TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has donated $20,000 to the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (OCPSA) to support the development of an innovative frame running program in Ottawa for youth ages 6-18 with complex physical disabilities. The first of its kind in Canada, the program will introduce and deliver frame running, a brand-new para-sport discipline under the para-athletics (track and field) umbrella. This game-changing program will enable youth with complex physical disabilities to experience the joy and health benefits of running through the use of a specialized three-wheeled running frame similar to a bike without pedals. A saddle supports the youth while they lean on and push against a chest plate to propel forward with their feet. The frame rolls so freely that even a youth with no walking ability can ambulate down the track with great speed and poise.
“We are so grateful to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for this generous grant” said Amanda Fader, Executive Director of OCPSA. “This collaboration will support kids with physical disabilities in the Ottawa area to get active through new game-changing opportunities for recreational and competitive sport participation”.
“Through our partnerships with charities supporting children and youth with physical disabilities we understand the challenges young people in these situations face,” said Shanan Spencer-Brown, Executive Director of TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “We are proud to be able to support the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association with a grant from our TELUS Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board in order to help them reduce barriers to participation”.
OCPSA improves the overall health, wellness and quality of life of children, youth and adults with cerebral palsy and similar complex disabilities through the delivery of sport and physical activity programming. OCPSA is a registered charitable organization and a leading amateur sport organization in the province for persons with a disability. For more information on OCPSA and frame running, visit www.ocpsa.com.
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is a Canadian registered charity that believes all youth, regardless of circumstance, deserve an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. By funding more than 500 charities each year that provide education and health programs, many enabled by technology, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is helping more than 2 million youth in communities across Canada build skills, gain confidence and feel a sense of belonging. In 2022 alone, we provided more than $10.6 million in grants to charities across the country. For more information on TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, visit www.friendlyfuture.com.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Kira Crozier, Director, Resource Development
Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association
kira@ocpsa.com
