Toronto/CMEDIA: The grand opening of reportedly Scarborough’s first fully inclusive basketball courts at Confederation Park was unveiled and celebrated by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, representatives of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) and City of Toronto staff joined with dozens of local children.
“The new accessible basketball courts at Confederation Park reflect the City of Toronto’s commitment to equity and inclusion…Jumpstart has helped in creating a barrier-free Toronto where every child can experience the joy and benefits of sport,” Chow has said.
Attendees initiated the new courts by showcasing their basketball skills.
An Inclusive Play Project grant from Jumpstart and a generous donation from Canadian Tire Dealers across the Greater Toronto Area facilitated the newly refurbished Confederation Park accessible outdoor basketball courts.
The three inclusive courts can now better accommodate players and spectators of all abilities with new accessible features including:
- Wheelchair accessible spectator seating
- Double-wide entryways
- A wheelchair friendly court surface
- High-contrast court markings for players with visual impairments
- Accessible tables and shaded seating areas
- A fully accessible pathway to the courts
With a commitment to develop inclusive Jumpstart’s Inclusive Play Project initiative made accessible play spaces possible for kids of all abilities across Canada.
‘At Jumpstart, we are committed to supporting community partners…our friends across the GTA Canadian Tire Dealer Group…in bringing this inclusive basketball court to life at Confederation Park…build strong community ties through the power of sport and play.” Stuart McReynolds, AVP, Programs & Advocacy, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has said
While celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Jumpstart has helped more than four million children across Canada overcome financial and accessibility barriers to participation in sport.
Toronto City’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive and accessible recreational spaces. are also reflected by these upgrades.
While working to ensure everyone can participate in active living by offering adaptive equipment in pools and skating rinks, the City is offering therapeutic booking options and sensory-friendly environments such as the Snoezelen Room.
More about accessibility recreation facilities and equipment can be learned on the City’s website.
A wide range of inclusive programs such as wheelchair basketball, bocce, sledge hockey, adaptive skiing, dance, art and camps can also be explored by the residents the City’s website.
