A Golden Opportunity to Double Your IGNITE The Light Impact as the Paris 2024 Paralympics Begin 

As the world gathers to celebrate the world’s best Para athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, including the 126 athletes to represent the Canadian Paralympic Team, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) is thrilled to announce a special opportunity for supporters to double their impact.  

To celebrate the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games, Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) President Marc-André Fabien has committed to match up to $10,000 in virtual seat donations as part of the IGNITE the Light fundraising initiative. Currently having raised more than $245,000, IGNITE the Light aims to raise $1 million by selling 40,000 virtual seats at $25 each, running from July 9 to September 8, 2024. 

Marc-André Fabien, who has been involved in Paralympic sport for over 25 years as a fund raiser, board member, fan and supporter, is thrilled about the success of the campaign. 
 
“The donations to IGNITE The Light show the level of awareness that the Paralympic Movement has in our country now, which is very exciting because it has been a very long journey to reach such a level,” Fabien said. “We are extremely pleased and very thankful also to all Canadians for the support they show to Para athletes, Paralympians and Para sport. I strongly believe in the Canadian Paralympians, and it’s important to show that it’s not only words but gestures.” 

Join us in removing barriers to sport and promoting a more inclusive society in Canada. Purchase your $25 virtual seat on August 28, the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games, and your donation will go further thanks to the generous support of our President.  

This matching offer is not just about financial support, it’s a powerful gesture that underscores the importance of the Canadian Paralympic movement. A growing movement that Fabien his witnessed firsthand and inspired him to make the generous pledge, but also encouraged his fellow Canadians and all supporters of Para sport to get their virtual seat today. 

“I’ve always thought it has been very important to support financially the causes in which I believe and of course the Paralympic Movement is for me cause number one, not only because I’m President, but because I’ve been involved for over 25 years in the Paralympic Movement,” Fabien continued. “Support for IGNITE The Light provides support to make sure that the Canadian Paralympians of the present and future have the financial means to reach their dreams, their goals, what they want to achieve. And it’s important to keep in mind that through our athletes, what we are trying to achieve is a change of mindset to make our society better, more inclusive, to have a society that will be not only inclusive for people with a disability, but for everyone, for all Canadians.” 

The IGNITE The Light campaign offers Canadians a unique way to support their Paralympic athletes by purchasing virtual seats to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. While fans may not physically be able to attend the Games, they can still be part of the action by buying a virtual seat for $25. Each seat purchased represents a symbolic presence at the Games, showing Canadian athletes that they have a nation of supporters cheering them on from not only Canada but around the world. 

Funds raised through this campaign directly support Canadian Paralympians by providing them with the necessary resources, training, and support systems to compete at the highest level. The campaign is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a way to foster a sense of community and collective support for the athletes who proudly wear the maple leaf. 

With the Paralympic Games now in full swing, there has never been a better time to contribute. By participating in the IGNITE The Light campaign, you’re not just supporting an athlete; you’re becoming part of a movement that celebrates inclusion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. 

Canadians are invited to be part of this historic initiative by purchasing virtual seats here, sharing their participation on social media, and encouraging friends and family to join in. Together, Canadians can illuminate the virtual stadium with the collective energy and pride of the nation. 

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will begin with the Opening Ceremony on August 28 and continue through September 8. Audiences can tune in for CBC/Radio-Canada’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8 on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC’s Paris 2024 website (cbc.ca/paris2024) and the CBC Paris 2024 app in English and on ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, Radio-Canada.ca/paris2024, and on the Radio-Canada Paralympiques app in French.