IGNITING Potential: How the Paralympic Foundation of Canada Has Fueled Tyler McGregor’s Career

Since taking the ice as a member of Canada’s national Para hockey team, Tyler McGregor has established himself as one of the sport’s greatest players. As team captain since 2019, McGregor has led Canada to multiple international successes, but his impact extends beyond the rink. A passionate advocate for Para sport, people with disabilities, and cancer research, McGregor’s journey to becoming a Paralympian was shaped by the support of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) and its donors.

McGregor’s story is one of resilience and determination. At 15, his life changed when he was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a form of soft-tissue cancer that originates in the bone, resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. However, his love for hockey never faded. During his recovery, he was introduced to Para hockey, discovering not only a way to continue competing at the highest level but also a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

“When I first started playing Para hockey, I had no idea where the sport would take me,” McGregor recalls. “But what I did know was that I loved the game, and I wanted to work as hard as I could to be the best player and teammate possible.”

Through the years, PFC has played a vital role in McGregor’s journey by providing essential funding for programs such as the Para Sport Development Fund, Next Gen programs, and adaptive equipment grants. These resources have given McGregor and many other Canadian Para athletes access to the training, coaching, and equipment they need to reach their full potential.

“Contributions to the PFC have helped fund vital programs that ensure athletes like me have access to the training, coaching, and equipment necessary to reach our full potential,” McGregor says. “Without these resources, it would be incredibly difficult to compete at an elite level. The impact of donor support is truly immeasurable.”

One of the most recent initiatives that has had a profound impact on McGregor and his teammates is the Paralympic Performance Recognition Program. This program ensures that Canadian Paralympic medallists receive financial recognition equal with their Olympic counterparts, providing a well-deserved boost to those who dedicate their lives to competing at the highest level.

“This support not only validates our efforts but also strengthens the Paralympic Movement in Canada,” says McGregor. “It’s a recognition of the work we put in every day, and it helps build a more equitable landscape for future Paralympians. To have this kind of acknowledgment means so much… not just to me, but to every athlete who has given their all to represent Canada.”

As McGregor looks ahead to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, he acknowledges the critical role that the PFC and its donors continue to play in shaping the next generation of Canadian athletes. With their support, aspiring Paralympians will have the opportunity to train, compete, and chase their dreams, just as McGregor has.

“My journey in sport wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of those who believe in the power of Para sport,” McGregor shares. “The opportunities I’ve had to grow as an athlete, compete for my country, and inspire others are all thanks to the people who invest in athletes like me. Every donation, every show of support, makes a difference.”

Tyler adds, “Your generosity fuels our training, our ambitions, and our ability to inspire future Paralympic athletes who may be just beginning their journey in sport. The impact of your support is felt far beyond the podium—it is woven into every practice, every game, and every dream that you help bring to life.” As the Paralympic Foundation of Canada celebrates its 10-year anniversary, McGregor’s story is a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy in sport. Through the unwavering support of donors, Canada’s Paralympians continue to break barriers, redefine possibilities, and inspire the next generation of athletes.