Archive
UBC Student Seeking Participants for Research Study
Leave a Comment
A student from the University of British Columbia is conducting a study exploring the experiences and perceptions of physical activity (PA) participation among youth with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their parents/guardians.
The student is looking for:
-
Youth with SCI, ages 15–24, living in Canada, who currently or previously participated in PA (recreation, sport, exercise, or fitness).
-
Parents/guardians of youth with SCI who support their child’s PA involvement.
Participation Details:
-
Complete a short 5–10 minute online questionnaire to confirm eligibility.
-
Participate in one individual interview (1–2 hours) in person or via Zoom, at a convenient time/location.
Why Participate?
Your insights will help the student understand how youth with SCI and their families experience PA opportunities. Findings will be used to support accessible and inclusive recreation, sport, and fitness programs across Canada.
How to Participate:
Complete the eligibility questionnaire here:
🔗 https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehVVpIJmrkX1oxM
Participation is completely voluntary and confidential.
For questions or more information, please contact Kailan Tang kailan.tang@ubc.ca
Letter of Introduction _MastersThesis
Para Tough Mudder: Mission Complete!
Leave a Comment
The first-ever Para Tough Mudder took place this past weekend at Gopher Dunes and was a huge success!
A big thank you to all the participants who came out and took on the challenge with determination, teamwork, and grit. We also want to extend our gratitude to the amazing volunteers who worked the booth and helped share about ONPARA and its programs. Your support made this inaugural event unforgettable!
We’re already planning for next year and hope to see even more people get involved.
🎙 ONPARA in the News: Doug Hannum on CBC’s Here and Now
Leave a Comment
If you’ve heard of the Tough Mudder race, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. The obstacle course is designed to test the physical and mental limits of competitors and it includes challenges with fire, water, mud, and even electricity.
For the first time, the Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) is organizing a Para Tough Mudder event in Courtland, ON (2 hours outside of Toronto), targeted specifically to para athletes. The event takes place this weekend (September 13 & 14) and will see athletes take on the legendary course with the support of their teammates.
Leading this initiative is Doug Hannum, Executive Director of ONPARA, who spoke with Ramraajh Sharvendiran on CBC Radio’s Here and Now. Doug shared his excitement about the event, highlighting how it embodies ONPARA’s commitment to inclusion, resilience, and teamwork. (CBC LISTEN, On Demand, September 5, 2025)
Para Tough Mudder
-
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
-
Location: Gopher Dunes, Courtland, ON (439 2nd Concession Road Street, Courtland, ON N0J 1E0)
-
Format: Para athletes will compete with the support of up to three teammates to navigate the course.
-
Course Options: Choose from a 5K (12 obstacles) or 15K (20 obstacles) adventure.
Why It Matters
This event marks a groundbreaking step in making endurance sport inclusive and accessible. Athletes will face the same signature challenges as Tough Mudder participants worldwide—teamwork, resilience, and grit—while showing that adaptive sport belongs at the heart of Canada’s athletic landscape.
Voices of Strength
Doug Hannum, Executive Director of ONPARA and leader of the Para Tough Mudder initiative, joined CBC’s Here and Now to share his excitement:
Get Involved
-
Athletes: Contact doug@onpara.ca to register and receive a 50% discount code.
-
Spectators & Supporters: Join us at Tough Mudder to cheer on the athletes, or sign up for the open heats through the Tough Mudder website.
Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, this event is history in the making. Join us to witness the grit, determination, and unstoppable spirit of Canada’s para athletes.
Wheelchair Basketball Week 2025
Leave a CommentWheelchair Basketball Week 2025
Dates: September 22–28, 2025
This is the fourth annual national campaign by Wheelchair Basketball Canada celebrating clubs, athletes, and the spirit of inclusion across the country.
Participation: Over 1,500 individuals are expected to participate in various capacities—clubs, athletes, supporters, and community members—demonstrating the event’s growing scale and impact.
Why It Matters:
-
Promotes accessibility and sports inclusion across Canada.
-
Builds momentum and visibility for wheelchair basketball at the grassroots level.
-
Serves as a powerful community and promotional platform leading into major competitions.
- View Events
Have a Go at Wheelchair Tennis!
Leave a Comment
Calling all tennis fans – here’s your chance to try wheelchair tennis! Join us on Saturday, September 27th from 4:30pm – 5:30pm at Sobeys Stadium (North York) for a free Have a Go session.
This special event takes place during the ONPARA Wheelchair Tennis Provincial Camp and gives participants the opportunity to play alongside our provincial team players and coach, as well as Tennis Canada National Coach and 3-time Paralympian, Kai Schrameyer.
No experience is required, all equipment is provided, and the recommended age is 10+. While priority will be given to participants with a physical disability, friends and family members are welcome to join if equipment permits.
📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
📍 Location: Sobeys Stadium (1 Shoreham Drive, North York ON, M3N 3A6)
💲 Cost: Free
👉 Click here to register
📧 Questions? Contact Lisa Myers at wheelchairdev@tenniscanada.com
Don’t miss this chance to get on court and experience the game!
Coming Soon: The First-Ever Para Tough Mudder in Canada!
