J

K

L

M

N

North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association
Location: Maple Ridge
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Equestrian

Click for more about the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association

North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association

North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (formerly Pacific Riding for the Disabled – Maple Ridge Branch) was established in 1973 to provide individuals with disabilities a venue that would give them both therapy and personal growth through horseback riding.

Continued growth and success has provided the opportunity for Maple Ridge to develop a new independent non-profit charitable society. North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association began as its own independent riding facility in January 2004. The backbone to the program which provides classes 6 days a week, has 14 horses and ponies as well as over 100 dedicated volunteers.

The disabilities that affect the riders are as varied as the riders themselves. The riders include victims of accidents, amputees, people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and many other mental and physical challenges.

Benefits:
The benefits of therapeutic riding for people with disabilities are as varied as the individuals themselves. Participants will progress as riders at varying rates and may experience one or many of the following benefits.

* Improvement of balance
* Development of coordination
* Mobilization of trunk and pelvis
* Strengthening of muscles
* Normalization of muscle tone
* Prevention of contractures
* Increased confidence and self-esteem
* Improvement of attention span
* Promotion of independence
* Improvement of social integration
* Access to recreation, sport and/or competition

Horseback riding can give the rider the freedom to go wherever he or she wants to go without the burden of a wheelchair or cane. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the riders and observing the benefits of the bond formed between horse and rider is a remarkable sight!

Website: www.nftra.org
Phone:  (604) 462.7786
Address: 12471 254th Street, Maple Ridge, V4R 1V4

---

O

P

Pacific Northwest Scuba Challenge Association
Location: Vancouver
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Scuba Diving

Click for more about the Pacific Northwest Scuba Challenge Association

Pacific Northwest Scuba Challenge Association 

The Pacific Northwest Scuba Challenge Association offers fully accredited scuba courses taught by instructors and assistants experienced in diving with disabilities.

Have you ever wanted to...

• do something out of the ordinary?
• prove something to yourself?
• get a life?
• join an exciting adventure oriented club?
• build your self confidence while participating in an exclusive sport?
• experience the weightless freedom of the underwater world?

We offer...

• a club that brings able bodied and physically challenged people together with a common goal
• fully accredited scuba courses taught by instructors and assistants experienced in diving with disablities
• access to scuba equipment at reduced rates
• resources for finacial assistance
• club diver's list
• a wide range of social activities
• guest speakers
• a support group of able-bodied and disabled divers
• monthly club dives at local dive spots
• trips
• great people
• a club newsletter

Where
Meetings are held the third Thursday of every second month except December at 7:30PM in the boardroom of GF Strong.

Contact Information:
Website: members.shaw.ca/gsinger/scuba/scubainfo.html
E-mail: gideon.singer@gmail.com
Phone: (604) 525.7149

---

Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA)
Location: Langley
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Equestrian

Click for more about the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA)

The PRDA provides therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.

Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities was established in 1973 to provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. For over 36 years, we've been giving youth and adults with varying  disabilities the chance to bond with horses, make lasting friendships, have fun, and receive therapy at the same time. PRDA provides a caring and welcoming environment, and we pride ourselves on being a safe place for people to experience new things. We want our riders to feel like they can challenge themselves knowing that there is a strong support system in place for them should they require help.

Equine assisted therapy has long been recognized as an excellent means of providing physical, psychological, social and recreational benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Balance and coordination, increased confidence, group activity and excitement of movement "free of any mechanical aids" are some of the many benefits.

Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with a wide range of disabilities. PRDA is recognized as a leader in providing equine assisted therapeutic activities and educational opportunities in an environment that is safe, fun and effective.

