A shocking 93% of women with disabilities do not participate in sports. One of the biggest hurdles is getting women to take a chance - that first step - and try a sport. Sport professionals and para-athletes joined our virtual roundtable on September 29, 2021.  Led by Team Ontario wheelchair athlete Candice Combdon, Ontario Para Network (ONPARA), and ParaSport Ontario we discussed why para-athletes are trying parasports and worked on troubleshooting barriers that need fixing.

Tune in to the conversation in this roundtable video

Roundtable Highlights

• 0:4:16 : Athlete Candice Combdon shares how she discovered parasport, the challenges she faces with participation, why she continues to take chances with new sports, and her wish list for future programs. 
• 0:21:39 Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) shared insights from their HAVE A GO, equipment loans, and funding programs for wheelchair athletes.
• 0:59:22 ParaSport Ontario explained how to start your own parasport club.
• 1:11 Participants shared the latest news on try-it initiatives, and participation challenges, plus connected with each other during our extended networking session.

Join Our ParAmazing Circle 

Bond with fellow parasport-loving athletes, organizations and local businesses as we work to encourage more women with disabilities to get and stay in the game.  Join the PARAMAZING CIRCLE. 

Check Out Other SeeWhatSheCanDo ParAmazing Resources

ParAmazing Resource Kit: Getting and Keeping Women With Diverse Abilities in the Game

Workshop organizers and  participants have pooled expertise to create a resource kit filled with insights on the unique opportunities and challenges for women with diverse abilities plus inclusive marketing, recruitment, and adaptive program tips and best practices from elite para-athletes and industry pros. Get the resource kit. 

If you share our passion for a more inclusive world of sport and have expertise we invite you to <<share your resources with our community >> .

Try Adaptive Dance From Home

Ali Phillips, CEO, and Founder of Bust a Move Dance (BAMD) - an international dance company for people of all abilities -  led a dance class for our ParAmazing Women's Circle last week. What a treat it was!

Ali's fun, positive energy radiates from her pores, and her structured but relaxed approach to dance for everyBODY is truly refreshing. We invite you to give this free Bust A Move Dance class a try and see for yourself how much fun it is. 

Read participant reflections from this evening. 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Check out the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate, and review programs, local community offerings, and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for stories, businesses and more on our ParAmazing Circle activity page.  

Tell us about your favourite way to get yourself moving. Share your highlights directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.