The Canadian Paralympic Foundation (CPF) hopes to expand the participation in sport and recreation by Canadians with disabilities.

Sporting participation rates for young people that are disabled are such a small percentage of the rate for young people in general. Children and youth that are disabled are often shut out of the sports and recreation experience and are forced to watch from the sidelines. It is well known that through participating in sports, children learn about leadership, teamwork, setting goals and staying fit.

To overcome this challenge, the Canadian Paralympic Foundation is starting a national grassroots competitive sports and physical fitness program for children and adults with physical disabilities.

A strong component of the program will be the participation of Paralympic and other elite disabled athletes, as well as nationally and internationally recognized coaches, as instructors and counsellors. These professionals provide not only the highest quality of instruction but serve as role models to the participants. To a young person -- particularly one recently injured -- these men and women demonstrate that a disability need not prevent one from achieving personal, athletic and professional goals.

The program will continue to expand in both reach and scope and in just a few short years, will be a major influence in the lives of thousands of Canadian children and adults with physical disability.

Young people that are disabled need not sit on the sidelines. Help us get them on the playing field.

For more information contact Sharon McGrath, Manager, Fundraising Programs at (613) 542-7873 or email.