Okanagan Parasport Network - For Athletes With A Disability

Okanagan Parasport Network – For Athletes With A Disability

PURPOSE AND MANDATE:

PacificSport Okanagan is the regional sport centre dedicated to supporting parasport development for athletes with a disability. The Okanagan Parasport Network contains sport organizations, athlete and coach supports, and community resources.

Please contact our Communications Lead to have your organization or team added to our list of network members, or to notify us about upcoming parasport events.

For information on athlete development, please contact our Sport Performance Coordinator.

To schedule coach training, please contact our Sport Development Coordinator.

ADAPTIVE RECREATION – MULTISPORT (SNOWSPORTS, WC BASKETBALL, PARACYCLING, ADAPTIVE PADDLING, POWER SOCCER, WC CURLING, WC RUGBY, OTHER)

Adaptive Adventures (Multisport and outdoor adventure activities)

Spend some time hiking, kayaking, cycling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Adaptive Adventures offers time based trips that enable all people regardless of ability to participate in outdoor activities. This program is funded by various sources with all contributions staying within our local communities. This program is a great way to start off your pursuit for adaptive recreation!

Website: Adaptive Adventures

Accessible Okanagan – Multisport sport and recreation

Accessible Okanagan – Promoting wheelchair friendly discussions, activities, sports and events throughout the greater Okanagan.

Website: Accessible Okanagan

North Okanagan Sport Society (Multisport Adaptive Programs) **Vernon

Through our District Network, we use a community development approach in working with communities and local sport groups to meet their needs. We provide leadership for sport in the North Okanagan through advocacy, partnerships, funding support and program planning.

Website: NOSS

People in Motion – Multisport (Snowsports, wc basketball, para-cycling, adaptive paddling, power soccer, wc curling)

People in Motion members have access to adaptive recreational programs that include sports like adaptive downhill & cross country skiing, snow shoeing, wheelchair basketball, power wheelchair soccer, wheelchair curling. We also provide lift equipped transportation which includes our Van Loan services and our 20 passenger lift equipped Bus. We have a variety of adaptive recreational equipment available for self guided adaptive hiking, cycling and access to the beaches with our beach chairs to members through our equipment loans program.

Website: People in Motion

ADAPTIVE SNOWSPORTS

Big White Adaptive Ski Programs

Big White Ski and Board School, working in conjunction with People in Motion, is proud to offer a brand new Adaptive Skiing program for our destination guests. Our trained and certified instructors will get you out and enjoying the slopes on whatever equipment is required. For people with physical disabilities we offer adaptive ski coaching that includes downhill Sit-Ski, Mono-Ski and Bi-Ski as well as 3-track and 4-track instruction. We have instructors who are qualified to teach children and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum as well as visual/hearing impairments, and can provide multiple instructors or guides if necessary at no extra cost.

Website: Big White Adaptive Ski Programs

Mount Baldy Adaptive Ski Programs

In partnership with BC Adaptive Snowsports and People in Motion, Baldy Mountain Bluejays Adaptive Sports offers unique skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing opportunities for individuals with physical, cognitive and sensory challenges at Baldy Mountain Resort. Our program consists of a team of certified volunteer instructors who are trained to be innovative and creative in adapting teaching methods for our students. Whether our students are stand-up skiers/snowboarders or sit skiers, we are prepared to “see the ability” and adapt to their needs.

Website: Mount Baldy Adaptive Ski Programs

Silver Star Adaptive Snowsports

Our dream is of a place without barriers where everyone can share passion, joy, freedom and friendship, connecting with nature and community through snowsports at Silvertsar Mountain, BC and beyond.

Website: Silver Star Adaptive Snowsports

POWER SOCCER

Okanagan Thunderchairs – Facebook: Okanagan Thunder

Contact: Cathy Cunningham

SAILING

Able Sail Adapted Sailing (COSA) – Kelowna

COSA continues to offer sailing programs for persons with disabilities. We have been delivering sailing programs for disabled individuals since 1993! With accessible sailboats in our fleet and other supportive equipment, we can accommodate a large range of sailors with a disability.

