Town of Arnprior Launches New Sledge Hockey Program Through Jumpstart Community Development Grant

ARNPRIOR, ON - A new sledge hockey program will take to the ice at the Nick Smith Centre next month after the Town of Arnprior was name a recipient of a Jumpstart Community Development Grant. The Town will receive $17,902.00 to support the creation of a sledge hockey program that will cover the costs of the equipment required to participate in the sport.

“The Greater Arnprior Community has scored big with this grant and we are grateful to Jumpstart and Sport Canada for their continued contributions and dedication to helping us grow recreation in Arnprior and provide accessible programming in our community,” said Graeme Ivory, Director of Recreation. “We are grateful to those that supported our application to launch a sledge hockey program which will benefit many within our community and surrounding region.” 

Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative has provided $6.8 million in funding to Jumpstart to support organized sport and to help community organizations kick start local organized sports that are accessible to all. With support from Jumpstart and the Government of Canada, we will be able to create a Sledge Hockey Program in Arnprior, expanding the scope of recreation programs in our community. 

The application was submitted this past July in collaboration with local sledge hockey coaches, Ryan and Amanda Harris. The Harris’ are Arnprior residents with a child with cerebral palsy who enjoys playing sledge hockey. “We are so excited to bring another form of hockey to the community,” said Amanda. “We can’t wait to get started and see this sport get going in Arnprior.” The couple’s dedication towards building accessible programming has had an impact in this region and the pair have committed to coaching the program.

“What an amazing opportunity for this community,” said local Five-time Paralympian Todd Nicholson. “I know the value inclusive sport has in building people, families and communities and to see the sport of sledge hockey take roots in Arnprior will do wonders for everyone with and without disabilities in the area. Anyone and everyone can play together.”

“The Canadian Tire's Jumpstart Sledge Hockey Grant is a fantastic program that focuses on helping and enabling all kids to play,” says JR Tunison, Associate Dealer of the Arnprior store. “The Arnprior Canadian Tire Team is very excited to work with the Town to support this wonderful program.”

Arnprior’s sledge hockey program is anticipated to begin on November 17 and the Town will be working with local organizations to ensure that those facing accessible barriers to recreation have the opportunity to take part in this program. Registration is now open to those aged 4-25 with a disability. 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is committed to ensuring kids in need have equal access to sport and recreation. Since 2005, Jumpstart has disbursed more than $215 million to help over 2.5 million kids and counting. Along with Jumpstart, we understand the importance of sport for the health and well-being of kids and their families and are proud of the work we do to provide community sport and play.