BC Wheelchair Basketball Society – March 21, 2018 (Vancouver B.C.)  Let’s Play B.C. would like to thank the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Grants Fund, at the Calgary Foundation for their support.  With the ever-growing need for resources and Let’s Play programming, the increased funding will assist in reducing the number of children on our wait list, through the purchase of additional sport wheelchairs and through the hosting of additional Let’s Play dates and activities throughout B.C. The wheelchairs will remain a legacy of the foundations’ support and will be passed on to many children and ultimately will lay a foundation for lifelong enjoyment, healthy living and sport participation.

With inclusion and participation at the core of BC Wheelchair Basketballs’ (BCWBS) mission, children with disabilities have an urgent need for inclusive opportunities in physical education activities, play, and organized sports like all children.  Young children with disabilities are far too often faced with inaccessible playgrounds, teachers lacking the resources to offer inclusive activities, and unnecessary exclusion from recreation and sport.  Children with disabilities are more restricted in their participation than their peers and have higher incidence of obesity and the negative health effects of inactivity.
 
“We know that when children are active and play, they gain strength, confidence, self-esteem, problem-solving skills & social skills which enhance their daily life”, states Let’s Play Director, Marni Abbott-Peter. “This is why the Let’s Play program, with its many support tools and resources is essential to the health and well-being of young children with physical disabilities.  This new funding will go to help assist more children with essential programming through Let’s Play.” 
 
Let’s Play B.C.’s focus on education, health and wellness and community development initiates a path to be physically active. Children need to learn fundamental movement skills to develop confidence and competence to participate in sport and physical activity. Health care providers, school personnel and community leaders work collaboratively with BCWBS through Let’s Play to systematically identify appropriate children and give them the resources (such as a sport wheelchair), knowledge, and opportunity to be physically active in an inclusive environment with their peers.  Let’s Play began as an initiative to purchase sport wheelchairs for kids with disabilities but we were immediately told more was needed by parents and teachers. BCWBS then developed ‘Let’s Play’ into the community model in place today.

About Let’s Play B.C.
Let’s Play includes the provision of a sport wheelchairs, hosting Let’s Play events, performing school visits and teacher education, physical literacy toolkits and resources that are disability specific, expertise to community groups that want to deliver inclusive programming, and rural outreach across B.C. This need is demonstrated through our current wait list for support and through our reach to 130 kids that have been helped to date.  
 
About the Calgary Foundation
The Foundation facilitates collaborative philanthropy by making powerful connections between donors and community organizations for the long-term benefit of Calgary and area. In 2016-17, Calgary Foundation saw $26.0 million in new contributions, had an asset base of $925.6 million and granted $40.2 million to 896 charitable organizations.  It is the strategic partnerships with our generous fund-holders and effective nonprofits that enable us to do great work and build a vibrant community. The strength and value of a community foundation is reflected in a strong and sustainable charitable sector.

About Daryl K. “Doc” Seaman
Doc Seaman has been described as a hero, icon, pioneer, philanthropist, visionary and legend. He was an original owner of the Calgary Flames and was instrumental in bringing them to Calgary in 1980. Among his many other accomplishments, Doc was also known for his wartime experiences as a World War II pilot, and for his civic contribution as a member of the Royal Commission on Economic Union and Development Prospects for Canada, 1982-1985. Doc received two honorary Doctor of Laws degrees and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. His philanthropic giving ranged from supporting education and medical research to funding entrepreneurial initiatives. Doc’s love for ranching, hockey and sports, and his dedication to community will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
 
About BC Wheelchair Basketball Society
The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS) is the provincial sports’ governing body which provides support to wheelchair basketball programs throughout BC. BCWBS’s mission is to provide experiences that inspire inclusion, participation and excellence through wheelchair basketball.
 
For more information:

Please contact:
Michelle Comeau
BCWBS Communications Manager
Mobile: 403-512-7671 or email: michellercomeau@gmail.com