David Orazietti, MPP announced today that the Sault Accessible Sports Incorporation (SASI) will receive a $51,400 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support inclusive sports programs for individuals with disabilities.
“Our government recognizes the importance of helping organizations such as the SASI address the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Sault Ste. Marie and the North Shore area,” said Orazietti. “This funding will provide participants with the equipment they need to access sport and recreational opportunities, especially for those who would not otherwise have access to safe equipment and excellent programs.”
Orazietti was joined by OTF representative and SASI volunteer Sergio Saccucci to celebrate the new investment at SASI’s annual fundraising event, “A Night to Remember” at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
The funding will be used to purchase sporting equipment, including sledge hockey equipment, artificial ice, basketball wheelchairs and an access lift, as well as a trailer. The new equipment will improve access to active living programs in Sault Ste. Marie and enhance the quality of existing programs.
SASI is a volunteer organization that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for those of all ages and abilities and provides inclusive sports programs for individuals with disabilities. The organization provides assistance and support to facilitate individual growth and independence, as well as opportunities for recreational and competitive sport. Sporting programs include sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, bowling, curling, ParaNordic Skiing, waterskiing and archery.
“Sault Accessible Sports Inc. is proud as an organization to offer sporting activities to individuals with disabilities; activities to not only provide exercise but also to build an individual’s confidence in themselves,” said Peter Hewgill, SASI Board Member. “We are excited to receive a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that will enable us to expand a couple of our primary sports, sledge hockey and wheelchair basketball. The money will be used to purchase new equipment for these sports, which we expect to bring out more participants. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation more people with disabilities will be able to experience the fun that sports provide.”
SASI is run by a board of directors and a council of 16 volunteers. These volunteers oversee the programs and ensure the quality and safety of active living programs, with each program running once a week for a variety of time lengths. For more information visit http://saultaccessiblesports.org/
A leading grant maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org
Provincial investments through the Ontario Trillium Foundation in Sault Ste. Marie, since 2003, total over $5 million and include organizations such as:
- $250,000 Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
- $173,000 Sault Youth Association
- $98,700 Community Living Algoma
- $90,000 Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie and District
- $77,300 Soo Pee Wee Association
- $70,000 Kiwanis Community Theatre
- $75,000 Sault Ste. Marie Skate Park
- $75 000 Passport to Unity Multicultural Festival
- $68,500 Learning Disabilities Association Sault Ste. Marie
- $67,500 Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie
- $61,700 Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie
- $60,000 Sault Ste. Marie Symphony Association
- $60,000 Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club
- $60,000 Ken Brown Recovery Home
- $50,000 Tarentorus Sports Club
- $53,000 United Way of Sault Ste. Marie
- $41,700 Big Brothers Big Sisters Association
- $30,000 Searchmont Ski Runners
- $30,000 Family YMCA Sault Ste. Marie
- $27,600 Echoes Drum Festival Sault Ste. Marie
- $15,000 St. Marys River Marine Heritage Centre
- $14,500 Art Gallery of Algoma
