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.

  • ONPARA Schools Program
  • Bridging the Gap
  • Have A Go Day
  • Corporate Events

ONPARA Schools Program

ONPARA offers Parasport / Wheelchair Basketball Outreach programming to schools in Toronto (GTA), Mississauga, Halton, York, and Durham Region. The comprehensive program is designed to provide all participants (students and adults) with an enhanced appreciation of parasport.

​The ONPARA Wheelchair Basketball School Program provides students with the chance to gain insights into inclusion, diversity, and the significance of leading an active lifestyle that’s accessible to everyone. With over 200 presentations since 2017, we’ve educated more than 118,000 students about the empowering and accessible world of wheelchair basketball.  Our Rental Week initiative has also created change as 76 schools have thus far participated ensuring students experience this one-of-a-kind sport.

The comprehensive, experiential learning program is designed to provide both students and faculty with an enhanced appreciation of parasport. As noted below, duration is customizable though overall focus is given to ensuring students acquire insights into the overarching significance of physical activity for individuals of all abilities. Additionally, participants have the privilege of engaging with local para-athletes and immersing themselves in a tactile experience by interacting with parasport equipment and actively participating in wheelchair basketball. Furthermore, the program offers educators an invaluable opportunity to deepen their understanding of how they can effectively tailor and adapt their own curricula to cater to the specific needs of students with disabilities.

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

Upcoming Events

View all events