Live Well PEI grant in action through ParaSport and Recreation PEI

ParaSport and Recreation PEI is bringing new energy to inclusive sport across the Island, thanks to a Live Well PEI Wellness Grant. 

The $7,500 grant is helping the organization offer Try It Days, giving Island residents with physical disabilities a chance to try sports they may never have imagined themselves playing.

Executive director Jeff Perry says their goal is to reach more people in places across the Island. A large portion of the funding is being used to help cover transportation, which is often the biggest barrier for participants. 

“We’re trying to get from tip to tip in PEI and raise awareness of what we do and the joy of inclusive and adaptive sport,” he explains. “If we can alleviate the transportation barrier, it really makes it easier for our members to get to the program.”

The Try It Days are being held across the province so people can sample sports like wheelchair basketball, boccia, archery, para tennis, swimming, and para ice hockey. For many, it’s their first time trying adaptive equipment, and it might even be their first time seeing these sports played up close.

Craig MacDougall is the program coordinator and says watching someone discover a sport they didn’t think was possible for them is something he never gets tired of and is what keeps him inspired. 

“Anyone without a disability can say, ‘I want to do this,’ and just go do it. But for parasport athletes, the questions are, ‘Is it offered? Is it even possible?’ That’s why these sports were created, because people wanted the chance to play.” 

The benefits of these programs reach beyond the participants.  

ParaSport and Rec PEI recently hosted a Try It Day for students in the Holland College Sports & Recreation Management program, turning the gym into an inclusive space where anyone could experience boccia, goalball, wheelchair basketball, or even take adult trikes for a spin along the perimeter. 

Many students had never tried adaptive sport before, and the experience gave them a new understanding of what inclusion and accessibility look like in practice. 

Student Ty McBride said the day pushed him to think differently about sports, especially in terms of coaching and leadership. 

“Trying these sports and learning about parasports with Jeff and Craig showed me how even small physical limitations can make a big difference for someone,” Ty says. “It really helped me see how important it is for leaders to pay attention and make space for everyone.”

With support from the Live Well PEI Wellness Grant, ParaSport and Rec PEI is expanding its reach, building new partnerships, and helping Islanders see that everyone deserves the chance to play, move, and belong. 

The organization hopes even more people will join in as programs continue to grow and they stay committed to bringing parasport opportunities to PEI.