Website: Able Sail Adapted Sailing

Disabled Sailing Association of BC

The DSA BC Kelowna is a non-profit organization which introduces people with disabilities and age related issues to the joys of sailing on our beautiful Okanagan Lake. Our Okanagan branch has been running since 1993. Our programs include sailing for the fun of it, sailing to learn to Sail Canada standards and for the more adventurous; we offer the opportunity to learn to race.

Website: DSA BC

SPECIAL OLYMPICS – KELOWNA CHAPTER (MULTISPORT)

Kelowna has more than 200 athletes participating in their sport programs! Currently, we provide 16 core sport programs, three youth programs for ages from two to 21, and Club Fit for athletes of all ages in our community. We welcome new athletes of any age to join SOBC – Kelowna, and are also looking for new volunteers to join our Local Committee and sports programs. If you are interested in joining our great community, please contact us for more information!

Website: Special Olympics – Kelowna Chapter

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

Okanagan-based wheelchair basketball program developing athletes through training, competition, travel tournament play, and WC basketball jamborees.

Okanagan Thunder – Facebook: Okanagan Thunder

Manager: Bryan Shore

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY

Okanagan-based wheelchair rugby program, providing local training, travel, and competitions.

Okanagan Rattlers – Facebook: Okanagan Rattlers

AMPUTEES AMPLIFIED (National organization, with BC branch)

News, Support and Resources that Empower Amputees, Amputee Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers.

Website: Amputees Amplified

BC ADAPTIVE SNOWSPORTS

BC Adaptive Snowsports is an organization supporting and promoting adaptive skiing, snowboarding and mountain accessibility as a form of rehabilitation and recreation for participants with physical and cognitive disabilities, contributing to an overall active and healthy lifestyle for British Columbians.

Website: BC Adaptive Snowsports

BC ATHLETICS / PARA-ATHLETICS

BC Athletics in partnership with BC Wheelchair Sports, BC Blind Sports, Sportability BC (CP) Sports, and Amputee Sport BC provides program opportunities for athletes with a physical impairment. There are opportunities to participate in Track & Field, Cross Country and Road Running.

Website: BC Athletics

BC BLIND SPORTS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

The BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association is a not for profit association of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind, or are blind and have additional disabilities; and their families and other supporters. Our services are provided throughout the province of British Columbia and are available to individuals of all ages. We work closely with the CNIB, other organizations in the field of blindness, other vision professionals, and the generic physical activity system in order to improve access and opportunities for participation in physical activity.

Website: BC Blind Sports

BC DEAF SPORTS FEDERATION

Establishing and maintaining contact with Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes in British Columbia. Promoting awareness and acceptance of Deaf athletes nationally and provincially. Developing interest among Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes and supporters in competitive and recreational sports. Providing services and support in areas of competition, training, counselling, and administration. Providing a variety of sport opportunities in which to participate.

Website: BC Deaf Sports

BC WHEELCHAIR SPORTS (WC Rugby, WC Athletics, WC Tennis)

BCWSA administers wheelchair rugby, wheelchair athletics (track and field), and wheelchair tennis. As an athlete progresses, we offer wheelchair loans and programs for beginners, juniors, recreational athletes, and high-performance athletes. BCWSA supports the many coaches, support staff, and volunteers who are so vital to our sports.

Website: BC Wheelchair Sports

CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (Multisport)

Our highly supported programs empower individuals with autism to build the confidence and skills necessary to enjoy a lifetime of sport and physical activity. Programs also provide participants with opportunities to develop social and communication skills in safe and supportive environments. Through specialized support techniques, parent collaboration, and a high ratio of staff and volunteers, we are able to ensure that every individual is successful on their own terms, regardless of their level of need.

Website: Canucks Autism Network

ROWING BC

Rowing BC is the Provincial governing body for the sport of rowing in British Columbia. As a non-profit organization, over 3,600 participants within the BC rowing community benefit from many Rowing BC services, including coach education and development, regatta sanctioning, and delivery of Provincial Team initiatives.

