Niagara Parasport Festival offers 'activity for everyBODY'

Ontario believes there’s a sport or activity for everyBODY, says a news release from Parasport Ontario.

And that’s exactly what the Niagara Parasport Festival is all about. It’s a two-day community sport and recreation event showcasing participation for all. There will be something to see and do for everybody starting May 31 at noon and June 1 at 9 a.m. (the event closes at 6 p.m. both days) at the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill.

Among incredible keynote presentations and educational workshops, activity challenges and a Community Expo, the Sports Demonstration Arena will be a big hit for attendees too. With over 20 adapted sports and activities for all to try, it will be “Para-mazing," promises ParaSport Ontario in its news release.

Sports like sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey will be hosted by sport experts and ambassadors. Similarly with other local offerings, from Special Olympics Niagara and the South Niagara Canoe Club, as well as therapeutic riding and adapted circus arts, to name a few.

Presented by Meridian, ParaSport Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, highly sought-after keynote speakers from Niagara’s disability community, like “Champion of Change” and best-selling author Unstoppable Tracy, and three-times Paralympic medalist and world-record holder Jeff Tiessen, will challenge attendees to be difference-makers in our community, for others and themselves.

Also guaranteed to educate and entertain are renowned TedX "body positivity" speaker Talli Osborne and Lady of the Lakes marathon swimmer Vicki Keith. Add to that, adapted activity workshops for seniors, yoga enthusiasts and dancers. 

“This event is unlike any other in the province, and probably the country. There’s so much excellence already in Niagara when it comes to parasport. By connecting communities in the region through the festival, Niagara will unquestionably stand as a model of inclusivity in sport and recreation for all, and for all of Ontario," says Tiessen.

“The festival is also special because it is the lived experiences of advocates and champions of parasport that make for an authentic journey into diversity and inclusion education. And with ‘All In For EveryBODY’ as its theme, the Niagara Parasport Festival is sure to pave more pathways for participation for the region’s disability community," Tiessen adds.

It’s a free event. Registration is encouraged at parasportniagara.ca. More details on programming and presenters online as well.