A para-sport program piloting in Greater Victoria will give youths with disabilities in the region the opportunity to try out a variety of activities for free.

Coordinated by One Ability, a collective of regional organizations committed to adapted sport, the 20-week Para PowerPLAY program aims to cut the pandemic blues by getting youth aged 15 to 24 trying out seven para-sports.

B次元官网网址淧eople with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted by program cancellations during the pandemic,B次元官网网址� said One Ability co-founder Andrea Carey. B次元官网网址淪o weB次元官网网址檙e hoping this is an avenue for them to get re-involved B次元官网网址� or involved B次元官网网址� and get both physical and mental health support.B次元官网网址�

On the February to June roster are sledge hockey, therapeutic riding, para-rowing, wheelchair athletics, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and possibly, wheelchair tennis.

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Opportunities to participate in many of those para-sports already exist in Victoria, but Carey hopes a free program offering youth a chance to try out a whole bunch at once will convince more to get involved. Ideally, she said, theyB次元官网网址檒l connect with one and have a new hobby.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 also an opportunity for social connection and meeting a new group of friends,B次元官网网址� she said, acknowledging the loneliness many people have felt over the past two years.

The pilot program begins Feb. 5 and runs every Saturday afternoon until June 18. Of the 15 spots available, Carey said seven are already taken.

If all goes to plan and more funding can be secured, the hope is to run the program a couple times a year.

Anyone interested in registering can fill out an online or contact Sam Heron at powerplaycoordinator@gmail.com.

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