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Drive to December: Fueling ONPARA, Powering Possibility
Leave a Comment🟦What is Drive to December?
Drive to December is ONPARA’s biggest fundraising campaign for the remainder of 2025. With our goal of $40,000, we’re raising critical funds to continue delivering high-quality, inclusive sport programming across Ontario — despite recent funding challenges.
Every dollar raised:
✔ Supports grassroots to high-performance adaptive sport
✔ Keeps participation affordable and accessible
✔ Powers equipment loans, coaching, training, and events
✔ Helps ONPARA clubs across Ontario — 25% of funds raised are returned to participating clubs
🟩 Why This Matters
ONPARA provides opportunities through adaptive sport. From first-time players to national-level athletes, your donation helps build a stronger, more inclusive sport community.
💬 “ONPARA gave me the chance to compete, grow, and belong. It’s more than sport — it’s family.”
— [Athlete Name], Wheelchair Basketball Player
Your gift ensures that kids, youth, and adults with physical disabilities can:
- Join a team and build confidence
- Access sport wheelchairs and trained coaches
- Travel for tournaments and training camps
- Dream bigger — and achieve it
🟨 Our Progress
Goal: $40,000 by December 31, 2025
Raised So Far: $[XX,XXX]
🟧 How to Give
1. Online Donation
Make a one-time or monthly contribution through e-transfer to info@onpara.ca
🔗E-transfer donation today
2. Add a Donation to Your 2025-2026 ONPARA Membership
Support the campaign when you renew or purchase your ONPARA membership.
✅ Just check “Add a Donation” at checkout.
3. Sponsor an Athlete
Help cover training and travel costs for a junior athlete or team.
🔗Sponsor Now
4. Host a Fundraiser
From school events to community tournaments — every dollar counts. We can help you get started!
📩 [Contact Us]
🟫 Spread the Word
You can make a difference — even if you can’t donate. Help us reach more people by sharing the campaign on:
📱 [Facebook] [Instagram] [X/Twitter] @onparanetwork on all socials
Use the hashtag: #DriveToDecember
📲 Share the campaign on social media
🔁 Encourage your team, club, or workplace to participate
🤍 Thank You
We’re grateful for every donor, advocate, volunteer, and club leader powering this campaign. Because of you, we can keep pushing boundaries and making sport possible for everyone.
Together, we drive. Together, we rise.
Ontario Para Network Mourns the Loss of Garett “G” Hickling
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Ontario Para Network is deeply saddened to share the passing of Garett Hickling — a true legend in the world of wheelchair rugby and a passionate advocate for adaptive sport in Canada.
Garett was more than a decorated athlete — he was a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to generations of para-athletes across the country and around the world. His legacy extends far beyond the medals and accolades.
As one of the most recognizable and respected figures in wheelchair rugby, Garett’s career was defined not only by his exceptional achievements — five Paralympic Games, multiple MVP honours, and the proud moment of carrying Canada’s flag at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony — but also by his character, humility, and unwavering commitment to sport.
For so many in Ontario and beyond, Garett represented what’s possible when perseverance meets passion. He gave generously of his time to grow the game — speaking to youth, mentoring emerging athletes, and sharing his story with honesty and heart. His impact went far beyond the court; he truly changed lives.
We are grateful for the time we had with Garett and for the many contributions he made to the para sport community. His strength, spirit, and dedication to inclusion and excellence will continue to live on in every athlete who dares to dream big.
On behalf of the entire ONPARA family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Garett’s family, friends, teammates, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. We will honour his memory by continuing to grow the sport he loved and by fostering the inclusive, empowering environment he championed.
Rest in peace, Garett. You will always be a part of our story.
Summer Wheelchair Tennis Program – Register Now!
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We’re excited to launch a weekly wheelchair tennis program in Niagara Falls this summer! Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to build your skills, this inclusive program is a great way to stay active, have fun, and connect with others.
📍 Location: Niagara Falls Racquet Centre (6980 Kalar Rd, Niagara Falls, ON, L2H 2T7)
🗓 Dates: Saturdays, July 5 – August 23
⏰ Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
💲 Cost: $40 for the full 8-week program
No experience necessary — all equipment will be provided, and the program is recommended for ages 13+.
This initiative is proudly offered in partnership with the Niagara Falls Racquet Club, Rogers, Ontario Tennis Association, Ontario Para Network, and Tennis Canada.
Join us on court this summer — register today
Have a Go at Wheelchair Tennis – Free Session in Niagara Falls!
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We’re excited to invite you to a Have a Go wheelchair tennis session on Saturday, June 28 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Niagara Falls Racquet Centre (6980 Kalar Rd, Niagara Falls, ON).
This free event is a great opportunity to try something new, meet others, and experience the excitement of adaptive sport. All equipment will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. The session is recommended for participants aged 13 and older.
This program is offered in partnership with Niagara Falls Racquet Club, Rogers, Ontario Tennis Association, Ontario Para Network, Tennis Canada, ParticipACTION, and the Government of Canada.
Come see what wheelchair tennis is all about!
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Myers wheelchairdev@tenniscanada.com
Building a More Inclusive Road Racing Experience: Canada Running Series Adds Wheelchair Category and Grant Program
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Building a More Inclusive Road Racing Experience: Canada Running Series Adds Wheelchair Category and Grant Program
Over the past two years, Mike Greer has had the privilege of collaborating with Canada Running Series (CRS) to help advance accessibility and inclusion within Canada’s premier road race events. This work has focused on ensuring that adaptive athletes—regardless of experience or ability—feel not only welcomed, but supported throughout their racing experience.