Website: Rowing BC

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BC

Intellectual disabilities happen in all cultures, races, and countries. The goal of the global Special Olympics movement is to reach out to the almost 200 million people in the world with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, our athletes are seeing themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Their world is opened with acceptance and understanding. They become confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They are also making new friends, as part of the most inclusive community on the planet – a global community that is growing every day.

Website: Special Olympics BC

SPORTABILITY BC

provides physical activity programs for individuals with a disability across British Columbia, Canada. SportAbility offers programs in four sports including Sledge Hockey, Boccia, Power Soccer, and 7 A-Side Soccer at both recreational and competitive levels. SportAbility is a non-profit, volunteer-driven association whose goal is to create a fun and safe social environment for athletes with a disability, who are either being introduced to an activity for the first time, or competing at an international level.

Website: SportAbility

ATHLETE AND COACH SERVICES

Athlete Development

PacificSport Okanagan holds athlete education sessions, camps, athlete testing, and individual consultation with needs assessments.

Please contact us to inquire about services for developing and high performance athletes.

Athlete and Coach Services Coordinator

Coach Development

PacificSport Okanagan helps coordinate coach education, financial support, meetings and needs assessments.

Please see the list below for Coach Education courses (online and in-person) we can coordinate in the Okanagan – scroll down for detail under TRAINING AND RESOURCES below

List of Useful NCCP and Allied Partner Courses

– NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport (for first contact – online delivery)

– Run, Jump, Throw, Wheel (see below) – Athletics Canada;

– NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills (see below);

– Aboriginal Coaching Module (delivered in conjunction with ISPARC BC);

– Play Proud Okanagan – LGBTQ2S+ Resources and Workshop

– NCCP Mentorship Professional Development Module

Competition Introduction Modules (Making Ethical Decisions, Planning a Practice, Basic Mental Skills, Design a Basic Sport Program, Teaching and Learning; Nutrition is delivered online only)

Competition Development Modules (Coaching and Leading Effectively, Developing Athletic Abilities, Prevention and Recovery, Psychology of Performance, Leading Drug Free Sport, Managing Conflict)

** Click here for a complete list of Multisport Training Modules: NCCP MULTISPORT TRAINING MODULES

Contact our PacificSport Okanagan Sport Development Coordinator to schedule Multisport Training.

For funding, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for athlete and coach development, please contact our Executive Director.

REHABILITATION SPECIALISTS

Occupational Therapists – experience and specialization in sport

-Focus Rehabilition + Consulting Inc.
Servicing the Thompson Okanagan, Focus Rehabilitation + Consulting continues to grow in numbers of Occupational Therapists and areas of expertise. Their practice is client centered and evidence based.
Website: Focus Rehabilitation + Consulting

-Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting Inc.
A team of rehab professionals who help clients return to the activities required for daily living after injury or illness.
Website: Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting

-Creative Therapy Consultants
Committed to always providing care which exceeds expectations. Our team has the latest training and treatment resources to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care. We pride ourselves on fast, cost-effective service.
Website: Creative Therapy Consultants

-Okanagan College
Assistant program for Athletic & Occupational Therapy
Website: Okanagan College

Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists

– Please contact us to add allied professionals to this listing

Allied Sport Medicine Professionals

-Please contact us to add allied professionals to this listing

RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY ADVOCACY

ICORD – SPINAL CORD RESEARCH

UBC Okanagan Research Team

Dr. Kathleen Martin Ginis Website: ICORD

– Please contact us to have your organization added to this listing for research partnerships.

EQUIPMENT AND ADAPTIVE LIVING SUPPLIERS

Active Mobility

Our mission is to keep individuals – adults, children, and seniors alike – regardless of their limitations, living and leading active lifestyles. Active people have a better quality of life. At Active Mobility, we focus on Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and sports related products. Our products include: wheelchairs, walkers and crutches, seating, scooters, bath safety, lifts and aids for daily living.

Website: Active Mobility

Advanced Mobility Products Inc.

