ParaSport Games coming to Durham
By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express
The ambassador of the 2019 Ontario ParaSport Games believes the event will not only be an economic boon for Durham Region, but will also shine a light on its inclusiveness.
“Obviously the $500,000 [in anticipated economic spinoff] is a great thing, but beyond that it’s really a great opportunity to grow parasports beyond our region and show Durham Region is a place where everyone is welcome,” says Don Terry of Ajax, ambassador for the games. “That will help us grow in term of more visitors, and more and more people wanting to live here.”
Terry, who is also part of the games’ organizing committee, said he believes Durham Region’s bid was successful due to its positive reputation as a welcoming community.
“We have a legacy in our region of providing accessibility and being inclusive. I think that is a big part of it,” Terry says.
In addition, Terry says Durham has a plethora of accessibility-friendly sports facilities and organizations.
“Look at the Abilities Centre in Whitby, there really isn’t another facility in the world like it,” he says.
This is not the region’s first foray into hosting a provincial-wide sports competition, as the 2000 Ontario Summer Games and 2010 Ontario 55+ Summer Games emanated from Durham.
Several events were also held here during the 2015 Parapan American Games.
It is anticipated the games will host 260 athletes challenging in 10 events, including sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling and alpine and Nordic skiing.
Venues confirmed so far include The Abilities Centre, Donald A. Wilson Secondary School, Durham College/University of Ontario Institute of Technology Campus Wellness and Recreation Centre, Iroquois Park Sports Centre, Pickering Soccer Club and Ski Brimacombe, with more to be announced in the future, according to Terry.
Terry said while parasport athletes are proud competitors, the games are about much more than medals.
“For me, I truly believe that when we all play, we win. Some of these athletes are exceptional at their individual sports but when you see the sheer joy on their faces, to me, that in a nutshell is what these games are all about,” he said.
Terry says there is a great team of volunteers working behind the scenes in preparation.
“One of the things that really impressed me is I started looking around and I was really blown away by the range and the depth of people in our community who would be willing to step up and get involved.”
With another two years in front of them, Terry said the next step will be for the organizing committee to “get down to brass tax in terms of scheduling.”
Serving as co-chairs of the games will be Rob Snoek and Emmy Iheme.
Hosting the ParaSport Games will also help athletes in the future, says Terry.
“We will be creating a ‘legacy’ fund after the games to help create new parasport opportunities,” he said.
The games will be funded through a $100,000 commitment from provincial government, $20,000 from Durham Region and contributions from sponsors, Terry says.
For more information on the Ontario ParaSport Games and parasport athletics, visit http://www.parasportontario.ca/parasport-games/