The multi-day, multidimensional event showcased the many opportunities that exist for sport participation within the world of Para Athletics and provided attendees with the knowledge, confidence and tools to better support and include children and youth with disabilities in Para Athletics programming in schools and in the community.
The summit launched Friday at participating Ottawa-area schools when teachers, educators and students had the opportunity to be introduced to frame running, an innovative adapted form of running for persons with physical disabilities. This event component was provided as part of a broader frame running program sponsored generously by the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation in order to increase participation in school-based sport among students with physical disabilities.
On Saturday, the summit changed gears with the Ottawa Lions’ Spring Kick Start Track & Field Meet held at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. The full day included a World Para Athletics (WPA) sanctioned competition and an interactive para readiness booth to test and expand coach and spectator knowledge of para-athletics!
The summit concluded Sunday with sessions provided by Athletics Canada and sport experts as they reinforced the many ways that integration and inclusivity in Athletics can be achieved in community programs and classrooms. Activities targeting coaches, educators, and sport club leaders included an NCCP Run, Jump, Throw, Wheel course, a Para Athletics 101 workshop, and technical demonstrations of the latest frame runners and recumbent bikes. Activities also included a meet & greet with Team Ontario’s para-athletes, as well as various try-it stations where children and youth with disabilities and their families, or any attendee for that matter, could learn about and try frame running, wheelchair racing, and seated throws events.
The success of the 2024 Becoming Para Ready Summit was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of Athletics Canada, Athletics Ontario, the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ottawa Lions, and OCPSA.
For inquiries please contact:
Amanda Fader, Executive Director
Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association
amanda@ocpsa.com