From wheelchairs & mobility scooters to lift chairs and homecare products, Advanced Mobility strives to facilitate the progression of every individual to achieve their fullest potential, freedom, comfort and safety.

Website: Advanced Mobility Products

Creative Mobility Products Inc.

Serving the community of the Okanagan, Kootenay, and Similkameen regions. Specializing in mobility equipment, wheelchair seating and specialty equipment, electronics and environmental controls.

Website: Creative Mobility Products

Cooper Medical Supplies

As a non-corporate, independent business we get to treat you like family because that’s how we want to serve you. If you need medical supplies that are both unusual and wonderful, we can get them for you. We are great listeners who go the extra mile for you. We make time to understand your situation and find solutions. We know our stuff, but are also happy to do research and step outside the box. Our job is to help you find the freedom to live – it’s what matters most to us.

Website: Cooper Medical Supplies

OK Mobility Plus

Providing Western Canada with a wide range of mobility and other products geared towards independent living for those experiencing mobility and other physical issues. We specialize in mobility products, and more specifically we sell and service that which we specialize in: mobility scooters, power chairs, lift chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, and more. OK Mobility Plus is an authorized Shoprider products dealer and repair service.

Website: OK Mobility Plus

Southward Medical Supplies

Aids to daily living, Bathroom safety aids, Ostomy products, Crutches & Canes, First aid supplies, Incontinence products, Orthopaedics, Rehab equipment, Scooters, Walkers, Wheelchairs, Support stockings, Uniforms and more.

Website: Southward Medical Supplies

COACH TRAINING

e-Learning Coaching Module: Coaching Athletes with a Disability

Coaching Athletes with a Disability is an National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) eLearning module to diversify your coaching portfolio.

This training provides coaches the knowledge to deliver quality, positive sport experiences for athletes, specifically with behavioural, intellectual, physical, and sensory disabilities.

Coaching Athletes with a Disability NCCP training will provide coaches the ability to:

Explain the benefits of sport participation for persons with a disability;
Communicate effectively and respectfully with, and regards to, persons with a disability;
Design positive, safe, and inclusive sport experiences for persons with a disability; and
Consider next steps in their professional development related to coaching persons with a disability.

Link here: Coaching Athletes with a Disability

Fundamental Movement Skills – FMS – Coaching Association of Canada

The goal of this NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) Workshop is to expose participants to a process that will teach and improve fundamental movement skills for children. The 3-hour Coach Professional Development Workshop focuses solely on the identification and improvement of fundamental movement skills that are the foundation of solid sport specific skills. The workshop format offers participants many opportunities to assess and improve their analysis of fundamental movement skills.

Content specific to athletes with a disability and adaptive sport and movement pathways is integrated into the FMS curriculum.

Okanagan-based facilitators: to schedule FMS training, please contact Carolyn Gillespie at PacificSport Okanagan.

Link here: Fundamental Movement Skills – NCCP

Run Jump Throw Wheel – Athletics Canada

Run Jump Throw Wheel (RJTW) is a national program developed by Athletics Canada that teaches fundamental movement skills and develops physical literacy. Using track and field inspired games, activities and skill challenges lead by instructors specifically trained to teach the fundamentals of running, jumping, throwing and wheeling (for children in wheelchairs).

Our goal is to provide a physical activity program that serves as a strong foundation for all sports. Run Jump Throw Wheel assists children in learning to move efficiently so that they grow into adults who are active, productive and healthy citizens.

Any teacher, sport club coach or community recreation leader is capable of delivering the basic Run Jump Throw Wheel program!

Okanagan-based Facilitators: Amber Gilbert (Kelowna, BC). Please contact PacificSport Okanagan for more information on RJTW training.

Link here: Run Jump Throw Wheel (RJTW)

SPORT SPECIFIC COACHING TRAINING RESOURCES

Swimming Canada – Para-Swimming Resources

information on para-swimming development, coaching support and Paralympic (high performance) programs:

Link here: Swimming Canada – Para-Swimming Resources