IGNITE unlimited potential. Remove every barrier.

Sport is much more than a game – it’s a powerful driver of growth, connection, and confidence. Yet for the more than 27 per cent of Canadians with a disability – over 8 million people– the greatest challenge often isn’t the competition.

It’s getting the chance to compete.

In 2023, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) launched the IGNITE campaign – a groundbreaking fundraising initiative, with a goal of raising $35 million to transform the Para sport landscape across the country. IGNITE is about more than reaching the podium. It’s about providing opportunities for the next generation of Para athletes and contributing to a truly inclusive and accessible Canada where every person belongs and thrives.

Thanks to donors like you, IGNITE is already making a difference. Your generosity helps build a future where every athlete has the chance to discover sport, pursue their passion, and showcase their talent.

Two pillars, one vision

At the heart of IGNITE are two transformative pillars: IGNITE Opportunity and IGNITE Belief.

• IGNITE Opportunity – everyone deserves to experience the power of sport
  Sport builds resilience, independence, and confidence – but for many Canadians with a disability, barriers still block the path. This pillar funds equipment, community programs, classification services, and NextGen athlete development to ensure more people can access sport and pursue their dreams.
• IGNITE Belief – creating champions to inspire greatness
  Every champion starts with belief. This pillar powers Canada’s high-performance Para athletes with coaching, equipment, and Games preparation – so they can reach the podium and inspire others to imagine what’s possible.

Through its two core pillars, IGNITE is strategically addressing the gaps in Canada’s Para sport system – building pathways that support athletes from their first experience to the podium.

IGNITE The Light: A landmark moment for Para sport

One of the campaign’s early milestones was IGNITE The Light, launched ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Canadians from coast to coast to coast rallied behind the Canadian Paralympic Team, purchasing virtual seats to show their support. The result: over $375,000 raised to help ignite the future of Para sport.

It proved something powerful: when Canadians come together, they can fill arenas with energy, pride, and belief – even from afar.

“IGNITE The Light showed us what’s possible when Canadians rally behind their Paralympians,” said Scott Sandison, executive director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “Now, with Milano Cortina on the horizon, we need that same commitment to ensure our athletes have the preparation and support required to compete at the highest level of sport.”

Looking ahead: The road to Milano Cortina 2026

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games approaching, the movement is only growing stronger. Athletes are training now – in local rinks, gyms, and community centres across the country – and they need to know that Canadians are behind them as they prepare to compete for our nation.

The next chapter of IGNITE will be about bringing Canadians even closer to that journey – offering a powerful way to show your support for the Canadian Paralympic Team, ensuring they feel the energy of a nation behind them, no matter where you are seated.

Your generosity is already driving meaningful change – but the journey is far from over. Together, we can ensure Canadian athletes have the preparation and support required to reach the podium and feel the strength of a country ready to fill the stands with pride.

Join us. IGNITE their journey to Milano Cortina.