Artistic swimming, formerly called synchronized swimming, is a dynamic sport that requires not only physical fitness but also grace, poise, and confidence. This unique sport has team, duet, and solo events, allowing athletes of all abilities to take part. In this article, we feature a Toronto club that offers programs for athletes with disabilities. The Toronto Synchro Athletes with Disabilities Program gives swimmers with disabilities the chance to discover artistic swimming and develop their skill in the sport.
News Articles
News articles regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The Shelley Gautier Para-Sport Foundation for Para Cycling Athletes
The Shelley Gautier Para-Sport Foundation helps Ontarians with disabilities stay active in their communities through para cycling.
The Shelley Gautier Para-Sport Foundation
The foundation is named for its honorary chairperson, Paralympic athlete Shelley Gautier. Gautier, a globally renowned Para cyclist, competed in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic games. Her foundation gives people with disabilities across and beyond Ontario the chance to be involved in recreational sports. Participants can enjoy a healthy lifestyle, travel around their communities, and meet new people while they learn a new sport or rediscover an old one.
Para Rowing: Rowing for Athletes with Disabilities
Para Rowing gives athletes with disabilities the chance to enjoy the sport of rowing. Here we feature a club in Toronto, the Argonaut Rowing Club (ARC), where athletes can participate recreationally or competitively.
What is Para Rowing?
Rowing is the act of propelling a boat through the water with the use of oars. Para rowing is an adaptive form of rowing. In para rowing, some athletes perform full rowing strokes using their arms, trunks, and legs. Others row using their trunks and arms while sitting on a fixed seat. Another class of rowers use their shoulders and arms while seated with support for their backs.
Baseball for Athletes with Disabilities: Byron Optimist Challenge Baseball
The Challenger Baseball program gives players of all abilities across Canada the chance to learn the sport of baseball. Players enjoy being part of a team while gaining individual skills. Here, we highlight a league in London, Ontario, the Byron Optimist Challenge Baseball program.
Wheelchair Tennis
Wimbledon, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments, is running from June 24th until July 14th. Talented men and women from all around the world are playing for the Championship Trophy. An exciting tournament draws attention from people of all abilities. Athletes with disabilities may be interested in playing tennis and not sure how to get involved. There are a few cities within Ontario that offer lessons, clinics, and leagues for wheelchair users. Here, we highlight a club in the Ottawa region, The National Capital Wheelchair Tennis Association (NCWTA). The NCWTA gives athletes in the Ottawa-Carlton region the chance to play and compete in the sports of wheelchair tennis and table tennis.