Contact Information:
Website: www.prda.ca
Phone: (604) 530.8717
Address: 1088 - 208th Street, Langley, B.C., V2Z 1T4, Canada

---

Pitt Meadows Paddling Club- PaddleALL
Location: Pitt Meadows
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Multiple Sports - Paddling, Outrigger, Kayaks

Click for more about the Pitt Meadows Paddling Club- PaddleALL

PaddleALL is a program designed for people of all ages and abilities to participate in the sport of Canoe Kayak.  Our goal is for individuals with disabilities (cognitive and/or physical) to be able to participate in the sport in a fun, and safe environment. 
Participants receive great health benefits while paddling along the Alouette River.  Individuals are accompanied by a staff member who is trained in water safety.  Currently we have two different types of large boats for participants to paddle, and we are looking to expand with two person kayaks, and single outriggers by the end of the season.  We also have four adaptive seats that are able to fully support individuals with various needs.  The seats have parts which are adjustable and/or removable to accommodate each individual. 

PaddleALL is offered both recreationally, and competitively.  Pitt Meadows Paddling Club’s goal is to have athletes compete at the National level, if not this year, then in 2010. The International Canoe Federation is currently looking at introducing PaddleALL in the 2012 Paralympics. 

Website: www.pmpc.ca
Phone: Emma Visser at (604) 506.7076

---

Power Soccer B.C.
Location: Provincial - Multiple Locations
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Power Soccer

Click for more about Power Soccer B.C.

Power Soccer is a fast growing sport for people with disabilities that use powerchairs (electric wheelchairs). Although it has been played in B.C. since the 80's it hasn't grown until recently. There are currently 5 steady teams in B.C., but there are people interested in starting new ones. The sport is also growing internationally, recently countries met to develop international rules. The new rules open up the field and allow more passing and shooting.

Players use their powerchairs equipped with footguards to pass, shoot and carry the ball with the objective of scoring the most goals. It is played in a full size basketball court. Each team plays with 4 players on the field at a time including the goalkeeper.

Website: www.sportabilitybc.ca/itoolkit.asp?pg=POWER_SOCCER
President of BC PowerSoccer Cathy Cunningham: c.cunningham@shaw.ca

Contact Information for Naniamo:
Team: Nanaimo Rockin Rollers
Contact Person: Bob Milne
E-mail: bdmilne@shaw.ca

Contact Information for North Vancouver:
Team: North Shore Eagles
Contact Person: Luigi Galvani
Phone: (604) 921-2395
E-mail: galvani@shaw.ca

Contact Information for Penticton:
Team: Penticton Thunderchairs
Contact Person: Cathy Cunningham
Phone: (250) 770-9065
E-mail: c.cunningham@shaw.ca

Contact Information for Surrey:
Team: Surrey Transformers
Contact Person: Gord or Cheryl Epp
Phone: (604) 596-1044
E-mail: cjkepp@shaw.ca

Contact Information for Vancouver:
Team: Vancouver Lightning
Contact Person: Margaret McLeod
Phone: (604) 251-2030
E-mail: m.mcleod@telus.net

Contact Information for Victoria:
Team: Victoria Mavericks
Contact People:
Chris Halpen
E-mail: halpen.chris@gmail.com
Kelly Halpen
E-mail: Kelly.N.Halpen@shaw.ca
Mike Patterson
E-mail: jan_mike@shaw.ca

to top of page

---

Power To Be Adaptive Recreation Program
Location: Provincial - Multiple Locations
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Sea Kayaking, Alpine Skiing, Indoor Rock Climbing, Gardening, Camping

Click for more about the Power To Be Adaptive Recreation Program

The Power To Be Adaptive Recreation Program was developed in response to providing access to recreation for young people living with a disability. Our year-round inclusive program provides access to physical activities such as sea kayaking, alpine skiing, indoor rock climbing, gardening and camping.

Youth and families living with a disability are often faced with a variety of challenges that include social isolation, cognitive impairments, physical limitations, and emotional distress. The Power To Be Adaptive Recreation Program plays a critical role in removing these barriers.

Our objective is to assist each young participant in discovering their abilities and eventually, a promising future. Embedded in our unique curriculum are outdoor education activities and volunteer initiatives that promote physical heath and emotional well being; develop interpersonal and leadership skills; teach environmental stewardship; and offer peer mentorship.

