ONPARA Schools Program

The ONPARA Community Development Programs are designed to introduce and promote inclusive sport, and encourage youth of all ages and abilities to be physically active. For more information about any of the programs below, please contact us at schoolprograms@onpara.ca.

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ONPARA Schools Program

ONPARA has long been dedicated to providing in-school experiential programming aimed at empowering students and fostering greater awareness and inclusivity around adaptive sports and disability advocacy. These programs have allowed us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth, especially through hands-on experiences with our sport wheelchairs.

However, in 2023, our ONPARA van was involved in a serious accident, which resulted in the van being totaled. This incident, coupled with the current financial constraints, has left us unable to replace the van or continue to support the same level of in-school programming that we previously offered. While this change in logistics presents challenges, we are committed to ensuring that we continue to share our vital message with youth across the region and inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and advocates.

In light of these circumstances, ONPARA is excited to announce that we are moving forward with an adapted approach to our school programming by hosting assemblies led by our ONPARA Ambassadors. This new format not only aligns with our current resources but also offers several compelling benefits for both our organization and the schools we serve.

Key Benefits of Hosting Assemblies with ONPARA Ambassadors:

  1. Expanded Reach and Greater Impact Hosting assemblies allows us to engage with a larger, more diverse audience within the school community. Rather than conducting individual, in-school experiences with limited capacity, assemblies provide the opportunity to deliver our message to entire schools at once—students, teachers, staff, and even parents. This expanded reach ensures that we are touching more lives and creating greater awareness around the importance of inclusion, diversity, and accessible sports.
  2. Enhanced Role for ONPARA Ambassadors Our Ambassadors are the heart of ONPARA, and hosting assemblies empowers them to step into leadership roles, enabling them to share their personal stories, experiences, and expertise in a dynamic and impactful way. These sessions offer our Ambassadors the chance to develop critical skills such as public speaking, leadership, and advocacy, while also giving them the opportunity to inspire young audiences to think differently about disability, sports, and what it means to lead an inclusive life.
  3. Efficient Use of Resources With the loss of our van and the logistical challenges it presented in transporting equipment, hosting assemblies allows us to deliver our programming without the need for costly transportation, sports equipment, or staff coordination for in-school activities. Assemblies are easier to organize and can be tailored to fit within the school’s schedule, minimizing disruption while still maximizing impact.
  4. Focused Attention and Lasting Engagement Assemblies create a unique environment where students can engage with our message in a focused and concentrated way. Whether through a keynote address, interactive demonstrations, or Q&A sessions, these events offer a platform for ONPARA Ambassadors to connect with students, encourage dialogue, and foster empathy. The large-scale nature of assemblies also allows for the possibility of follow-up initiatives, such as workshops, volunteer opportunities, or partnerships, creating a sustained engagement that extends beyond a one-time event.
  5. Cost-Effectiveness and Strategic Partnership While the shift from in-school experiential programming to assemblies represents an adaptation of our approach, it also provides us with a more cost-effective solution that allows ONPARA to continue to serve schools and communities without the significant financial burden associated with our previous programming. Moreover, assemblies create the potential for strategic partnerships with schools, local businesses, and sponsors who share our commitment to inclusion, allowing us to grow our network of support.
  6. Continued Commitment to Our Mission It is essential to us that we continue to make a meaningful impact on youth, especially in the areas of inclusion and disability advocacy. The assembly format aligns with our mission to foster empathy, inclusivity, and community understanding, enabling us to reach students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate in our traditional programs. We remain committed to promoting a message of empowerment and equality for all, and hosting assemblies is an effective way to do so within our current resource framework.

Looking Ahead

While this transition presents us with new challenges, it also offers exciting opportunities for growth, outreach, and impact. We believe that the assembly model will allow ONPARA to continue to be a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity for youth in our community, despite the setback we’ve faced with our transportation resources.

We are excited to partner with schools and educators to bring our ONPARA Ambassadors into classrooms, gymnasiums, and auditoriums, where they will continue to inspire, educate, and encourage young people to embrace inclusion and diversity in all areas of life.

We appreciate your continued support as we adapt to this new chapter in our programming, and we look forward to the continued success of our school assemblies.

OPTION A: ASSEMBLY/ PRESENTATION (Tuesday/ Thursday)

Program Outline

Over the course of a 60-minute assembly-style presentation, staff and students will learn how Parasport (Tennis, Rugby, or Wheelchair Basketball) has impacted the life of our ONPARA Ambassador. Students will learn about:

  • The challenges faced participating in Parasport
  • Parasport rules and regulations (Tennis, Rugby or Wheelchair Basketball)
  • Success stories and inspirational moments
  • The impact of Wheelchair Basketball on the Community
  • Ambassadors will also share the unique opportunities they have as someone living with a disability

The assembly-style presentation begins with an introduction to the ONPAR Ambassador, who is a passionate advocate for Parasport and disability inclusion. The ambassador shares their personal journey, highlighting the challenges they’ve faced in both their disability and their pursuit of sport.

During the question period, students have the opportunity to engage directly with the ambassador, asking questions about sport, their disability, and their everyday life. This interactive session fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the ambassador’s experiences and perspectives.

The presentation concludes with a call to action, encouraging students to support disability inclusion initiatives, advocate for accessible environments, and participate in adaptive sports programs. By promoting awareness and understanding, the presentation empowers students to become allies and champions for inclusion and diversity in their school and community.

This can take place in a school theatre or gymnasium

Cost

    • Focus: School Presentation/ Assembly
    • One Athlete Ambassador
    • Session Duration: 1 hour
    • Cost: $300
    • Mileage: additional 62 cents a km

OPTION B: CHAIR PICK UP/ DROP OFF

Program Outline

Educational institutions can utilize their schoolboard vehicles to pick up/ drop off chairs from our Storage Locker located at Eglinton and Victoria Park in Toronto. ONPARA will provide you with a school resource guide and some online training tools.

Cost

  • $25.00 a day, per chair (8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
  • $500 refundable deposit required

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