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Sleep Study
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Main location site for the study: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Lyndhurst Centre, 520 Sutherland Dr., Toronto, ON M4G 3V9
Sleep study (testing): Participants don’t have to go to an overnight sleep clinic to get tested. They will be provided with a home-based device that they can take home to conduct the testing.
CPAP therapy (treatment): If diagnosed with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, they will be provided with the CPAP device (free of cost) to use for 4 months as part of the study. If they comply with CPAP therapy, they can keep the device at the end of the study.
For more information, please contact:
Gomes, Abrity Abrity.Gomes@uhn.ca
Aibe, Mitsue Mitsue.Aibe@uhn.ca
Happy Black History Month
Leave a CommentEvery February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honor the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The theme for Black History Month for 2024 is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
Ontario Para Network celebrates the past and present para athletes who have made their mark in sport!
Faye Blackwood is a longtime member of the Canadian sport community in many different roles including athlete, coach, and administrator.
A member of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sport Association’s Hall of Fame as a coach, she first started working with athletes with a disability more than 30 years ago, most notably in track and field. Blackwood has been involved in coaching Para athletes and promoting Para sport across the nation.
For nine years, Blackwood was on the staff of Sport for the Disabled, now known as ParaSport Ontario. Then, it was off to Athletics Canada managing paralympic programs and for the past 20 years has been a Sport and Recreation Consultant with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Blackwood was selected as a staff coach for several World Para as well as Paralympic Championship teams and was given the responsibility of working with sprinters and jumpers who had a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities.
Blackwood continues to devote her time and passion and we thank her for continued contributions to ParaSport.
-Grossman, D. (2024)CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – Black History Month 2024, Ontario, Canada
-Canadian Paralympic Committee (2022), CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: CANADIANS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT-, Ontario, Canada
Highlights:
- Won six OUAA gold medals and eight silver medals over the 50m, 60m and 300m.
• CIAU Gold medallist in the sprint medley relay in 1981 (3:59:81)
• Member of National Athletics team (1983-1987)
• Member of Commonwealth games team 1986.
• Indoor and Outdoor National Champion, 60m and 100m hurdles, 1986.
• CCISA National Ambulatory Coach, 1990-present.
• Staff Coach, 1990, 1994, 1998 World Championships (Holland, Germany, England).
• Paralympic team coach 1992-1996, Barcelona, Atlanta.
• 3M Coaching Award 1990, Ontario Female Coach of the Year 1997, Wittnauer Coaching Excellence Award 1998.
• Ontario Amputee and Les Autres Coach of the Year, 1999.
• Manager of paralympic programmes with Athletics Canada at the time of induction.
• Graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Kinesiology.
Highlights found HERE
Blaise Mutware started playing stand up basketball before a serious injury led him to wheelchair basketball. Mutware was born in Rwanda and moved around to
South Africa and Zimbabwe before settling in Toronto at age 13.
Mutware began playing with the Variety Village Rebels, a local club in 2015. In the same year, Mutware was invited to train with the National Academy Program at
Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s National Training Centre.
He was named to the Senior Men’s National Team in 2019 and says it is “an amazing honour to represent Canada.”
Off the court, Mutware continues to pursue his passion for cooking and says he hopes to become a chef one day.
-Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Biography, Ontario, Canada
Highlights:
2022: Bronze medal win at the IWBF Americas Cupin São Paulo, Brazil
2021: 8th place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
2019: 2nd place at Lima 2019 Parapan American Games (Team Canada)… 3rd place at the Wałbrzych President Cup Tournament in Poland (Team Canada)
2018: 3rd place at the 15th Kitakyushu Champions Cup
-Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Biography, Ontario, Canada
Abdi Dini Fatah was born in Somalia and moved to Scarborough, ON for a better life. He joined Variety Village as a teenager, where he quickly displayed a love for wheelchair basketball.
Fatah’s talent led him to the local Rolling Rebels wheelchair club, and later the Canadian Junior National Team, where he found great success, including winning first at Brazil’s World Junior Championship Games. He also won first in the Canadian Games with Team Ontario in 1999.
Fatah’s greatest achievement was his nomination to the Canadian Men’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team, where he was named three times to the National Championship All-Star Team (2009-2012) and competed in three Paralympic Games. His medal count includes silver at the 2008 Beijing, Paralympic Games, and gold at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, both in Men’s Wheelchair Basketball
He won a gold medal with Team Canada at the inaugural world junior championship in 1997 and repeated the feat in 2001. He also won gold at the Canada Games in 1999 and took home the bronze in 2003 as part of Team Ontario.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2008, 2012, 2016 Paralympic Games… 2011 and 2015 Parapan American Games
PERSONAL
Studied business and finance in school.
NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS
- 2016 Paralympic Games – 11th
- 2015 Toronto Parapan American Games – Silver
- 2012 London Paralympic Games – Gold
- 2011 Guadalajara Parapan American Games – Bronze
- 2010 World Championships – 7th
- 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games – Silver
An inspiration to all, Fatah has been nominated for a number of awards, including the Sport Alliance of Ontario’s Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year Award (2009), and Team MVP for the Canadian Junior National Team (1997). He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to the sport in 2013.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Fatah is a scholar, studying Finance and Business in school.
-Canadian Paralympic Committee, Ottawa, ON
-Abdi Dini Fatah, Variety Hall of Fame
Mercy Nyakundi was born with Spina Bifida Intradural Lipoma. Nyakundi has impaired muscle power and impaired leg movement. She was introduced to wheelchair basketball as a 14-year-old when she was given the opportunity to try adaptive sports at the health care centre she was attending. Nyakundi was introduced to coach Chris Chandler through one of her teammates, who helped fuel her passion for the sport. This led Nyakundi to being selected to the U25 Canadian Women’s National team in 2023.
With the help of coach Chris Chandler, Nyakundi began exploring her postsecondary options in the U.S. in June, she visited The University of Texas at Arlington, where she has committed to attend.
“I’m so excited because it will be so much exposure for me, compared to what I’m used to: the continuous training compared to here, where we’re training on weekends. There you regular weekday training and the tournaments on top of it all, it’s very exciting. I’ll be able to get so much experience that hopefully will help me in my future with the game.” (as cited in Wheelchair Basketball Canada, August 9, 2023)
Off the court, Nyakundi plans to major in Political Science, hoping to one day pursue a career as a lawyer.
- Mcmasterschildrens
- Wheelchair Basketball Canada (2023), Toronto, ON, CANADA
2023-2024 Ontario Women’s Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Team
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Ontario Para Network is pleased to officially unveil the roster for the 2023-2024 Ontario Women’s Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Team. This talented group of athletes has earned the honor of representing Ontario at the upcoming Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League (CWBL) Women’s National Championship, scheduled for March 22 – 24, 2024, in Ottawa, Ontario.
2023-2024 Campaigns
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In recognizing the strength inherent in our small yet formidable organization, we stand united as a network of athletes, clubs, coaches, officials, parents, and volunteers. With pride, we extend our gratitude to each member who contributes to the vitality of ONPARA.
Our expansive network comprises over 30 clubs, serving as the bedrock of grassroots engagement in our sports. These clubs play a pivotal role in the recruitment and training of athletes, coaches, and officials, providing a nurturing environment for participants to thrive, forge meaningful connections, and foster a profound sense of belonging. Within this framework, we witness not just a playground for sports but a crucible for personal growth and empowerment.
The sustenance of this dynamic environment hinges on the essential element of funding. Your support, coupled with that of your community, can wield a transformative influence. Your generosity becomes the catalyst for our athletes to reach new heights, our coaches to impart invaluable skills, and our officials to ensure fair play. Together, we fortify the foundation upon which dreams are built.
It is with a deep sense of purpose that we appeal to you to consider the impactful role your support plays in the lives of individuals with disabilities. By aligning with us, you become a crucial participant in effecting positive change. Your donation, no matter the size, becomes a testament to the collective strength of our community.
Join us in this endeavor to create positive change. Let us together demonstrate that every little bit counts and that, collectively, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the mission of ONPARA.
2023-2024 Campaigns
ONPARA Junior Wheelchair Basketball Provincial Team
Project Description
The Ontario Junior Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Program, known as Team Ontario, stands as a distinguished platform that offers exceptional high-performance training and competitive opportunities tailored for the Junior-age wheelchair basketball athletes in the province. A cornerstone of athletic development and sporting excellence, the program serves as a catalyst for honing skills and fostering growth among its participants. Tax receipts are issued for all donations $20.00 and over.
The proceeds from this fundraising will be used for the following cause(s):
This funding will be used to assist with offsetting the costs associated with: training, competition expenses, facility rentals, coaching resources, tournament registrations, as well as travel and accommodations for significant competitions.
How this project will assist in promoting or developing amateur sport on a national level:
Financial support through the NSTF ensures that our Junior team can continue to thrive and excel, enabling athletes to focus on their training and competitions without constraints, thus upholding the standards of excellence and sporting achievement for which Team Ontario is renowned.
