The Next Decade: Celebrating 10 Years and Looking Forward 

As the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) closes its 10th anniversary year, we reflect on a decade defined by community, connection, and the belief that every Canadian with a disability deserves access to sport. What began as an ambitious vision is now a national movement – made possible by donors, partners, athletes, and supporters who champion a more inclusive and accessible Canada through the power of Para sport. 

Sport is more than a game – it builds confidence, resilience, and belonging. Yet for the 27% of Canadians living with a disability, the greatest challenge often isn’t the competition: it’s simply getting the chance to compete.  

But when athletes do reach the field of play, they bring extraordinary commitment. With a nation behind them, Para athletes become living proof of potential. 

A Year Marked by Momentum and Impact 

With your support, 2025 was an incredible year driven by generosity. Together, we: 

• Shared athlete stories nationwide, shifting perceptions and celebrating possibility. 

• Delivered our most successful ParaTough Cup in history, with the Montreal event raising over $320,000 in support of Para sport nationwide. 

• Awarded over $1 million in grants including Para Sport Development Grants to community Para sport programs across the country, Next Gen athlete programs, adaptive equipment, and more. An additional $1 million was matched by the Government of Canada.  

This year’s impact was felt deeply at the individual level too. Through the Paralympic Sport Development Fund, Table Tennis Saskatchewan received a grant to support rising athlete Thulir Hector with coaching, specialized equipment, and travel to major competitions. That support helped her earn a bronze medal at the 2025 Youth ParaPan Am Games in Chile – a powerful example of potential unlocked. 

“We are only just getting started.” – Scott Sandison, Executive Director 

“Our 10th anniversary was never just about looking back – it was about looking forward. This year reaffirmed what we know to be true: when Canadians come together to support Paralympic sport, the impact is extraordinary. The next decade will be defined by growth, innovation, and removing every barrier for athletes with a disability.” 

Carrying Momentum Into 2026 – Fill the Stands 

As anticipation builds for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the energy across the Canadian Paralympic community continues to rise. Your support ensures the Canadian Paralympic Team is prepared for its most competitive and well-resourced Winter Games yet. 

We also close 2025 with incredible generosity through Fill the Stands – our newly launched national fundraiser as part of the bigger $35 million IGNITE campaign. Already projected to become the largest public individual fundraising campaign in PFC history, it invites Canadians to claim and customize virtual seats and suites that symbolically fill an arena of support for the Canadian Paralympic Team.  

With a minimum gift of $25, supporters can leave messages of encouragement that join thousands from coast to coast to coast – creating a powerful, nationwide show of pride. Fill the Stands runs until March 16, 2026, carrying this momentum straight through the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games. 

Every seat claimed directly fuels access to Para sport, removes barriers, and supports athletes on their path to the podium. 

The Next Decade Starts Now 

As we enter our second decade, our vision remains clear: an inclusive world through Paralympic sport. In the years ahead, we will: 

• Reach more communities and youth with disabilities 

• Expand access to adaptive equipment nationwide 

• Strengthen programs, coaching, and competitive opportunities from the community level to the Paralympic podium 

Together, we can ensure every athlete has the chance to compete, inspire, and shape a more inclusive future. 

Here’s to the next decade. 
Here’s to more impact. 
Here’s to a stronger, more inclusive and accessible Canada through the power of Para sport.