About ParaTough Cup

“Without Para sport in my life, I don’t know where I would be right now. It’s the best thing that I have mentally and physically and it’s what gets me out of bed every morning. Every cent you can use to support us is going to propel us to come closer to our dream.”

- Brianna Hennessy, Paralympian, Para canoe

What is ParaTough Cup?

The ParaTough Cup is the signature fundraising event of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. It is a half-day corporate challenge that is a combination of a fundraiser and sport competition. On event day teams of six participants compete in three Para sports (Wheelchair basketball, Sitting volleyball, and Para ice hockey) and have the opportunity to listen to Paralympians share their stories at a fireside chat. The ParaTough Cup began with an event in Toronto in 2017 and since then has grown to include editions in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, raising nearly $2 Million in the process. 

Why should I participate?

Paralympic sport uniquely drives societal transformation. The Paralympic Games give host cities and nations an invaluable perspective on real accessibility, equity, and inclusivity. However here in Canada, there is still significant logistical and financial barriers facing Canadians with a disability to participate in sport. The ParaTough Cup was created to raise awareness of the Paralympic movement and funds for Canadians with a disability to participate and excel in sport. By competing in Para sport at the ParaTough Cup, participants gain an unrivaled perspective of how technically challenging and physiologically difficult Para sport is.  

Together, we will IGNITE change through sport!

How do I participate?

1. Build a team of six (co-workers, friends etc.) with the option to have two alternates. Select a team captain who will lead your team through adversity and ultimately victory (and also responsible for team communication). 

2. Choose the city you would like to participate in, by selecting the city in “Upcoming events” tab. On the city page you will find the registration form. Please have your team captain “create a team” and then have everyone else register by “join[ing] a team”. If you have any questions or issues, please contact Danielle at dgattinger@paralympic.ca .

3. Fundraise or pay the $5,000 registration fee.  

4. Create a fundraising page (if you like) and fundraise. You can find our advice for fundraising here Fundraising FAQs — ParaTough Cup. 

5. Attend the ParaTough Cup and have fun competing!  

Where does the money go?

Through the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s strategic partnership with the Canadian Paralympic Committee, funds raised goes towards creating a future where Canadians with a disability are offered ample opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport. We strive to support diverse champions that inspire belief in the potential for greatness, thereby shaping communities across Canada into healthy and inclusive spaces where every person feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. 

The Paralympic Foundation of Canada works towards igniting change through sport by:

IGNITING OPPORTUNITY

Everyone deserves to experience the power of sport

Sport is a potent catalyst for personal growth and health, nurturing essential life skills like resilience, independence, and determination to work toward goals and dreams. Yet, for individuals with disabilities, an array of barriers often stands between them and the gateway to sport programs and activities. The Paralympic Foundation of Canada believes all Canadians deserves the opportunity to experience the power of sport.  

IGNITING BELIEF

Creating champions to inspire belief that greatness is possible 

Disability should never be a factor that limits the ability to dream or people envisioning greatness in themselves. This belief is what fuels our passion for the Paralympic Games and the work to ensure that Canadians with disabilities are best prepared to achieve their athletic dreams on the world stage. Creating champions to inspire the belief that greatness is possible is important to ensuring youth with disabilities will then have an opportunity to realize their potential. This fosters a sport culture in which Canadian Para sport will grow and thrive, as disability is perceived to be advantageous and not a limitation to achieving goals.   

IGNITING INCLUSION

Healthy communities are ones in which every person is included and belongs 

Paralympic sport uniquely drives societal transformation. With over 6.2 million Canadians living with a disability—approximately one in six—ensuring their inclusion, both within and beyond the realm of sport, enriches our nation immeasurably.  

Don’t just take it from us, your support makes a difference!

“It is a major sacrifice to be a Paralympic athlete as balancing a fulltime job while being a high-level athlete is difficult. The increase in funding that we have received over the past few years and specifically, this current season, make a huge difference in our ability to train and compete. As we can continue to increase our ability to provide high quality programming, we hope to be able to continue to support our athletes on their path to the podium,”
- Nicole Ban, National Team Head Coach, Women’s Sitting volleyball 

With your participation in the ParaTough Cup, you are helping IGNITE change through sport!