Wheels in Motion

Each year, Wheels In Motion brings us one step closer to achieving the goal of a fully accessible and inclusive Canada. Here are just a few examples of the programs that have been funded across Canada.

• Niagara Region, ON – Exercise Facility
• Toronto, ON – Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Leisure Fund
• St. John’s, NL – Uppertone
• Montréal, QC – Association québécoise de Voile Adaptée
• Vancouver, BC – Bridging the Gap
  

Niagara Region, ON – Exercise Facility

“I am truly looking forward to the Exercise Facility that will be built at Brock University with the funds raised by Wheels In Motion in 2009! This will be a place where myself and other people with SCI can feel comfortable to workout, gain confidence, do the necessary exercises to get better, feel stronger, and get back into the community.”

—Maria Natale , RHF Ambassador and Niagara Region Wheels In Motion Event Leader

People living with disabilities in the Niagara Region will no longer have to travel to Hamilton for fully accessible exercise facilities thanks to Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion and Brock University. Funds raised from this year’s event will be used to develop a fully accessible fitness facility at Brock University.

Toronto, ON – Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Leisure Fund

“People with SCI often don’t have the financial support to participate in certain leisure activities such as exercise, art, pilates, or organized sport. This Leisure Fund bridges that gap, providing assistance for transportation and membership costs, allowing individuals to feel inspired to try new things. Providing opportunities for individuals to participate in recreational programs will enhance the quality of life for people with SCI by helping them become more active in their community.”

—Peter Athanasopoulos, CPA Ontario

Funds raised by Wheels In Motion in Toronto will support a new program envisioned by the Toronto Solutions Team. Individuals with SCI will be able to apply for funds to participate in the recreational program of their choice, including a wheelchair sports program, a gym membership, a fitness class, and an art class. Often, people with spinal cord injuries are on very limited incomes, severely restricting their ability to participate in their communities.

St. John’s, NL – Uppertone 

“It is incredibly important for people living with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities to live active and healthy lives. Thanks to the support of Wheels In Motion, we are able to provide increasingly independent exercise opportunities for people living in our community.”

—Sherry Thompson, General Manager, Health, Fitness & Recreation, YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon

Funds raised by Wheels In Motion have been used to purchase an Upper-Tone Exercise System for the YMCA-YWCA in St. John’s which will allow individuals with SCI to utilize the equipment without any assistance from others.

Montréal, QC – Association québécoise de Voile Adaptée

“For many of us, sailing is the only outdoor activity that we are able to practice independently and be on the same playing field as any other sailor. Thanks to the support of Wheels In Motion, no one needs to be left on the dock.”

—René Dallaire, a Québec quadriplegic, and founder of the Association québécoise de voile adaptée (AQVA)

Established with one Marin 16 sailboat in 1995, the AQVA now consists of three Quebec chapters, enabling people with mobility impairments to improve their quality of life and reintegrate into the community by means of sailing. Funds raised from the 2009 event will help the AQVA develop a more competitive training program that will allow individuals to be able to participate in regattas, and ultimately, at the Paralympic level.

Funds raised by Wheels In Motion have been used to purchase an Upper-Tone Exercise System for the YMCA-YWCA in St. John’s which will allow individuals with SCI to utilize the equipment without any assistance from others.

Vancouver, BC – Bridging the Gap