Media Release: OTF Grant Gives ONPARA Opportunity to Rebuild and Recover
MEDIA RELEASE
February 4, 2022
Toronto, ON – In late 2020, the Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) learned it was receiving a nine-month, $83,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Over the last year, the grant has helped ONPARA re-imagine the delivery of its School Programs to continue meeting the needs of students and communities and increase and improve access to financial resources following the pandemic’s impact on it, and the sport and recreation sector. The project will be completed in February, giving more Ontario students access to engaging, informative and inclusive programming.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund grant cannot be underestimated,” said Doug Hannum, Executive Director, ONPARA. “This grant has allowed us to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and increase access to affordable and inclusive programming for students across the province.”
The funds enabled ONPARA to contract a videographer and production crew to record athlete interviews and sport footage to develop content for a virtual version of its popular School Programs, pivoting educational resources and content for students and teachers in the absence of providing in-person presentations. It also used the grant to help with some administrative and PPE supply costs, as well as purchasing some technical equipment and an online license for virtual programs. Thanks to OTF’s Resilient Communities Fund, people of all abilities will be able to participate in accessible and engaging virtual content that meets key learning outcomes and promotes the physical, social and psychological benefits of being physically active.
The Ontario Para Network is committed to growing opportunities for participation in adaptive sports. As the governing body for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis in the province, ONPARA offers opportunities for athletes with and without physical disabilities to participate in recreational, competitive and high-performance programs. ONPARA leads, develops, supports and advocates for athletes, coaches and volunteers to build strong and inclusive sport communities. If you wish to learn more about ONPARA programs and services, please visit the website at: www.onpara.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit www.otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Katherine Hale, Program Manager
Ontario Para Network
Phone: 416-807-3725
Email: katherine@onpara.ca
PDF Version of Media Release: Media Release – OTF Grant Gives ONPARA Opportunity to Rebuild and Recover
