Fostering Community Through Recreation & Leisure
Four images in a square grid, clockwise from top left: a power wheelchair user curls alongside a support worker; the sledge team poses for a photo; virtual boccia at home participants pose for a screenshot; a young Deaf and hard of hearing camper captured as she goes down a slide. Overlaid text in the middle reads: Fostering Community Through Recreation & Leisure.
Community is at the heart of what we do. Our work goes beyond breaking down barriers to full and equal participation, and beyond creating an inclusive and accessible society. Through our community inclusion programs, like recreation and leisure, we create a home for athletes of all abilities, a place to build new skills, make new friends, and have a little fun.
For some, playing Canada’s favourite sport is a passion for the whole family – made possible through the sledge hockey camps, practices and tournaments.
“There is nothing better than coaching sledge hockey (Para Ice hockey) within the Manitoba Possible umbrella. To watch these players improve each week is one thing, but to see them smile and socialize in the dressing room and on the ice, makes it all worth it. Some of the players don’t get to socialize like this while at school/work so they look forward to showing up to the arena each weekend to see their friends and compete on the ice. Sledge hockey is so much more than these players getting onto the ice and trying to win the game, it’s something that can help them with their everyday life, and I am very happy to have been a part of it,” shares sledge coach, Rick.
Player Jaden shares, “I love sledge hockey – it’s my passion. Thanks to all the people that help make it happen.”
Luke, a sledge player for over a decade and now a coach, shares, “I can’t imagine my life without it – thanks to everyone who makes it possible.”
For others, meeting new friends and hanging out with old pals at day camp is the best way to spend summer vacation. We interviewed some of our youngest campers over the summer and here’s what they had to say:
“We love camp!” – Huk
Asked what his favourite part of camp is, James shrugs, “Mmm… lunch!”
When asked what her favourite activity at camp is, Maisie replies in American Sign Language, “Playing!”
For others, virtual hangouts provided connection through pandemic restrictions and made the return to in-person activities even sweeter.
With the support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation, Easter Seals, Century 21, donors, and United Way Winnipeg, our recreation programming serves children, youth, and adults with disabilities and in the Deaf and hard of hearing communities in Winnipeg and beyond.