about

The primary goal of Bridging the Gap is to eliminate the gap between the introduction of sport and recreation in the rehabilitation setting and continued involvement in physical activity. The program accomplishes this by hosting Have-a-Go Days and evenings that provide opportunities for individuals to experience a variety of wheelchair sports in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Current wheelchair athletes volunteer their time to demonstrate the sports and to let participants know about clinics and programs that are available to them. Developmental programs are in place so that individuals can continue to learn and to play the sport of their choice.

Although it will vary across Canada, some of the services that may be available to new participants through Bridging the Gap include human resources and financial support to wheelchair sport development programs and clubs as well as a wheelchair loan program, sport specific leagues and clinics. Junior programs, peer mentorship and leadership training. Bridging the Gap offers everyone the opportunity to benefit from an active lifestyle.

Have-a-Go Days are a start to a life of involvement and participation.

Have-a-Go Days, held regularly in the rehab centre and in the community, are used to demonstrate sports and let anyone interested try them out. Some Have-a-Go Days feature a single sport and some are multi-sport. We provide sport specific wheelchairs and most often, athletes who compete in the sports are on hand to explain and demonstrate their sport. This is a great opportunity for you to come and try out wheelchair sports and have fun doing it!

Whatever sport interests you, we are there to help you get involved in the sport of your choice! Whether it's accompanying you to the first event or helping you organize how to get there, we will do whatever we can to help you get involved and stay involved. If funding is a concern for you, we will help in whatever way we can to provide that kind of support as well. For example, there are a number of grants and bursaries available for people who want to get involved and participate in sport and recreation, and we can help you access those opportunities for funding.