Hand Cycling

Hand cycling is becoming one of the worlds fastest growing disability sports, the speed and adrenalin in this new sport is very addictive and its recent inclusion into the Paralympics program only highlights it’s popularity.

Classifications of both Para's and quad’s compete in criterion and road races of differing distances using cycles propelled by arm cranks.

We have integrated our hand cycling program with an adaptive cycling program at the U of C.  They have been providing opportunities for disabled cyclists for several years.  The program is run by Stephen Burke , an experienced coach and coordinator for Paralympics supported adaptive programs.  Stephen is employed full time at the U of C; his mandate is to develop a program for athletes with a disability.  He has access to all the facilities at the U of C, including the track, equipment and human performance lab.  He has a degree in Kinesiology and is a certified level III coach.

Wheelchair Racing

Athletes propel the race chair by pushing small round push rims attached to each large wheel. There are specific rules relating to the chair, but most event rules are the same as able-bodied racing.

If you’re interested in challenging yourself in a tough, demanding and thrilling sport then Wheelchair Track and Road might be for you. Using specially designed racing chairs athletes get to compete in a huge number of events and distances, from the 100 metres to 10,000 metres on the track, and anything from 5 km to full marathons on the road.

We partner with the WC Race Series founded in 1995 as a developmental wheelchair racing program. It's mission is to promote the integration of person with physical disability into sport and recreation through organized road racing events. Incorporation as a non-profit society occurred in 2000, and the name was changed to WC Race Series Society as road racing expanded into Western Canada , and the track racing was added to the program The male and females competing in this year's races are representative of a wide range of disabilities, ages, and ethnicities. A classification system is in place to allow athletes with different levels of abilities to participate on a level playing field.  There is the local race series, with approximately 11 races a year. You do have the opportunity to race all year round with different international races. For more info on international events go to the www.wcracing.net  

Alpine Skiing

Adaptive alpine skiing enables skiers with disabilities to participate in skiing by using special equipment. Adaptive skiing lesson programs are available at many ski resorts for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities.

The first adaptive ski programs were started for disabled veterans after World War II. They have expanded to include special needs skiers of all ages and abilities. Ski areas on public lands are required to accommodate skiers with disabilities.

Equipment used provides the opportunity for persons with many different disabilities to be involved in alpine skiing. With the increase in adaptive ski programs throughout the country, and the advances in equipment, adaptive skiing is fast becoming one of the most popular sports. Through a combination of specialized equipment and training, people who might otherwise be left behind when friends and family take to the slopes can now join in the fun by using special rail-like devices, ski-bottomed crutches and tethers to take part in what is known as adaptive skiing.

In adaptive skiing, there are six different disciplines: Developmental, visually impaired, mono-ski, bi-ski, 3-track and 4-track. Skiers range of disabilities include blindness, deafness, amputations, para and quadriplegia autism, and other forms of injury, illness and cognitive defects that prevent people from skiing in the more traditional ways.

Adaptations for disabled skiers:

Guides for blind skiers - The guides are considered "equipment".

Bi-skis - These are for people with significant lower extremity or trunk weaknesses and for others with difficulty standing and balancing. It's a sit-down ski that lets even those with severe balance impairment experience the thrill of skiing.

Two-track skis and snowboards - These are for any skier who stands on two skis but who might need tethers to aid in leg strength. These are good for people with visual and hearing impairment and for those with developmental and cognitive disabilities.

Three and four-track - These are for skiers who can stand on skis but need additional support to remain balanced. They are best for students with leg amputation, cerebral palsy, arthritis, spina bifida or a traumatic brain injury.

Paralympic alpine skiing is an adaptation of alpine skiing for athletes with a disability.

Paralympic alpine skiing is one of the sports in the Paralympic Winter Games. It is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) under the auspices of the International Ski Federation (FIS).

In addition to the Paralympic Games, elite disabled ski racing includes the Disabled World Alpine Skiing Championships (held every four years from 1980 to 2004 and every two years beginning in 2009) and the IPC Disabled Alpine World Cup, an annual international racing circuit. Disabled ski racers compete in three different medal categories: standing, sitting, and visually impaired. Each of these groups is divided into three to seven classes, some of which are further subdivided into two or three sub-classes.

Using the best adaptive equipment and teaching techniques available, private one-on-one instruction in adaptive skiing and snowboarding maximizes each participant's potential for success. Mono-skis, bi-skis and outriggers allow beginners to quickly feel the freedom of gliding down the mountain while those with more skill and determination take on the advanced slopes.

Cross-Country Skiing

Skiing for Disabled is a volunteer-driven support network within UWCSF managing our Disabled Ski Program. We subscribe to the "Moving to Inclusion" concept initiated by Health and Fitness Canada in co-operation with 11 national associations, provincial education departments, school divisions and other education experts. We use safe adaptive equipment and nationally recognized training methods.

We can help you achieve new heights and join in the fun of this exciting winter sport. Ski events for skiers with disability, volunteer training for local programs, and programs for instructors are some of the many opportunities available to those who become members.

Members are welcome to access our Adaptive Equipment Network and resource library, or enquire about purchasing  adaptive equipment. We encourage everyone who is interested, to come out and try Nordic Sitskiing.