A celebration of inclusion and events highlighting physical activity for people with disabilities are the cornerstones of the second annual OneAbility ProMotion Week running through Sunday.
The week features free drop-in sport demonstrations as well as an open house and educational session at the Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence.
“PISE is pleased to host an event that highlights the great work occurring in the community in areas of inclusion, accessibility and physical activity,” said Jonathan Ritchot, PISE adapted strength and conditioning specialist.
“In our goal to create a barrier-free training environment, we are pleased to partner with members of OneAbility to ensure all members of our community have opportunities to develop life–long physical literacy skills to enrich their health and overall well-being.”
PISE will host a ProMotion open house Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. featuring different opportunities for the public to learn about and try adapted sport and physical activities.
“As the day will highlight, inclusion is more than just programs, equipment and buildings; it is a way of approaching challenges that benefit our whole community and allows for success many different ways,” said Ritchot.
Some of the week’s free drop-in programs include Everybody Yoga on Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at Rise, 4500 West Saanich Rd.; a wheelchair tennis program at the Cedar Hill Rec Centre Friday from 7 to 8 p.m.; blind soccer at the CARSA field house from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday; wheelchair basketball Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at CARSA; and wheelchair rugby from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at PISE.
OneAbility is a collective of organizations working to promote inclusive sport and fitness programs taking place in the region. Greater Victoria is a growing hub for disability sport and the services offered here have made the region a destination for athletes targeting events like the Paralympics.
“Inclusion is often viewed as beneficial simply to people with disabilities, however, it’s importance should be focused on all community members,” said Faye Cawsey, with Recreation Integration Victoria. “Our comfort zones, values and attitudes are broadened with interaction and engagement as our neighbourhoods, work places, schools, etc. become increasingly inclusive and welcoming. There is much to gain for everyone, not just those with disabilities.”
For more information about OneAbility and details on ProMotion Week see www.oneability.ca.