Accessible Sports in Thunder Bay
Below is a list of Accessible sports and sport organisations/clubs welcoming accessible athletes.
| Baseball - Challenger Baseball |
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Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball league for anyone with a physical disability, an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a developmental disability. Challenger Baseball creates a support network and community of peers and adults to support, encourage, and challenge athletes to step out of their comfort zone Contact: Tyler - tamcdoug@lakeheadu.ca |
| Cheerleading - Dynamite Cheer Dreamers |
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The Dynamite Cheer Dreamers is the first and only special needs cheerleading team in Thunder Bay! This team is for girls and boys of all ages. The Dreamers can be seen performing in all local competitions! Contact: Lorena - dynamitecheer2010@gmail.com |
| Curling - Wheelchair Curling |
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Wheelchair curling is an adaptation of curling for athletes with a disability affecting their lower limbs or gait.
Contact: Gino Sonego - aurora.gino@tbaytel.net Venue: Fort William Curling Club |
| Goalball |
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Goal Ball is a team sport designed specifically for athletes with a vision impairment.
Contact: Taryn Klarner - tklarner@lakeheadu.ca or 343-8010 ext 7190 |
| Hockey - Sledge Hockey |
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Sledge Hockey, also known as Para ice hockey, is an adaptation of ice hockey designed for players who have a lower-body impairment. Sledge hockey is played under similar rules to standard ice hockey, players are seated on sleds and use special hockey sticks with metal "teeth" on the tips of their handles to navigate the ice. Playing venues use an ice hockey rink. Sledge Public Skate sessions happen at the Fort William Gardens from 7:00pm - 8:30pm dates TBD
All participants are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet. It is suggested that you dress warmly and bring mitts/gloves.
The Ontario Sledge Hockey Association has more information. |
| Horseback Riding - Therapeutic Riding Association |
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The Therapeutic Riding Association provides physical therapy on horseback to people with special needs in the Thunder Bay area. Contact: Tereza - terezabiloski@tbaytel.net or thatbarn@aol.com |
| Skiing - Cross Country and Para Nordic/Sitski |
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Cross Country Contact: Liz Inkila - admin@xcskiontario.ca Website: xcskiontario.ca
Para Nordic/Sitski Para Nordic is an umbrella term that covers multiple impairments. Athletes with impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, leg length difference, hypertonia, ataxia, impaired passive range of movement, vision impairment and athetosis can all participate in Para Nordic. Many athletes with a disability affecting their lower limbs or gait choose to participate in Para Nordic using a sit ski. Sit-skiing is an accessibility option offered by the Kamview Nordic Trails, call ahead to borrow one - 807-475-7081.
Contact: Dave at Kamview - 807-475-7081 |
| Special Olympics |
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The Special Olympics Canada Games began in 1974 and are national multi-sport Games for athletes with an intellectual disability. At this time there are 18 Special Olympic Sports: Winter
Spring
Summer
The Special Olympics Canada Games serve more than 41,000 children, participating in programs run with the support of local sport clubs across 12 provincial and territorial Chapters. Contact: Rob Neff - carolandrobneff@hotmail.com or Denita Minoletti - dminoletti1@shaw.ca Check out their Facebook page for more information. |
| Swimming |
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Thunderbolts Swim Club Contact: Michelle Luu - boltspres@gmail.com |
| Tennis |
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Tennis Centre Contact: Jamie Grieve - jgrieve@tbaytel.net |
| Volleyball - Sitting Volleyball |
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Sitting Volleyball is volleyball with a lower net played from a seated position. Equipment is housed at Lakehead University and groups can rent it and the space. Contact: Taryn Klarner - tklarner@lakeheadu.ca or 343-8010 ext 7190 |
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Volt Hockey |
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Volt Hockey is played 3-on-3 on a gym-like floor using a powered cart with one-handed controls (joystick). Power carts are provided and no additional equipment is needed. Come tryout the carts for free and see if you'd like to be involved! Try-It Dates at the Fort William Gardens: Tuesday July 30th 11am to 1pm Tuesday August 13th 1:30-3:30pm
Contact: Mark - mark.koivula@thunderbay.ca More information at varietyontario.ca/volthockeycanada |
Helpful Organisations
| Expressive Arts Therapy - Creative Path |
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Julia Tribe (Expressive Arts Therapist) offers Creative Path, art therapy for individuals or groups of all ages with a variety of disabilities. Art includes visual art, movement, music, poetic writing etc. 807-632-3954 |
| George Jeffrey Children's Centre |
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Provides services to children (infants to 19 years, 21 if in high school) with disabilities. Services include Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, augmentative and alternative communication, behaviour support services and seating and mobility. 807-625-6994 |
| March of Dimes |
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A national charity that serves, connects and empowers people with disabilities. Todd Kennedy - 807-345-6595 ext 105 |
| Motion |
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Disability products and services. 807-622-1877 |
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Music Therapy - Kaelyn McCallum |
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Kaelyn McCallum (Music Therapist) offers Tons of Treble, a fun music therapy group for 3-5 year old kids with disabilities with a focus on connecting, musical exploration and growth. 807-629-5754 kaelynmccallummta@gmail.com |
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Provide a wide range of home medical equipment and services for people with disabilities. 807-623-9110 |
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Thunder Bay Family Network - iCan |
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Social Network program runs one evening per week and is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families to enjoy fun and inclusive activities with volunteers from the community. Activities may include karaoke, cheerleading, crafts, baking, and games. Cost is $4 per visit or $12 per month. 807-577-0034 |
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