Montreal ParaTough Cup presented by Pfizer Canada raises $255,000 as event surpasses $3.5 million in total fundraising 

MONTREAL – ParaTough Cup, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s (PFC) signature fundraising event, reached another milestone Thursday November 5, raising $255,000 in Montreal to surpass $3.5 million in total funds raised since its inception. 

The 29th edition of ParaTough Cup, and eighth in Montreal, was one of the biggest in the event’s history, attracting 20 teams and 141 participants. The fundraising total was the second highest ever for a ParaTough Cup. 

Each team committed at least $6,500 to enter and competed in three Para sports: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and Para ice hockey. Participants also experienced a visual impairment awareness station. Additional points were awarded for fundraising. 

“The average amount raised by the teams was much higher than usual,” said Robert Cassius de Linval, chair of PFC’s board and a member of the Le Collectif team. “I’m very proud of that. It means the message is getting through and people are making greater efforts to raise funds.” 

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Le Collectif was crowned champion and was also the top fundraising team, followed by Les Bâtisseurs in second and Toka Constructions in third. 

Presenting sponsor Pfizer Canada entered four teams, Fasken fielded three while Petro Canada and Air Canada each entered two. Other participating teams included Bell, lululemon, the Canadian Olympic Committee, EllisDon, Archie Branché, and the Wild Cards. 

Pfizer Canada recently celebrated its 30^th anniversary as a major sponsor for the Canadian Paralympic Committee and it has also been a long-time supporter of the ParaTough Cup and the Paralympic movement.

“We were extremely proud to be part of this event today,” said Anne-Marie St-Pierre, Manager, Partnerships & Community Engagement for Pfizer Canada.  “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Pfizer Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, so it’s extra special this year.

“This commitment is very important to us, particularly when it comes to equity and excellence — excellence in sport and excellence among athletes.”’

Thirteen elite Para athletes were also on hand to offer tips at the sports stations and share their experiences during fireside chats. 

Para ice hockey player Anton Jacobs-Webb, a two-time Paralympic Winter Games silver medallist attending his first ParaTough Cup, said the event provides an opportunity for athletes to connect with those who support Para sport. 

“This kind of event is so unique and great fun to see how people can contribute to Para sport in different ways,” he said. “For the athletes it’s an opportunity to meet people that help fund and support us. We are always looking for more people to grow the message and grow the sports.” 

Para swimmer Arianna Hunsicker, attending her second ParaTough Cup, said the funds raised can make a significant difference in helping Canadians with disabilities discover sport and find a sense of community. 

“It was really hard for me to find a community but once I joined a swimming club that included Para swimmers it happened really fast,” she recalled. “And when you’re in that community you become part of something bigger.” 

Retired Para ice hockey star Todd Nicholson spent the afternoon on the ice introducing participants to the sport. He said the experience gives people a greater appreciation of the skills required to compete at the highest level. 

“You see how easy our elite athletes make it look on the field of play,” he said. “But when they actually get into the equipment to try it themselves it’s a little bit more challenging.” 

Other Para athletes attending were retired Para swimmer and event emcee Camille Bérubé; national Para ice hockey team members Shawn Burnett, Vincent Boily and Dominic Cozzolino; Sandrine Hamel (Para snowboard), Mélanie Labelle (wheelchair rugby), Iulian Ciobanu (boccia), Allison Lang (sitting volleyball), Whitney Bogart (goalball) and retired Para snowboarder John Leslie. 

The success of the ParaTough Cup in Montreal is a tremendous testament to the power of Para sport,” said Scott Sandison, executive director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “Beyond the fundraising, the event gives people the opportunity to experience Para sport firsthand, connect with Paralympians and see what’s possible when barriers are broken down.

“We’re grateful to everyone who made it such a success and helped advance a more accessible world through sport.”

Funds raised through ParaTough Cup support the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s efforts to remove barriers to participation and help ensure Canadians with disabilities have opportunities to access and experience the benefits of sport.