Ontario Helping Persons With Disabilities Stay Active

TORONTO — Ontario’s government for the people is helping persons with disabilities in the Greater Toronto Area stay active and build their confidence through sport and recreation. The province is providing $4.5 million to Variety Village for facility repairs, as well as recreational and competitive adaptive sport programs.

“Our government believes every person deserves the opportunity to enjoy sport at all levels and all abilities,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Variety Village does important work promoting inclusion and accessibility in sport and recreation, which is why we’re proud to provide them support to continue delivering physical activity and sport programs.”

Provincial funding will include $2.5 million in 2019-20 for facility repairs, as well as $2 million over the next two years to help deliver recreational and competitive adaptive sport programs. Some of the programming includes aquatics, competitive sports and introducing children with disabilities to parasports through education and outreach.

“The children and families that are served by Variety’s programming are very grateful for this historic investment of funding,” said Karen Stintz, President and CEO of Variety Village. “For over 70 years, Variety Village has been breaking down barriers for children with a disability and their families. This announcement is significant because it will mean the sustainability of the facility for the next 20 years. This is a government that understands the importance of investing in families and delivered on that commitment.”

“Ontario is one of the best places to play sport and be an athlete,” said MacLeod. “Variety Village is empowering children with disabilities and levelling the playing field through competitive adaptive sport.”