including the matching of $154,679.17 by recipients of the Para-Equipment  Fund, a total of $505,509.34 will be invested in sports programs and sports equipment for people with a disability in Canada.

The complete list of recipients of the 2013-14 Para-Equipment Fund and Recruitment Program Fund is posted and downloadable HERE.

“Supporting the Para-Equipment Fund and Recruitment Programs Fund, and playing a leading role in the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport are things our Government is proud to do,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “By providing these opportunities for people with disabilities, we are helping develop athletes who could one day proudly wear the maple leaf and represent Canada on the international stage.”

“Making the benefits of sport available to all is critical to Canada becoming a world leading Paralympic nation,” said David Legg, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “To do this it is essential to make available quality introductory sport programming and adapted sports equipment in order to give those with a disability a place to play and a positive sport experience. I would like to congratulate the recipients of the Para-Equipment Fund and the Recruitment Program Fund, and thank Invacare Canada, the Government of Canada, and all involved in parasport for their dedication and efforts in helping develop Canada’s parasport system.”