2024/25 ParaTough Cup Season Ignites a New Fundraising Record

The 2024/25 season of the ParaTough Cup was more than a series of high-energy fundraising events, it was a nationwide celebration of inclusion, resilience, and the transformative power of sport.

From Vancouver to Montreal, the season has been a milestone for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s (PFC’s) IGNITE campaign, setting a new fundraising record of more than $600,000 in support of Para sport in Canada. Beyond the numbers, this season’s success reflects the rising tide of support for the Paralympic Movement.

At every stop, participants, partners, and Paralympians came together not only to compete, but to connect, building a shared understanding of the dedication and excellence that define Canada’s Para athletes. Each city brought its own energy, yet all were united by one goal of helping to create a more inclusive sporting landscape where every Canadian with a disability can thrive.

“This season’s success reflects the incredible momentum behind the Paralympic Movement in Canada,” shared Dean Brokop, Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “We’re seeing more people than ever before step up to support inclusive sport, and we’re grateful for the partners, donors, volunteers and participants who are helping us build a future where every Canadian with a disability has the opportunity to play, compete, and excel in sport.”

From coast to coast to coast, each ParaTough Cup stop brought its own spark to the season’s success. In Vancouver, the season was kickstarted with 12 teams raising over $72,000 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, with fireside chats from Paralympians Nathan Clement, Felicia Voss-Shafiq, and Mollie Jepsen setting a powerful tone of community and inspiration.

ParaTough Cup Montreal presented by Pfizer Canada followed with incredible success setting a new event record raising $211,000, as Paralympians Cindy Ouellet, Nicolas-Guy Turbide, and Myriam Adam helped deepen participants’ appreciation for Para sport excellence.

ParaTough Cup Calgary fuelled by Petro-Canada, kept the momentum going with a record $135,000. For Petro-Canada, being a driving force behind the ParaTough Cup is more than just a fundraising initiative, it aligns with their core values of inclusivity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

ParaTough Cup Toronto, presented by Canadian Tire Corporation, wrapped up the season, raising another event record $194,000 for Toronto, as 20 teams took part in spirited competition across sitting volleyball, Para ice hockey, and for the first time at a ParaTough Cup, wheelchair rugby.

Since its inception in 2017, the PFC’s landmark fundraising initiative has now raised over $2.5 million dollars, becoming a beloved day in the calendar for Canadian Paralympic Committee partners and corporate supporters. For Paralympic Foundation of Canada Vice Chair, Robert Cassius de Linval, the events go beyond just the financial benefits, the events create experiences that witness participants becoming advocates for Para sport.

“I’m so proud of everyone who has made the ParaTough Cup such a success. The program is going to make such a profound impact on Para sport opportunities, it’s incredible,” Cassius de Linval said. “But for me, one of the special things that happens at every ParaTough Cup event, is that the participants get to experience Para sport alongside some of our nation’s elite Para athletes and Paralympians.

“Because of these experiences, it feels like every participant has a newfound appreciation for the talent, dedication and teamwork that is needed for these athletes to represent our nation at the highest level. They become fans of these athletes for life.”

Funds raised through the ParaTough Cup go directly toward the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s IGNITE campaign, helping to remove barriers to sport participation by providing quality coaching, classification services, and pathways from community clubs to the Paralympic Games for Canadians with a disability.

To learn more about the ParaTough Cup and how to get involved, please visit Paratoughcup.ca.

If you want to help IGNITE the future of Canadian Para sport, consider making a donation today. Your support will have a lasting impact on the next generation of Para athletes.