A closer look at Fill the Stands: Rallying Canada in pride, purpose & belief 

Yesterday marked the launch of Fill the Stands, a national fundraising campaign calling on Canadians to come together in unity to show support for the Canadian Paralympic Team as they continue their journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This is more than a fundraising campaign – it’s a movement that connects people across the country in shared pride, purpose, and belief in the power of Para sport.  

The Impact Behind Fill the Stands 

With a gift of just $25, Canadians can claim and personalize a virtual seat in a virtual arena of support. Each virtual seat carries your message of encouragement, joining thousands of others to form a powerful message of solidarity, reminding Canadian Para athletes that, no matter where they are, Canada is behind them. 

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are especially significant, as this will be the first time since the pandemic that fans will return in full – both in person and virtually – to a winter Games. After years of limited spectatorship, this is our moment to make our collective voice heard. 

About the Paralympic Foundation of Canada 

At the heart of Fill the Stands is the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) – the philanthropic partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. The ambition of PFC is both bold and inclusive: imagining a future where Canadians with a disability are offered ample opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport. In 2025, PFC celebrates 10 years of impact, with more than $16 million raised to support athletes and programs nationwide. 

The IGNITE campaign: Driving change through Para sport 

Fill The Stands is part of the PFC’s broader IGNITE Campaign, a landmark initiative to reshape Para sport in Canada. The IGNITE Campaign has two core pillars that guide its vision: 

• IGNITE Opportunity: Everyone deserves to experience the power of Para sport. That means breaking down traditional barriers – whether it’s access to adaptive equipment, coaching, or competition opportunities. 

• IGNITE Belief: Supporting champions to show that greatness is possible. This isn’t just about performance – it’s about building belief, confidence, and a sustainable high-performance environment for Canada’s top Para athletes.  

Through these pillars, the Foundation is investing in both access (community programs, equipment, athlete development) and high performance (coaching, Paralympic Games preparation, recognition) to support the entire Paralympic pathway. 

A national movement for Para sport 

Our country’s Para athletes are heading into Milano Cortina 2026 with energy, talent, and drive. But training for the Games is never easy – it requires resources, support, and community backing. That’s where Fill the Stands becomes deeply meaningful. 

By choosing to participate, Canadians are helping fuel the journey of athletes at every level – from those just exploring Para sport, to elite performers ready to represent Canada on the world stage. 

“Without your support, my journey would look very different. The stress of balancing financial barriers with the demands of training at an elite level as well as recovering from injuries is a challenge many athletes face, and PFC donors help to alleviate that burden in ways I can’t thank you enough for.” 
– Mollie Jepsen, Para alpine skiing 

How you can make a difference 

If you haven’t yet claimed your seat, now’s the moment. Join thousands of Canadians and leave your message of support. Your virtual presence reminds Canadian Para athletes that their entire country believes in them. 

Fill the Stands is more than a campaign – it’s a symbol of community. It’s about connection. And it’s about sending a clear message: we believe in you. 

Your seat. Their dream. Our team.  

Claim your seat today.