People with disabilities, their families and anyone else interested in learning more about accessible sports opportunities are invited to attend Thunder Bay’s first Accessible Sports Expo, free to everyone, on Monday, Sept. 19. The event aims to encourage sport participation by people of all ages living with disabilities.

The Expo will feature a keynote presentation by Jeff Adams, a three-time Paralympic Champion and six-time World Champion in wheelchair track racing. Jeff is living proof that focus, determination and spirit are the keys to achieving “gold medal” dreams. Whether he’s climbing the CN Tower in a wheelchair, winning a gold medal at the Paralympics, or being the best in business, Adams knows the process to ensuring success is the same.

The Expo will also connect attendees with local accessible sport program providers. Information will be shared about Para Nordic skiing, wheelchair curling, sledge hockey, seated volleyball, Special Olympics Thunder Bay and more.

“We are pleased to offer this Expo and help connect people with disabilities to the many sport opportunities Thunder Bay has to offer,” said Sport & Community Development Supervisor Paul Burke. “Physical activity and the opportunity to compete and socialize is important for everyone including people with disabilities.” 

This event takes place at the Victoria Inn at 6 pm, and is hosted by the City of Thunder Bay and PRO Kids in partnership with George Jeffrey Children’s Centre and Foundation.

“We are thrilled to be a partner for this event,” said Cindy Levanto, Executive Director of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation. “Many of our George Jeffrey children and youth need accessible sports and recreation activities outside of their therapeutic pathways, especially as they age-out of our Centre and enter the adult world, so this is a great opportunity to see what is available to them.”

To register and/or learn more information about the Accessible Sports Expo visit www.thunderbay.ca/accessiblesportexpo. Registration is encouraged but not mandatory. The Accessible Sports Expo is proudly sponsored by Freedom Concepts Inc.

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Contact:      Matthew Lawrence, Sport Development Coordinator, 631-6135 or matthew.lawrence@thunderbay.ca

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                     Cindy Levanto, Executive Director, George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation, 625-6052, clevantokawahara@georgejeffrey.com