February 18, 2016 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Paralympic Committee invites Canadian sport organizations and clubs to apply, starting today, for the 2016-2017 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.

Please visit www.paralympic.ca/funding for the application, instructions and more information. The deadline to submit applications is March 18, 2016.

Funds may be used towards recruitment initiatives, coach or volunteer training, equipment, coaching and more. Funds can also support the creation of a new program, or go towards the expansion of an existing successful initiative. Funds will 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 targeted sports for the Paralympic Games.

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

The System Development Fund is made possible by contributions from the Government of Canada, donors and corporate partners of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

“As a Paralympian who has competed internationally for Canada, and now as Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, I’m proud of our government’s support for the System Development Fund as I know first-hand the impact that quality parasport programs can have,” said the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. “Hopefully, some of the beneficiaries will one day wear the maple leaf proudly as they compete for Canada on the international stage.”

“Introducing a person with a disability to sport should be a positive experience and free of barriers,” added Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “The availability of quality parasport programming and equipment is so important to ensuring access to opportunities. Thank you to the Government of Canada for its contributions in helping develop Canada’s parasport system.”

About Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program
The Sport Support Program (SSP) 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.