The people who attend The Power To Be Adaptive Recreation Program are referred by collaborating community agencies. Power To Be works on a the basis of providing an environment that:

• Focuses on inclusiveness
• Supports a positive perception and image for youth living with a disability, their families, and the public in general;
• Increases positive social circles
• Encourages trust, leadership, teamwork and sharing;
• Brings experiential education to life while addressing the challenges of living with a disability
• Uses a wilderness setting to address social and environmental responsibility.

Victoria Contact Information:
Website: www.powertobe.ca
Email: info@powertobe.ca
Tel: (250) 385.2363
Tel: Toll Free 1.800.375.2363
Fax: (250) 385.2360
Address: Victoria Head Office: 1009 Langley Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 1V7

Vancouver Contact Information:
Vancouver Office Phone: 778.558.7703
Vancouver Kayaking Program (May-August): 778.389.1570
Email: info@powertobe.ca

---

Power to Be Adventure - Wilderness School
Location: Southern Vancouver Island
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Wilderness School

Click for more about Power to Be Adventure - Wilderness School

Power to Be Adventure - Wilderness School

The Power To Be Wilderness School was developed in response to the need for a new way of looking at the issues facing young people growing up. It is a four year alternative education program with an additional Leadership Fifth Year that allows hands-on application of skills learned. It is the first initiative of its kind in British Columbia.

Our objective is to assist each young participant in discovering their full potential and eventually, a promising future. Embedded in our unique curriculum are outdoor education activities and volunteer initiatives that promote physical heath and emotional well being; develop interpersonal and leadership skills; teach environmental stewardship and social responsibility; offer peer mentorship and vocational opportunities.

The boys and girls who attend The Power To Be Wilderness School are selected from four schools in the Victoria Area are nominated by Guidance Counselors, Principals and teachers. The criteria for selection are simple. Power To Be wants the vulnerable kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks. They are the kids lost in the middle, not the superstars or those identified with serious problems. Power To Be works on a preventative basis with young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to be involved in such a program.

The Wilderness School operates in a variety of locations around South Vancouver Island. This provides opportunities to experience a variety of outdoor experiences as well as learn more about where they live. Participants are involved in sea kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, high ropes courses, challenge courses, surfing, camping, snowshoeing, hiking and Leave No Trace ethics.

Defining our Impact
Power To Be has constructed a curriculum that strengthens youth’s internal and external assets. "Assets" are the building blocks that all youth need in order to be healthy, caring, principled and productive adults. The Search Institute, a highly regarded youth development organization, created the developmental assets framework.

Research indicates that the more assets young people develop, the more likely they are to be successful in their adult lives.

Power To Be has three areas of focus for positive youth development: health, education and community service.

Our programs are designed to achieve the following results:

• Increase educational engagement at school, leading to better academic achievement, attendance and consequently higher rates of high-school graduation.
• Teach environmental education and increase knowledge of environmental stewardship.
• Develop vocational skills that can be applied in adulthood.
• Encourage positive behaviors attitudes and life choices.
• Increase the physical health for each participant.
• Provide peer mentorship.
• Reduce the rate of involvement in high-risk behaviour for each participant
• Provide volunteer opportunities that promote community learning, vocational skills and the importance of giving back.

Victoria Contact Information:
Website: www.powertobe.ca
Email: info@powertobe.ca
Tel: (250) 385.2363
Tel: Toll Free 1.800.375.2363
Fax: (250) 385.2360
Address: Victoria Head Office: 1009 Langley Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 1V7

---

Q

R

Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society
Location: Richmond
Type of Sport(s) and/or Recreation: Equestrian

Click for more about the Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society

Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society

The Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society (RTES) provides the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding to people with disabilities. While participation in some activities may be denied to people with disabilities, horseback riding can be adapted appropriately in most cases. Therapeutic Riding is recognized as an aid in treating various physical, mental and emotional disorders. Reported benefits include improved balance and co-ordination, increased confidence and a sense of achievement.

Website: www.rtesrichmond.com/
General inquiries: (604) 241.7837
Address: 13671 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C., V7A 1X7

---

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

to top of page