New round of grants now available to help cover the cost of sports programs and sports equipment for people with a disability

Canadian Paralympic Committee calls for applications for the 2013-14 Para-Equipment Fund and Recruitment Program Fund

OTTAWA, Jan. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee invites Canadian sport organizations and clubs to apply, starting today, for the 2013-14 granting round of both the Para-Equipment Fund and the Recruitment Program Fund.

1. The Para-Equipment Fund (PEF) delivers grants of up to $5,000 to national and provincial sport organizations as well as local-level clubs to purchase adapted equipment - for sports such as wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, or skiing for people with visual impairments, for example - to enable people with a disability to participate in sport.
   
   Grants are awarded to cover 50 per cent of the total cost of the equipment. The applicant is responsible for covering the other 50 per cent of the equipment costs.
   
   The Para-Equipment Fund is supported by the Government of Canada's Sport Support Program and Invacare Canada.
   
   
2. The Recruitment Program Fund (RPF), also supported by the Government of Canada's Sport Support Program, awards grants of up to $10,000 to sports organizations to financially support the creation of a new sports program or the expansion of an existing successful program that provides a positive introductory sports experience for participants with a disability.
   
   Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more.

Applications for both funds will be accepted starting January 18, 2013.

The deadline to submit applications is February 19, 2013.

Please visit www.paralympic.ca/funding for the application and more information.

An interactive webinar to help applicants with their grants will take place Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 7 p.m. EST. For an invitation with the webinar information, please email Laura Ferris at lferris@paralympic.ca.

About Sport Canada's Sport Support Program

The Sport Support Program provides National and Multi Sport Organizations with financial assistance they need to develop Canada's amateur sport system and to achieve world class athletic results. This financial support strengthens our national sport system and benefits our athletes and coaches. For more information, please visit www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267385942671.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

Follow the Canadian Paralympic Committee:

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SOURCE CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (CPC)