2022 proved to be a continuing year of challenge in our sector but with signs of optimism and lessening of pandemic restrictions, did, in the end, allow us to emerge on the road to recovery and to, once again, provide our members with the support and outreach so desperately missing for the last 2 years.
Several projects throughout 2022 allowed TASC to broaden its reach regionally and provincially, which, in turn, allowed it to strengthen its knowledge and capacity to share resources with a wider audience. As a long-time member of the Ontario Parasport Collective (OPC), TASC took the lead on the Adaptive Sport & Recreation in Post-Secondary Institutions project. This 2-year project, now in the second Pilot phase, will see upwards of 9 post-secondary institutions design and deliver a permanent adaptive recreation program, on campus and promoted primarily for students with disabilities. A first in Ontario. A first in Canada. An extremely timely, long overdue and encouraging first step into increasing equity within post-secondary institution for students with disabilities but more importantly closing the gap to participation and in turn leading to increased physical activity amongst a population that has been long overlooked.
TASC continues its local Advocacy work by sitting on two committees tasked with ensuring equity and accessibility within City of Toronto (Recreation) and the TDSB (Community Use of Schools). TASC has also participated in several research studies looking into the fallout of the pandemic and its effects on the disability sector both locally and across Canada. Establishing working relationships with other Accessible Sport Councils and Hubs across Canada is vital to ensuring our message.
With the Toronto Sport Summit still not returning since the pandemic, TASC focused our efforts on Convening this year with a more formal partnership with Variety Village in the delivery of the Active Living Conference & Summit. This event introduces hundreds of students pursuing studies in Recreation Therapy, Rec & Leisure and Sports Management to the world of adaptive sports. A combination of hands-on demonstrations and instructional workshops in addition to the dozens of vendors participating in the Expo, proved a valuable experience.
While Awareness continues to be our primary operating pillar, we are constantly meeting with, talking to and connecting Torontonians with disabilities to adaptive sport and recreation opportunities. With additional funding we hope to expand our outreach capacity and to support our members and stakeholders with knowledge based and financial resources.
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Jonathan Wood
Chair & CEO
