At each Canada Games we strive to create inclusive and accessible environments in an effort to make every athlete, spectator, and stakeholder feel welcome. This includes ensuring that athletes of all abilities are given an equal opportunity to perform at their best while representing their Province or Territory on the national stage.
We recognize that while there is still room for improvement in order to make the Canada Games, and the world of sport as a whole more accessible, we continue to work closely with our Host Society partners to create accessibility policies and plans in order to make a positive impact and continuously strive for improvement. The Canada Games are our nation’s largest multi-sport event and we’re proud to provide opportunities for able-bodied athletes, athletes with a physical disability, athletes with an intellectual disability, and Special Olympic athletes.
Here's more information on the accessibility opportunities that we're working on currently and for the next two Canada Games.
Mobility & Modified Spaces
- We have created Canada Games standards in mind for Participants with a disability including additional square footage per room, bathroom & transportation requirements
- All Canada Games Host Societies are required to create and abide by a Diversity and Access Policy
- Facility upgrades for the Canada Games often include permanent upgrades for venues hosting Athletes with a disability contributing to the long-term legacy for para-use of facilities. Examples include a new elevator at the Canyon Ski Resort to support the Para-Alpine competition for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB and the inclusion of a sport and abilities centre at Canada Games Park, being constructed for the 2021 Canada Games in Niagara Region, ON.
Events for athletes with physical and/or intellectual disabilities at the 2021 Canada Summer Games
- Events in Athletics for athletes with a physical disability (variety of classifications), intellectual disability (II1 classification) and Special Olympic athletes
- Events in Swimming for athletes with a physical disability variety of classifications), intellectual disability (S14 classification) and Special Olympic athletes
- Events in sailing for athletes with a physical disability
Events for athletes with physical and/or intellectual disabilities at the 2023 Canada Winter Games
- Events in Alpine ski for athletes with a physical disability (sit and stand ski combined classifications)
- Events in Cross Country Ski for athletes with a physical disability (sit and stand ski combined classifications)
- Events in Figure Skating for Special Olympic athletes
- The sport of Wheelchair Basketball
We are incredibly proud of our para-athlete alumni and we will continually create and refine policies that make a positive impact on Canadian amateur athletes in an effort to create a Canada Games environment that is accessible for everyone.