Through lived experience and close collaboration with CRS, they have worked together to create a practical Accessibility Playbook and improve how events are structured and communicated. These efforts are already resulting in impactful change.
New for 2025: Canada Running Series Introduces Wheelchair Category at Three Major Events
We are thrilled to share that CRS will be introducing a wheelchair race category at the following events:
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Under Armour Toronto 10K – June 14, 2025
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Vancouver Half Marathon – June 22, 2025
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TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon & 5K – October 18–19, 2025
This new category includes:
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A dedicated prizing structure, similar to the open division
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Designated start/finish line volunteers
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A tented area for warm-up and race prep
Equity-Focused Grant Program Now Available
In an effort to break down financial barriers to participation, CRS has launched a Race Entry Grant Program. This initiative provides complimentary race entries to individuals and groups from equity-deserving communities.
More information about the grant and how to apply is available here:
🔗 https://canadarunningseries.com/diversity-and-inclusion
Additionally, a limited number of complimentary entries are available directly through our network. If you or someone you work with is interested in participating, please contact us to learn more.
Welcoming Canada’s Best to Oshawa for Nationals!
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Welcoming Canada’s Best to Oshawa for Nationals!
From May 23–25, 2025, Ontario is proud to host the 2025 Wheelchair Basketball National Championships at Durham College/Ontario Tech University in Oshawa. The event will bring together the nation’s top athletes from across six provinces to compete in both men’s and women’s divisions.
We’re excited to welcome teams from British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and a Women’s MIX team to our home court. Get ready for an incredible weekend of elite competition, sportsmanship, and provincial pride!
📺 All games will be streamed live on the Wheelchair Basketball Canada YouTube channel
📖 View the official event program WBC Nationals Online Program
Let the games begin!
Team Canada roster – 2025 Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge
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Ontario Athletes Named to Team Canada for 2025 Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge!
Wheelchair Rugby Canada has officially announced the 12-athlete roster set to compete at the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, taking place May 29 to June 1 in Adelaide, Australia.
This marks Canada’s first major international competition of the new Paralympic cycle as the national team begins its journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
We’re proud to give a special shoutout to the Ontario athletes selected to represent Canada on the world stage!
Matt Debly-Windsor, ON
Rio Kanda Kovac-Toronto, ON
Cody Caldwell-Toronto, ON
Travis Murao-Toronto, ON
Eric Rodrigues-Toronto, ON
Team Canada will face off against top international squads including Australia, Brazil, Germany, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
📅 First match: May 29 vs Brazil
📲 Stay tuned to Wheelchair Rugby Canada and our social channels for match updates and results.
Women+ Wheelchair Tennis Open House
Leave a Comment🎾 Now Serving: Women+ Wheelchair Tennis Program!
Looking to stay active, try something new, and connect with an empowering community? This Women+ Wheelchair Tennis Program is the perfect way to get moving and have fun—no experience necessary!
🛑 Program Update:
Due to scheduling changes, the program will now run from May 25 to June 29.
We’re kicking things off with a special Open House on May 25, where you can come out, meet the coaches, try the equipment, and give the program a go before signing up!
🗓 Program Details:
- Open House: Sunday, May 25 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM
- Program Dates: Sundays from May 25 to June 29
- Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
- Location: Parkway Valley Tennis Club
📍 230 Cassandra Blvd, Toronto, ON
💸 Cost: $30
Includes:
- ONPARA Membership
- Expert coaching
- Access to a sport chair
- Tennis racket provided
This program is open to all women+ identifying individuals. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to improve your game, we’ve got you covered!
🤝 Proudly presented in partnership with the Ontario Tennis Association, Tennis Canada, and Parkway Valley Tennis Club.
⚠️ Spots are limited – Register now to reserve your place and serve up some fun! 🎾
Please contact Lisa Myers if you are interested in attending the Open House for May 25th, 2025 wheelchairdev@tenniscanada.com
ONPARA at the Spartan Race event in Toronto!
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Breaking Barriers at the Toronto Spartan Race!
We’re excited to be part of the action at the Toronto Spartan Race on May 17, 2025 at Brimacombe, 4098 Regional Road 9, Orono, ON, CA
📍Visit our booth from 10:00AM to 4:00PM and learn more about the first-ever PARA TOUGH MUDDER, happening this September.
This is more than just a race—it’s a movement to create a more inclusive, accessible adventure race experience in Ontario. Come say hi, grab some info (and maybe some swag!), and be part of something groundbreaking.
Let’s get muddy. Let’s break barriers.
Women+ Wheelchair Tennis Program
Leave a Comment🎾 Join the Women+ Wheelchair Tennis Program! 🎾
Looking to try something new, stay active, and connect with an awesome community? Our 6-week Women+ Wheelchair Tennis Program is for you! 💪✨
🗓️ Dates: Sundays, May 11 – June 15
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Parkway Valley Tennis Club (230 Cassandra Blvd, Toronto, ON)
💸 Cost: $30 (Includes ON Para Membership, expert coaching, access to a sport chair, and tennis racket!)
Open to all women+ identifying individuals. No experience needed—just bring your energy and we’ll provide the rest!
🤝 In partnership with Ontario Tennis Association, Tennis Canada, and Parkway Valley Tennis Club.
Spots are limited—register now and serve up some fun! 🎾