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

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.