It is time to IGNITE a change.
We see a future where Canadians with a disability are offered ample opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport. We strive to support diverse champions who inspire belief in the potential for greatness, thereby shaping communities across Canada into healthy and inclusive spaces where every person with a disability feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. Together, we will IGNITE CHANGE THROUGH SPORT.
Why IGNITE?
The Paralympic Movement isn’t just about medals or moments on the podium. It’s about courage, representation, resilience, and the belief that every Canadian deserves a place in sport. But right now, too many Canadians with a disability are being left behind.
Through the IGNITE campaign, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada is taking bold action to change that. With your support, we’re building a future where access, opportunity, and excellence are possible for all.
Because when you IGNITE access to sport, you IGNITE everything.
IGNITE is a national, multi-year campaign to raise $35 million by 2028 to fuel the full Para sport journey from the first introduction to sport, all the way to the Paralympic Games podium and beyond.
With three game-changing pillars — Opportunity, Belief, and Inclusion — IGNITE supports the athletes, programs, and system Canada needs to lead the world in Para sport.
Three Pillars. One Powerful Purpose.
IGNITE Opportunity – $12 Million
Unlock access to Para sport across Canada.
Too often, the biggest barrier to sport is simply getting started. Adaptive equipment is expensive. Coaches and programs are hard to find. Transportation and travel costs add up fast.
IGNITE is breaking these barriers by funding:
- Adaptive sport equipment
- Coaching and recruitment programs
- Community-level and NextGen athlete development
- Training environments and competitions
“Getting involved in Para sport meant I didn’t have to lose the athlete I’d always been.”
— Leanne Taylor, Paris 2024 bronze medallist, Para triathlon
IGNITE Belief – $10 Million
Support Canada’s elite Para athletes and inspire the nation.
When Para athletes compete for Canada, they don’t just chase podiums, they inspire generations. But excellence doesn’t happen by chance. It takes world-class coaching, sports science, and support systems.
IGNITE fuels:
- High-performance training and coaching
- Games preparation and performance planning
- Athlete classification and competitive readiness
“Greg Westlake became the role model I never had. Now I want to be that for someone else.”
— Matteo Pellizzari, Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games hopeful, Para hockey
IGNITE Inclusion – $13 Million
Use the power of sport to build a more inclusive Canada.
Paralympic sport isn’t just a mirror, it’s a megaphone. It tells the world that disability is not a limitation. It transforms how communities see ability, possibility, and belonging.
IGNITE supports:
- Equity in athlete recognition and financial rewards
- Disability inclusion initiatives in sport and society
- Post-Games employment and leadership pathways for Paralympians
“I challenge you to imagine a Canada where no one is left out.”
— Carla Qualtrough, Three-time Paralympic Bronze medallist, Para swimming
You Can Help IGNITE the Future
This campaign is for every Canadian who believes in fairness. Who sees sport as a right, not a privilege. Who believes that everyone deserves a chance to move, to grow, to shine.
Whether you give $25 or $25,000, your support helps shape a stronger, more inclusive Canada.
Learn more about the IGNITE campaign.
For questions about the IGNITE campaign, contact the Paralympic Foundation of Canada.
