Every kid deserves the opportunity to participate in the sports they love, regardless of ability or financial circumstances. Located in Calgary, the AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada is a leader in advocating for adaptive sports, education and meaningful change. AMP empowers children with physical disabilities by creating programs that foster physical activity in an inclusive environment. Their work includes running a program for Grade 3 students, supporting mixed-ability jamborees for adaptive and able-body athletes, and supporting the first Tier 1 NHL-affiliated sledge hockey team in Canadian history.
“The AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada does amazing work in building inclusive communities through adaptive sports. Their work is truly inspiring, and I know this funding will play a key role in helping them make sport more accessible and improve the lives of more young Albertans.”
“Sport and recreation are about more than competition; they’re about finding community and building healthy habits for life. Through this funding, we’re helping expand the number of opportunities for more Albertans to be more active more often—because sport is for everyone, and every kid deserves the chance to play.”
Alberta’s government is providing the AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada with $500,000 to expand their Community Champions Program. The Community Champions Program gives Grade 3 students of all abilities the opportunity to play para hockey, including sledge and roller hockey, in a supportive, fun and inclusive environment at no cost. This one-time investment will help AMP grow their Community Champions Program in Calgary and expand into Edmonton. As a result, AMP will be able to offer its program to more than 2,000 Grade 3 students in the 2024-25 school year.
“The fact that 92 per cent of children aren’t meeting requirements for physical activity deeply concerned us as parents and former players. We felt a responsibility to step up and create a positive and impactful experience for our kids and communities. With this funding from the Alberta Government, the program has grown from 100 students to over 2,000 in one year. It’s been absolutely incredible.”
Supporting organizations like AMP help ensure no child is forced to watch from the sidelines. This funding will expand AMP’s capacity to fuel positive change across the province, building stronger and more resilient communities. Alberta’s government is breaking down barriers and empowering those with disabilities to thrive within the sports community.
“The Calgary Flames Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the AMP Legacy Foundation. What started as an idea to create sport opportunities for youth impacted by disabilities has become an important tool for students to learn about and engage with adapted sports. This is an adaptive youth sports experience that is exciting, challenging and truly unique. We are proud to be supporters.”
“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is proud to partner with AMP Legacy on this initiative. EOCF aims to enable all kids in Oil Country to reach their full potential, regardless of their physical abilities. This program not only provides adaptive opportunities for children of all abilities to play hockey, but it also teaches them to overcome challenges together and discover new ways to get active.”