In fall 2022, Sport Nova Scotia launched the Parasport Loan Program to offer an avenue for community organizations to deliver Parasport opportunities on a trial basis. The goal of the program aims to continue expanding Parasport opportunities to underserved regions across Nova Scotia that historically weren’t readily available for persons living with a disability.
The program has seen significant uptake by organizations across the province in only a year since it began. Wheelchair basketball is an excellent example of how this initiative can result in accessible and long lasting Parasport opportunities in our communities. Before the Loan Program, there were only three wheelchair basketball programs in two regions in Nova Scotia. Just after six months, there are now seven programs across the province, most recently in Yarmouth, Lunenburg, New Glasgow and Sydney.
“This has not only more than doubled the number of Wheelchair Basketball programs in the province, but also has reached rural communities that previously had limited Parasport opportunities,” said Zach Dickson, Parasport Coordinator. “As a result, Parasport programming has reached participants who would have otherwise not had the opportunity to participate in sport.”
At no cost to communities, the Parasport Loan Program provides required equipment, volunteer training and guides for six Parasports offered; Para Hockey, Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Goalball, Wheelchair Curling and Wheelchair Tennis, for a six-week trial period. Since January 2023, ten initiatives across all six sports have been provided, with significant interest already anticipated for 2024.
Access to equipment is a barrier for many, however, finding a local coach with knowledge of the Parasport can sometimes be equally as challenging. To offer support in this area, the program has been developed to not only loan equipment, but expertise. Training is also available to interested volunteers open to learning about the sport.
Sport can bring communities together, and through the Parasport Loan Program, we’ve seen how community sport organizations, municipalities, and other community groups have come together to organize, lead and facilitate the initiatives for athletes in the community.
“The success of the program can be directly attributed to the organizations who have stepped up to lead by example by taking part in the loan,” said Dickson. “Their interest in making sport accessible has paved the way for other communities keen to do the same for their local athletes.”
If your organization is interested in offering a Parasport program in your community, you can find more information by visiting www.parasportns.com/parasport-program-loan. If your organization has questions or wants to learn more, you can contact Sport Nova Scotia’s Parasport Coordinator at parasport@sportnovascotia.ca.
