Rocky Mountain Adaptive helps make winter sports accessible for people living with physical, cognitive or developmental differences. | PHOTO: VIKTORIA NORTH/COURTESY OF RMA
COMMUNITY
All for One and Sports for All
Adaptive sports organizations across Alberta make winter activities more accessible for people living with disabilities.
By Allison Cross
EVERY YEAR when the temperature dips and the flakes begin to fall, Albertans hit the province’s ski slopes, skating rinks and snowshoe trails, ready to embrace all that the season has to offer. But for those living with cognitive, neurological or physical differences, these winter activities haven’t always been accessible due to non-inclusive programs, outdated attitudes, and the need for expensive specialized gear.
Today, Alberta’s winter activities are accessible to all. Across the province, adaptive sports organizations are removing traditional barriers to participation, helping ensure that people living with disabilities and neurodivergent folks can participate fully.
A need for alpine speed
The thrill of downhill skiing has a lot to do with going really, really fast. For people living with disabilities, adaptive downhill skiing is a rare opportunity to experience the joy of tearing down a mountain at top speed while staying safe, says Ozzie Sawicki, former head coach for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team and program director at Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Alberta (CADS). CADS makes downhill skiing and snowboarding accessible to people living with physical, sensory and neurologically diverse needs, partnering with a network of programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer to do so. The organization offers adaptive equipment such as sit-skis, as well as specially trained volunteers, transportation to remote ski hills, and cold-weather clothing to help make snowsports accessible to everyone. “In our program, we turn no one away… everyone has an opportunity to participate,” Sawicki says. For participants who get hooked on the thrill of the hill, there are even ways to explore competing at a higher level. CADS has a competition stream for participants who are interested in trying out for the national team, a pathway into the Paralympic or Special Olympics programs. But for Sawicki, seeing the smiles on participants’ faces is the greatest reward. “It’s a controlled environment, and they have the freedom to experience speed on a hill that not a lot of sports offer them.”
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(Top) Volunteers help support a young skier with a hoop. (Above from left) Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Alberta volunteers and a young snowboarder; volunteers help a sit-ski user onto a ski lift; visually impaired skier Kalle Eriksson and his guide Sierra Smith at the Canadian Para-Alpine Slalom Championship Race. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CADS
The right sport with the right supports
If a person living with a physical, cognitive or developmental difference wants to try out an adaptive winter activity, Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA) can almost always make it happen — even if a different program couldn’t. “Sometimes there’s a situation where… traditional lesson structure or traditional equipment is not the best fit for someone,” said Annie Vlahiotis, RMA’s communications and outreach coordinator. “But we have the ability to tailor [our activities].” Based in Canmore, RMA offers a range of winter sports and recreational activities, for all visitors to the Bow Valley. RMA will build an individualized experience around the participant’s goals, strengths and abilities, source the right equipment and provide trained volunteers to support them, Vlahiotis says. If someone living with a visual impairment wants to downhill ski, for instance, RMA can support them with a headset and a trained guide to help them navigate the slopes. For Nordic (cross-country) skiers living with mobility needs, a variety of different adaptive skis, including sit-skis and kneeling skis, are available to use. A person living with a neurodevelopmental difference who wants to go on a snowshoeing excursion could be supported by a trained guide who would choose a trail with safe, manageable terrain. People with diverse neurotypes are supported in all activities at RMA as well. “[A sensory-friendly approach] can include taking breaks whenever needed, [or adjusting] the schedule of the day to meet individual needs,” Vlahiotis says. And RMA runs camps for those who want to try out a sport or activity before committing. “No experience required,” Vlahiotis notes. “It’s what we recommend to anyone who wants to dip their toes in and see what options are out there for them.”
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(Top) An alpine ski racer uses a single ski and outriggers for balance. (Above from left) A diverse group of RMA participants grin and pose on the hill; a trio of RMA instructors contemplate a slope; an RMA alpine ski instructor assists a skier in a sit-ski with tethers. | PHOTOS: (TOP & ABOVE LEFT) VIKTORIA NORTH/COURTESY OF RMA; (ABOVE MIDDLE & RIGHT) COURTESY OF RMA
The thrill of inclusion
When Ashley Halbert’s son first saw sledge hockey on TV more than a decade ago, the boy, who was born without part of his leg, knew the sport was something he wanted to try. “We found the sport, fell in love, and we’ve been here ever since,” said Halbert, who is now the executive director of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association (CSHA). Now in its fourteenth season, CSHA welcomes players of all ages and abilities onto the ice — the youngest player is four, and the oldest, so far, is over 60. Players are offered basic equipment when they start the season, and CHSA helps them obtain grants for custom gear. While some players live with physical or cognitive disabilities, non-disabled folks also play in the league to have fun and enjoy a competitive outlet, Halbert says. Joy, confidence and gigantic grins are what Halbert sees from first-time players on the ice, as they feel the thrill of being included in the popular Canadian pastime. “When people get into a sled, especially young kids, it’s so rewarding to see — you know, they’ve been kind of wishing they could play alongside everyone,” she says. “It’s also rewarding when you see someone older... thinking that they’ve missed the boat and you can get them in.” AMA
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(Top) Ashley Halbert, on the left, is the executive director of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. (Above) Sledge hockey players of all ages and abilities use specially-designed sleds with skate blades under the seat. They use two sticks to pass, stick-handle and shoot the puck, and to propel and maneuver their sleds. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CSHA
Adaptive winter sports across Canada
Across the country, these sports orgs are helping people with diverse needs make the most of winter.
The Cross-Country Ski Association of Manitoba’s Para-Nordic program accommodates individuals of all ages and abilities by providing facilities and modified cross-country ski equipment.
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The Cross-Country Ski Association of Manitoba’s Para-Nordic program accommodates individuals of all ages and abilities by providing facilities and modified cross-country ski equipment.