Vancouver ParaTough Cup raises venue-record $125,000 for Para sport 

RICHMOND, B.C. – The Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) kicked off its 2026-27 ParaTough Cup season this past Friday with a record haul for the Vancouver stop held in nearby Richmond at the Olympic Oval. 

The Vancouver event, presented by lululemon, raised $125,000 as 12 teams gathered for competition, camaraderie, and fundraising in support of Para sport across Canada. 

Each team committed at least $6,500 to enter and battled for the ParaTough Cup title competing in three Para sports: wheelchair rugby, which made its ParaTough Cup debut, sitting volleyball, and Para ice hockey. Additional points were awarded for fundraising. 

‘’Raising $125,000 is just incredible,’’ said Scott Sandison, executive director of the PFC. ‘’It shows the commitment and the support we have in Vancouver and from everybody here to make sure that we are not just breaking records, but we are making the impact they want to see and they believe in the work we are doing.’’ 

Beyond the competition, more than 100 participants experienced firsthand the skills and demands of Para sport while gaining a deeper understanding of the athletes through fireside chats and conversations with Paralympians. 

On the court and ice, Fasken captured first place with 112 points, and also won the trophy for the top fundraising team as well. The Collective finished second at 101 followed by Coastal Mountain Fuels at 90. 

Also participating were three lululemon teams, The Leith Wheeler West Coast Legends, EllisDon, Team EY, Wild Cards, Pfizer Canada and Air Canada. 

“This is one of our favourite events of the year,” said Michelle Davies, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, Partnerships + Social Impact for lululemon.   

“We know that meaningful change happens when organizations, athletes, and communities come together behind a shared purpose. The ParaTough Cup is an outstanding example of that collective effort.” 

For Fasken captain Chris Bystrom, the victory was a bonus on a day focused on supporting a cause. 

‘’It’s a ton of fun,’’ said Bystrom, competing at his second ParaTough Cup. ‘’A real honour and privilege to be a part of this movement to bring accessibility and raise money for a great cause.’’ 

Allan Marriage, who recently joined the PFC as director of development, said the event gave participants a better knowledge of Para sport demands. 

‘’What I heard from participants is ‘this is more challenging than I thought’’’ he said. ‘’They realized how challenging this is for Para athletes and what kinds of demands and sacrifices are needed to excel at these sports.” 

Marriage hopes the opportunity to experience Para sport firsthand will encourage more people to get involved in future events. 

Retired Paralympian Andrea Nelson (Para canoe now renamed Para paddle) agreed that the opportunity to try the sport and speak with participants reinforced the inclusive nature of sport. 

‘’That’s the whole exciting part about Para sport,’’ she said. ‘’Anyone can participate, abled-bodied or people with a disability.’’ 

Nelson was among several Para athletes sharing their experiences and expertise. Others included Tara Llanes (wheelchair basketball), Josh Dueck (Para alpine skiing), Nathan Clement (Para cycling), Danielle Ellis (sitting volleyball), and Michelle Stilwell (Para athletics). 

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