IGNITING Change: Alison Levine on the Impact of Your Support

For three-time Paralympian Alison Levine, sport has never just been about medals. It has been a lifeline.

Levine, who has been a proud member of Canada’s national boccia team for over a decade, found her path to Paralympic sport through a journey of adaptation. After playing a variety of adapted sports, including equestrian, wheelchair basketball, Para ice hockey, and wheelchair rugby, she was forced to reassess as her condition progressed.

“I had to adapt with it,” she says. “That’s when I discovered boccia.”

Levine credits fellow Paralympian Marco Dispaltro for introducing her to the sport.

“I was volunteering at a wheelchair rugby tournament when Marco asked me, ‘Have you ever considered playing boccia?’ That moment changed everything.”

It turned out to be the start of something extraordinary. Since then, Levine has gone on to become a three-time Paralympian, a world championship bronze medallist, and in 2019, the first-ever woman to be ranked world number one in boccia when it was still a mixed-gender sport.

“That moment was one of immense pride. Not just for me, but for women everywhere in sport.”

But the impact of sport on Levine’s life has extended far beyond podiums and rankings.

“Paralympic sport has transformed my life in ways I never imagined,” she says. “It’s taught me to push through barriers and be proud of who I am, no matter how I look or how I move. It has helped me stay physically strong as my disability has progressed, and even more importantly, it has given me a community. My teammates and fellow athletes are more than friends. They understand the hard days and the joys. We lift each other up through it all.”

For Levine, competing also comes with added financial challenges. As a high-support-needs athlete, she requires a personal attendant at all times, from training to international competition.

“That means every cost is doubled. Travel, accommodations, meals—everything,” she explains. “Without the generosity of donors, there’s simply no way I’d be able to continue doing what I love or have the honour of representing Canada.”

While she does not always plan in four-year cycles due to her health, her motivation remains clear.

“My goal is simple and heartfelt. I want to keep playing the sport I love for as long as my body allows, and if I’m lucky, to make a fourth appearance at the Paralympic Games.”

Levine is also keenly aware of the bigger picture and the role donors play in shaping the future of Para sport in Canada.

“Thank you for investing in athletes like me,” she says. “And thank you for supporting Canadians with disabilities, those already competing and those who haven’t yet discovered their potential. Your support truly changes lives.”

Be part of a movement that is a catalyst for change, driving inclusivity and accessibility within our communities. It’s not only about creating opportunities for individuals with a disability to excel and showcase their resilience. The Paralympic Movement is a testament to the potential of the human spirit and the power of sport.

Donate today. Help IGNITE the future of Para sport.