Click HERE to donate – Project #307 ONPARA Junior Wheelchair Basketball Provincial Team
Junior Partnership Proposal 2024
ONPARA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Provincial Team
Project Description
The Ontario Women’s Provincial Program (Team Ontario) aims to compete every year in the CWBL Women’s National Championship against other women’s club teams and provincial teams from across Canada.
A fundamental pillar of Team Ontario’s mission is to unite women and girls from diverse regions of the province, uniting them under the banner of wheelchair basketball. Beyond the court, the program has a broader vision—to cultivate not just athletic prowess but also qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and camaraderie among its female players. It functions as a melting pot of talent and potential, where individuals come together to grow not only as athletes but also as well-rounded individuals. Tax receipts are issued for all donations $20.00 and over.
The proceeds from this fundraising will be used for the following cause(s):
To help in offsetting costs for the teams. The travel costs this year are significantly higher due to Nationals being held in Calgary and Quebec.
How this project will assist in promoting or developing amateur sport on a national level.
This project will contribute to the promotion and development of amateur sports on a national scale by providing essential support and resources. Through financial assistance, improved facilities, and enhanced equipment, the project aims to create a more conducive environment for athletes, fostering talent development and encouraging participation. Additionally, the associated programs and initiatives will increase awareness, engagement, and accessibility, thereby positively impacting the overall growth and sustainability of amateur sports across the nation.
Click HERE to donate to Project #309- ONPARA Senior Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Provincial Team
Senior Partnership Proposal 2024
BRIDGING THE GAP
Project Description
Bridging the Gap is a National outreach and education program specifically designed to introduce individuals with and without physical disabilities to adaptive sport and recreation opportunities in their communities. Bridging the Gap believes that every Canadian should have the opportunity to be physically activity, whether they want to play recreationally, competitively or have Paralympic aspirations. . Tax receipts are issued for all donations $20.00 and over.
The proceeds from this fundraising will be used for the following cause(s):
- Travel to and the transportation of equipment to Bridging the Gap outreach and education sessions.
- Honorariums for Athlete Ambassadors. Athlete Ambassadors are an essential part of the program as they can share their stories and the way that participation in sports has impacted their journey.
- Equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Subsidize the cost of a specific outreach program (facility rental, facilitators, equipment, printed resources etc.)
How this project will assist in promoting or developing amateur sport on a national level.
This project will contribute to the promotion and development of amateur sports on a national scale by providing essential support and resources. Through financial assistance, improved facilities, and enhanced equipment, the project aims to create a more conducive environment for athletes, fostering talent development and encouraging participation. Additionally, the associated programs and initiatives will increase awareness, engagement, and accessibility, thereby positively impacting the overall growth and sustainability of amateur sports across the nation.
Click HERE to donate to Project #94 – Bridging the Gap
Registration Packages-2024 Junior East/West & CWBL National Championship
Leave a CommentAs of January 4th, 2024
Wheelchair basketball Canada has shared the links to the Registration Packages for the 2024 Junior East and West, Women’s and CWBL National Championship events.
JR E – https://www.wheelchairbasketball.ca/event/2024-junior-east-championship/
JR W – https://www.wheelchairbasketball.ca/event/2024-junior-west-wheelchair-basketball-championship/
Women’s – https://www.wheelchairbasketball.ca/event/2024-cwbl-womens-national-championship/
CWBL – https://www.wheelchairbasketball.ca/event/2024-cwbl-national-championship/
2023 Annual General Meeting
Leave a CommentOntario Para Network’s 2023 AGM has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 6:30-8:30 pm
The meeting will be held via Zoom.
For link, please contact info@onpara.ca
Please see ONPARA AGM 2023 Agenda for meeting overview
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89204142996
2023-2024 Ontario Junior Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Team
Leave a CommentWe are pleased to officially unveil the roster for the 2023-2024 Ontario Junior Provincial Wheelchair Basketball Team. This talented group of athletes has earned the honor of representing Ontario at the upcoming Junior East Regional Championship scheduled for March 8 – 10, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec. Our heartfelt congratulations extend to all the exceptional athletes chosen for both our Junior Team and Development Squad.
Embracing Giving Tuesday-Message from Doug Hannum
Leave a CommentOntario Para Network
Doug Hannum
Email: doug@onpara.ca
Phone: 416-707-5947
EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF GIVING TUESDAY
Support Para Sport & Make a Difference
TORONTO, ON, November 28th, 2023– Dear ONPARA Community and Para Sport Enthusiasts,
Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to charitable contributions and I want to emphasize not only the importance of donations but also the remarkable work carried out by organizations like ours.
