Abilities Centre in partnership with Ontario Basketball and Rugby Ontario launch new initiative “Centre for Sport Innovation and Inclusion”
Decreasing both physical and systemic barriers to sport participation; With files from Abilities Centre Communications
Whitby, ON - May 29, 2018 - Abilities Centre is excited to announce the launch of the Centre for Sport Innovation and Inclusion (CSII) in partnership with Ontario Basketball and Rugby Ontario. On Friday, June 1st at 10:30am, the Abilities Centre officially launched its newest initiative, the CSII and promoted accessible and inclusive sport throughout Ontario.
With statements from those involved with the initiative including Ontario Basketball, Rugby Ontario and Ontario Trillium Foundation, Abilities Centre launched the CSII in a one-hour event at the Whitby facility. Eighty local elementary students also participated in accessible basketball and rugby activities.
"Rugby Ontario is delighted and excited to be part of the Centre for Sport Innovation and Inclusion," said David Patterson, Rugby Development Manager. "We are looking forward to working with our partners Ontario Basketball, the Abilities Centre, Wheelchair Sports Association of Ontario and Wheelchair Basketball Canada to change the landscape and create more inclusive sporting environments."
The Centre for Sport Innovation and Inclusion has been introduced to encourage provincial sports organizations to adapt their facilities, programming, and regulations to increase participation by people of all ages and abilities. Through the support of a $120,000 Ontario150 Community Capital Program grant awarded in early 2017 and administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Abilities Centre has implemented changes to our facility, including six adjustable basketball nets, to meet the ever-growing needs of our members and community.
About Abilities Centre
Abilities Centre is operated and incorporated as a charitable, not‐for‐profit organization. Today, it is a 125,000 square foot innovative “Community Hub” where people of all ages and abilities enrich their lives by engaging in social and health programs. Located in Whitby, Ontario, Abilities Centre delivers sports, fitness, arts, research, education, health and life‐skills opportunities. The Centre is focused on bringing together families, friends and neighbours in a spirit of inclusion and possibility. For more information, visit www.abilitiescentre.org
About Ontario Trillium Foundation
Administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, Ontario150 Community Capital Program grants have helped nonprofits, municipalities and Indigenous communities renovate, repair and retrofit existing community and cultural infrastructure. For more information, visit www.otf.ca.
Quick Facts
The Centre for Sport Innovation and Inclusion will create formal relationships between sport organizations to support key areas such as programming and coach and official development.
The CSII will work in collaboration with community groups that serve diverse populations and identify strategies that support sport participation opportunities for children who have traditionally not had equitable access to these opportunities.
The organizations currently involved with the CSII include: Abilities Centre, Ontario Basketball, Rugby Ontario, Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association and Wheelchair Basketball Canada.
The Centre for Sport Innovation and Inclusion will decrease both physical and systemic barriers in sport participation at all stages of the Long-Term Athlete Development Model by leveraging the expertise of each CSII partner.
Media Contacts
Heather St. Amand
Director, Communication & Marketing
Abilities Centre
T 905 665 8500 x116
Devin Gray
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Ontario Basketball
dgray@basketball.on.ca www.basketball.on.ca
T 416 477 8075 x217
Kevin Baxter
Coordinator, Communications
Rugby Ontario
kbaxter@rugbyontario.com www.rugbyontario.com
T 647 560 4790 x1006
