Meet the Changemakers
Featuring the 2023 WAWOS Wishes recipients in Canada. These not-for-profits are committed to making sport and adventure accessible for all abilities.
Collaboration and building community are key values at WAWOS Canada. Amplifying the work other not-for-profits across the country are doing to shift the perception of disability and encourage access to adventure is core to our mission of inclusion.
A recent Western News article explored the importance of sport for children with disabilities. On the question of the impact of participation in parasport, one parent reported, “It’s helped with his social confidence, his friendships, physically his upper body is so strong now that you know it means he can be more independent at a practical level. So, I worry less about him going off to university, looking after himself.”
Our charity organization created the WAWOS Wishes program to honour the work these not-for-profits do. Throughout the year, Canadians nominate organizations in their community that are providing adaptive recreation, parasport, access to the arts, and other inclusive programs. Illuminating the work these organizations do can grow awareness for their impact, encourage more participants, and connect with donors. Research shows that inclusive programs grow empathy, build confidence, and spark conversations and connection.
In early February, our board of directors revieed these submissions and awarded $1000 to the finalists. In 2023, we’re proud to highlight 5 organizations:
- Whistler Adaptive
- TROTT-Ottawa Carleton
- Spirit North
- Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador
- CADS-NCD/Edelweiss
Shouting out so much gratitude to each of these organizations for the important work they’re doing to increase opportunities to cultivate personal development and socio-emotional skills like self-esteem, goal setting, positive communication and leadership for kids with disabilities. Together, we can change the narrative around physical difference and make the world more inclusive.
