ProgramsTo strengthen the Paralympic Movement, the Canadian Paralympic Committee runs programs across Canada to build awareness and educate Canadians about how sport and activity for persons with a disability can help fulfill their personal potential and help them fully participate in their community.
Three programs provide schools, healthcare professionals, community groups, governments and corporate Canada the opportunity to learn more about Paralympic Sport and create inclusive environments for persons with a disability at work and at play.
Paralympic Heroes
Paralympic Heroes matches high performance Paralympic athletes and members of the Canadian Paralympic family with paid and volunteer speaking opportunities at public, government, corporate, and school events (including sport demonstrations). These presentations play a critical role in increasing awareness and recognition of Paralympic athletes; meeting and learning about their sporting success; and changing how people think and behave towards persons with a physical disability. Presentations are diverse and tailored to each event.
It's the Real Deal
The Petro-Canada Paralympic Schools Program
It's the Real Deal is a free, online teacher’s resource that provides Canadian students with a unique opportunity to learn more about the Paralympic Movement, Paralympic athletes, and helps them to establish positive perceptions of people with a physcial disability. Developed for elementary school students, paralympiceducation.ca offers multi-media lessons, lesson plans, and activities that are geared toward the five core curriculum subjects. Regular contests provide teachers with the opportunity to engage students in the Paralympic Spirit.
Changing Minds, Changing Lives
Changing Minds, Changing Lives (CMCL) is a program that educates healthcare professionals and students, as well as community groups and others in a position to influence persons with a disability, on the benefits of sport and how to help their clients get involved. Co-ordinators across Canada deliver workshops in healthcare centres, colleges, community, and sport centres. Workshops often include presentations by a Paralympic Athlete or local athlete with a physical disability on the important role sport has played in their lives.
This professional development seminar works with key influencers and frontline service providers to support them in realizing the potential that resides within all Canadians with a disability.
