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$111,000 Investment Fuels Growth of Inclusive Sport Through Boccia Canada’s Take the Shot Program

Published on: November 27, 2025
Boccia athlete taking the shot at the 2025 National Boccia Championships in Ottawa

Fifteen organizations across Canada receive funding to expand access and participation in boccia

Ottawa, ON (November 27, 2025) – Boccia Canada is proud to announce that fifteen local and provincial organizations across the country will receive Take the Shot grants to develop and expand community boccia programming.

These grants, made possible through the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) component of the Sport Canada Sport Support Program, aim to break down barriers to participation and grow boccia from the ground up.

The Take the Shot program supports three key areas of development:

  • Try-It events introducing new participants to boccia;
  • Try-It School events integrating boccia into physical education programs; and
  • Club Support for the growth and sustainability of new and existing boccia clubs.

In 2025–26, $111,000 in grants will be distributed to organizations across the country to increase access, inclusion, and participation in boccia.

“Boccia is one of the most inclusive sports out there; anyone can play, and everyone belongs. The Take the Shot program is giving more Canadians the chance to discover this amazing sport, get active, and connect with their communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support Boccia Canada as it breaks down barriers and makes sport more accessible for everyone,” said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport).

“This investment demonstrates the profound impact that community sport can have across Canada,” said Alana Aird, President of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA). “Through the Take the Shot grants, we are seeing local organizations open doors to participation for people of all abilities. However, to sustain this momentum, continued and predictable funding is essential. Sustainable investment in community sport ensures that programs like these can thrive year after year—creating lasting change and empowering Canadians to discover the power of sport.”

“We look forward to continuing to support local and community organizations across the country in developing inclusive and engaging boccia programming,” said Martin Richard, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association/Boccia Canada. “Sport unites generations, builds confidence, and fosters belonging. Its impact goes far beyond the boccia court, it helps create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities for all Canadians.”

Local Impact Across the Country

One of this year’s recipients, the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association, will launch new boccia programming in Saskatoon, building on the momentum created by the Bratz@Home boccia kit program during the pandemic. With support from Boccia Canada, the association will host community “Try-It” events and purchase boccia sets and ramps to ensure no cost barriers for participants.

The Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (OCPSA) will use the funding to introduce boccia to all secondary special-education classes in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. The initiative integrates boccia into the school curriculum, culminating in four inter-school tournaments.

Amanda Fader, Executive Director of OCPSA, shared:

“Thanks to CCPSA/Boccia Canada’s support, we’re bringing boccia to more Ontarians than ever before – launching Boccia Week in Ontario and building a schools program with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. This funding helps us create more inclusive, community-based opportunities to play.”

Boccia Canada and the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association extend their gratitude to Sport Canada for their continued support through the Community Sport for All Initiative. Together, these investments are helping make sport more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven nationwide.

The following recipients were awarded Take the Shot grants in 2025-26: 

  • Active Living West Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Boccia Nova Scotia
  • Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of British Columbia
  • City of Waterloo
  • Cruisers Sports
  • Mangilaluk School
  • OneAbility Foundation
  • Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association
  • Parasport and Recreation Prince Edward Island
  • Parasport New Brunswick
  • Quinte Leatherbacks Boccia Club
  • Royal City Boccia Rollers
  • Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association
  • The Centre for Child Development
  • Variety Village
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