Record-Breaking ParaTough Cup Calgary Fuelled by Petro-Canada

The Calgary ParaTough Cup fuelled by Petro-Canada reached a major milestone at its 2025 edition, selling out for the first-time ever and raising a record-breaking amount for Calgary of $125,000 towards the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s (PFC) IGNITE campaign for Para sport development.

The event welcomed 16 teams comprised from Canadian Paralympic Committee’s partners and supporters, Calgary businesses, and special invited guests, to the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex for an afternoon of intense but friendly matchups in Para sports, while celebrating the Paralympic Movement.

“This was an amazing day,” Dean Brokop, Chief Philanthropic Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada said. “To have 16 teams here in Calgary raising $125,000, which is the most we’ve ever raised at this event, is truly incredible. Since we started the ParaTough Cup series in 2017, we’ve now raised over $2.5 million to fuel the growth of Para sport in Canada. That’s something to celebrate.”

As the presenting partner of the Calgary ParaTough Cup, Petro-Canada has played a crucial role in the ParaTough Cup’s success from the very beginning.

“We started the ParaTough Cup series with a single event in Toronto in 2017, and Petro-Canada stepped up as one of the lead partners from day one,” Brokop added. “Their continued support has helped grow this event into what it is today. We truly couldn’t do it without them.”

For Petro-Canada, being a driving force behind the ParaTough Cup is more than just a fundraising initiative, it aligns with their core values of inclusivity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

“The Paralympic Movement isn’t just about sport, it’s about championing inclusivity and perseverance in all aspects of life,” David Fath, General Manager, Brand Marketing, Petro-Canada shared. “The ParaTough Cup is a perfect way to bring people into the Para sport world, helping them understand the dedication of Canadian Para athletes while supporting their future success. We are incredibly proud to be part of this journey.”

Petro-Canada has been a key supporter of the Paralympic Movement in Canada, including being a long-standing partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the annual Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence (FACE) emerging athletes and coaches’ program, and raising awareness about the Paralympic Movement.

At the Calgary ParaTough Cup, Petro-Canada fielded multiple teams who competed to be crowned champions but also attended a fireside chat featuring Paralympians who shared their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Fath, who hosted one of the chats, reflected on the impact of hearing directly from the athletes.

“Every time you speak with a Para athlete, you can’t help but be inspired by their resilience and dedication,” Fath said. “The ParaTough Cup allows us to experience just a fraction of what they go through in training and competition. It’s humbling, it’s eye-opening, and it deepens our commitment to making Para sport more accessible for future generations.”

The ParaTough Cup offers a hands-on opportunity for participants to experience Paralympic sports firsthand, including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and Para ice hockey.

“It was a blast,” said Richard Rudderham, Paralympic Foundation of Canada Board Member and member of the winning team as well as the top fundraising team, The Collective. “I’ve played hockey, volleyball, and basketball before, but competing in them through a Para sport lens is a totally different game. It’s a great experience and helps competitors become advocates for the Paralympic Movement. And, of course, it’s all for an incredible cause.”

With athlete ambassadors on-site, participants also had the chance to learn about the training, challenges, and victories that define the Paralympic experience. For many, the event served as an introduction to the world of Para sport, turning them into lifelong supporters.

After another successful Calgary event, the ParaTough Cup series continues to be a cornerstone fundraising initiative, ensuring that future generations of Canadian Para athletes have the resources they need to thrive. The funds raised will directly support the IGNITE campaign, which aims to provide athlete development programs, training opportunities, and coaching support across Canada.

“We’re building something special here,” Brokop added. “And with partners like Petro-Canada and the passionate individuals who participate year after year, the future of Para sport in Canada is brighter than ever.”

For more information on the ParaTough Cup, visit Paralympic.ca/ParaToughCup.