Dragon Boat Racing
The Balmy Beach Canoe Club offers a dragon boat program for youth ages 10 and up with special needs. Each participant is expected to be accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or other helper. The helper is welcomed for no cost. Sessions run through July at the Balm Beach Canoe Boathouse at Coxwell and Lakeshore Blvd. For more informatio, contact Colleen Didur, 416-364-9413, bbcc@rogers.com.
Recreation Outreach
"The purpose of recreation outreach is to support active, healthy living for children and youth with disabilities and their families..." Contact them for ideas on accessing recreation opportunities in the community, for advocacy with recreation service providers, and for community development support. Call 416-425-6220 x 3542 or 3541.
Parks and Recreation
Each of the four Toronto's Parks and Recreation divisions has an Adapted and Integrated Services department that offers support for individuals with special needs to attend parks and recreation programs, as well as specialized programs. Check the Fun Guide for your region (pick up at your local library or visit the city's web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/torontofun/index.html.
Skiing
North York Ski Centre, Earl Bales Park, has an inexpensive ski program ($50 for the season). Contact Amber Panchyshyn 416.528.7130
Get Active Now
"We are committed to making a difference in the lives of Ontarians with a disability, and their communities, by promoting healthy active living... We offer a one-stop source for facts on active living, practical resources, programs in your community and "how to" materials " Visit their web site at http://getactivenow.ca/.
High Five
HIGH FIVE® is a quality standard for organizations providing recreation and sport programs for children aged 6-12. Visit http://www.highfive.org/Static/index.cfm for details.
Variety Village
Variety Village, in the south-west part of Scarborough, offers a wide variety of recreation programs throughout the year. Family memberships are subsidized for families with a member who has special needs. Call 416-699-7161 or visit http://www.varietyontario.ca/village/index.htm.
Sportball
Sport Ball is a private organization offering group sport instruction for children, in a variety of locations across the city. They service children from ages 2 to 8. Visit http://www.sportball.ca/ or call (905) 882-4473, or (416)631-0036, Fax: (905) 882-8453, or email sportball@sympatico.ca
Laura Hunter's Steps Programs
Laura Hunter offers a variety of physical development programs for children of all abilities ages 16 months to 16 years. Programs include gym skills, biking, therapeutic horseback riding and summer camp. Visit http://www.stepsprograms.com/
Hockey Association for the Developmentally Associated
Offers hockey programs in a variety of locations. Call 416-749-1450 or email hadcgladiators@sympatico.ca.
Swimming
Variety Village also offers swimming programs, both integrated and for special needs only. Call 416-699-7161 or http://www.varietyontario.ca/village/index.htm.
Gymnastics
The Rosedale Gym Club runs a specially designed gymnastics program for individuals with special needs, 18 months and up, in their appealling and well-equipped club located on Laird Drive. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 - 5 p.m., 5 - 6 p.m., Saturdays 12:45 - 1:45. Call 416-778-9912, email rosedalegymclub@rogers.com, or visit www.rosedalegymclub.com.