July 25, 2015 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Paralympic Committee invites Canadian sport organizations and clubs to apply, starting today, for the 2015-2016 granting round of the System Development Fund.

The System Development Fund targets initiatives connected to the various stages of the Canadian Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Framework, helping develop athletes from playground to podium.

Funding amounts of between $2,500 and $10,000 will be available.

Like the Recruitment Program Fund and Para-Equipment Fund of years past, the System Development Fund can be used to support recruitment initiatives or equipment purchase.

Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more. Funds will also have an increased focus on recruitment in sports that are part of the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s long-term strategy around podium potential sports and current targeted sports for the Paralympic and Parapan Am Games.

To be eligible, initiatives must clearly show a potential positive impact on the athletes and programming in the specific LTAD stage targeted by the application. For information on the LTAD stages for athletes with a disability, visit here.

Please visit here for the application and more information.

The deadline to submit applications is July 31, 2015.

About Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program
The Sport Support Program supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches. Funding is provided to eligible organizations in support of the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy. The funding is primarily focussed on programs and services that have a direct impact on athletes and athlete development, and that provide children and youth with their first experience in sport. For more information, please visit here.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 25 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s vision is to be the world’s leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian high performance athletes with a disability and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit here.