Leave a CommentWe’re excited to share that the inaugural Para Tough Mudder is happening September 14, 2025!
This will be a first-of-its-kind adaptive adventure race in Canada, designed for athletes with disabilities and their support teams. Built on collaboration, empowerment, and inclusion, the Para Tough Mudder will bring the challenge and spirit of Tough Mudder to an accessible, adaptive format.
💪 What to Expect:
-
Athletes can register with up to 3 support teammates to tackle obstacles together.
-
Accessibility, teamwork, and community at the core of every challenge.
-
An inclusive race experience unlike anything else in Canada.
📅 Race Weekend: September 14, 2025
📍 Gopher Dunes: 439 2nd Concession Road Street, Courtland, ON N0J 1E0
👉 Registration details and discount codes are available!
Contact doug@onpara for registration link and discount code!
Canada Wins Bronze at the IWBF Americas Cup!
Leave a Comment
Team Canada’s Senior Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team capped off a strong performance at the 2025 IWBF Americas Cup in Bogotá, Colombia, with a 63–51 victory over Argentina to claim the bronze medal.
The tournament featured the top women’s teams from across the Americas battling for podium spots and advancement in the qualification pathway for the Ottawa 2026 World Championships taking place on September 9-19, 2026 in Ottawa, ON. Canada’s bronze finish keeps them firmly in contention, moving them forward in the qualification process.
Standout Canadian Performers
-
Arinn Young led the charge with a dominant 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists.
-
Élodie Tessier nearly posted a triple-double with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
-
Off the bench, Elise Froese added an impactful 8 points and 6 rebounds.
Reflecting on the team’s growth, Puisand Lai shared:
“We kept building, and as we went into the last game, we knew we had it — we came out with fire.”
Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and staff for their resilience and determination throughout the tournament!
Image by @wheelchairbasketballcanada
Canada Makes History at Inaugural 3×3 World Championships
Leave a Comment
Canada’s men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams made history at the first-ever IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships, held August 1–3 in Sun City, South Africa.
Both teams went undefeated through the tournament, bringing home double gold in a dominant showing on the world stage.
Women’s Final: Canada defeated Spain 17–12 to become the inaugural Women’s 3×3 World Champions. Kady Dandeneau earned tournament MVP honors, with teammate Elodie Tessier named to the All-Star team.
Men’s Final: Canada topped Spain 14–9 to secure their own world title. Colin Higgins was named tournament MVP, with Nik Goncin also recognized as an All-Star.
A huge congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and staff for this incredible achievement and for showcasing Canadian excellence in the fast-paced 3×3 format!
Job Opportunity: Technical Coordinator – Wheelchair Rugby
Leave a Comment
Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) is looking for a part-time Technical Coordinator to lead the growth and development of our high-performance wheelchair rugby program. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with elite athletes, drive talent development, and help shape the future of the sport in Ontario.
📅 Contract: September 15, 2025 – May 15, 2026
⏱ Hours: Approximately 10 hours/week
💰 Salary: To be negotiated
📍 Location: Ontario-based (must have access to a vehicle)
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead the growth and development of high-performance wheelchair rugby athletes
-
Identify and recruit emerging talent
-
Oversee all elements of the HP program in alignment with OHPSI requirements
-
Work directly with athletes to support training and performance
-
Collaborate with ONPARA staff and sport stakeholders to advance wheelchair rugby in Ontario
Qualifications & Skills
-
In-depth knowledge of wheelchair rugby (coaching certification and experience strongly preferred)
-
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
-
Experience working directly with athletes in a high-performance environment
-
Familiarity with OHPSI is an asset
-
Must be Ontario-based and have access to a vehicle
📌 Reporting to: Executive Director, ONPARA
🗓 Application Deadline: Friday, August 22, 2025 – 12:00 PM EST
📧 Submit CV to: doug@onpara.ca
💡 Join us in building the future of Wheelchair Rugby in Ontario!
Wheelchair Rugby Technical Coordinator Posting
ONPARA Announces New Coaching Staff for Ontario Women’s Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Team
Leave a Comment
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Sana Worley as the new Head Coach of the Ontario Women’s Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Team!
Sana has been a vital part of our provincial program for the past three seasons, playing a key role in leadership and athlete development. Her impact on the team’s culture and competitive success—both on and off the court—has been immense. Known for her deep understanding of the game, strong athlete relationships, and commitment to high-performance sport, Sana has earned the trust and respect of players, staff, and the broader wheelchair basketball community.
A former athlete herself, Sana brings a unique perspective and valuable experience to her coaching. Her promotion to Head Coach is a natural next step in her journey, and we are excited to see her bring her passion, energy, and vision to the role. With Sana at the helm, we’re confident the team will continue to thrive and push new boundaries.
We’re also excited to welcome Shayne Sharkey as the team’s new Assistant Coach. Shayne brings a strong foundation of coaching experience, a deep dedication to athlete development, and a collaborative spirit that will complement Coach Sana’s leadership and contribute to the team’s continued success.
Please join us in congratulating Coach Sana Worley and Coach Shayne Sharkey on their well-deserved appointments. We look forward to what this dynamic coaching duo will achieve as they lead our Ontario athletes into a promising new season!