Within ONPARA, we are a tight-knit community of athletes, clubs, coaches, officials, parents, and volunteers. Each group plays a crucial role, and as we gear up for Giving Tuesday, I’d like to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of our clubs.
Comprising over 30 clubs, our network serves as the grassroots foundation of para sports. These clubs actively recruit and train athletes, coaches, and officials, offering a supportive environment for participants to excel, build friendships, and experience a sense of belonging—a platform for personal growth and empowerment. To facilitate this, funding is essential, and your support, along with that of your community, can make a significant impact on Giving Tuesday.
For a list of clubs and programs where you can make your donation, please click the following links:
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair Rugby
Partnering Sports such as Sitting Volleyball, ParaGolf, Ontario Cycling and more.
In terms of financial support, Scotiabank stands out as a significant corporate partner in the para sport space. Their ongoing support has allowed us to reach over 700 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and participants. Their commitment to the power of sport within the community and their specific support for para sport deserves my heartfelt thanks and appreciation this Giving Tuesday. I hope other Canadian corporations will follow their lead and discover ways to support para sport in the future.
Let’s harness the power of generosity this Giving Tuesday and make a real impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Join us in bringing about positive change by donating to any of our partner organizations and spreading the love for para sport. Remember, every little bit counts!
Best Regards,
Doug Hannum
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Giving Tuesdays! Ideas on giving
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Upcoming League events: For more information, please contact Tammy Lyle-Gravlev (tammy@onpara.ca)
December 10th, 2023- Women’s Training Camp @ Toronto Pan Am Centre
December 10th, 2023 Junior Training Camp @ Abilities Centre
For a list of clubs and programs where you can make your donation or volunteer, please click the following links:
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair Rugby
Partnering Sports such as Sitting Volleyball, ParaGolf, Ontario Cycling and more.
ONPARA To Host Women’s Wheelchair Basketball National Championship
Leave a CommentTuesday, September 26, 2023.
Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) is thrilled to announce it’s been awarded the honour of hosting the 2025 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League (CWBL) Women’s National Championship, in partnership with Sport Durham.
This highly anticipated event will take place at the Durham College / Ontario Tech University Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, located in Oshawa, Ontario, in May 2025.
The CWBL Women’s National Championship is one of the most prominent wheelchair basketball competitions in Canada, showcasing the remarkable talent, determination, and athleticism of female athletes who excel in this exhilarating sport. The championship serves as a platform to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and the power of sports to unite people from all backgrounds.
ONPARA and Sport Durham are committed to making this championship a memorable and inclusive event that will not only showcase the incredible skills of the athletes but also promote accessibility, awareness, and enthusiasm for the sport of wheelchair basketball and sport opportunities for people of all abilities, and the spirit of competition. This milestone event is expected to draw top wheelchair basketball talent from across the nation, and we look forward to welcoming players, coaches, officials, and fans from far and wide.
“Hosting the 2025 CWBL Women’s National Championship is a tremendous honour for ONPARA,” said Doug Hannum, Executive Director of ONPARA. “We’re excited to work closely with Sport Durham and other partners, sponsors, and the local community to create an unforgettable championship experience. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable athletes and inspire others to get involved in wheelchair basketball and para-sports.”
“Durham Region is proud to partner with ONPARA to host the 2025 CWBL Women’s National Championship, and continues to grow inclusive sport opportunities and participation,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham. “I’m confident that our community will join us in making this a memorable event for all—as partners, volunteers and enthusiastic fans.”
ONPARA and Sport Durham will collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to ensure the success of the 2025 CWBL Women’s National Championship. The event will feature high-intensity wheelchair basketball games and also engage the community through inclusive and legacy initiatives.
Stay tuned for updates on the championship, including ticket information, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Join us in Durham Region, Ontario in May 2025, as we witness the nation’s top wheelchair basketball athletes compete for glory.
For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
Tammy Lyle-Gravlev – High Performance Wheelchair Basketball Coordinator
Email: tammy@onpara.ca
Phone: 416-839-4336
About ONPARA: The Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and developing wheelchair sports in Ontario. ONPARA strives to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports and lead active, healthy lives. For more information about ONPARA, visit www.onpara.ca.
About Sport Durham: Sport Durham is the Region of Durham’s sport tourism program. As connectors and collaborators, it builds partnerships to host successful sport events and grow sport. Sport Durham’s award-winning edge is the care taken to create memorable participant experiences and lasting legacies. One of its core values is inclusion. Sport Durham believes participation in sport should be accessible to everyone and is an ally and partner in growing diversity in sport opportunities and participation