Athlete Development for Para Sport

OUR MISSION IS TO FOSTER INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT AND EXCELLENCE IN PARA SPORT THROUGH QUALITY ATHLETE AND COACH DEVELOPMENT.

Our training programs and events are designed to develop, mentor and support Para athletes and coaches with a focus on developing the next generation of Para athletes.

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Athlete in Training Program

This program is geared towards athletes experiencing disability ages 12+ who want to increase their training level to challenge themselves, improve performance in recreational sport or work towards their goal of high-level competition. The focus is on physical conditioning – looking at muscular strength and power as well as skill development in a fun, educational group environment. Athletes train in a group setting, but each receives an individualized program focusing on specific areas of strength and areas for improvement.

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Performance Para Development

This program is designed for athletes experiencing disability competing in Para sport. Athletes in this program will be able to train one to two times per week with a strength and conditioning coach. Training sessions focus on building muscular strength, power, endurance and flexibility specific to the demands of each sport and the unique abilities of each athlete.

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Para Athletics

The Steadward Bears Para Athletics program engages athletes experiencing disability within the different components of athletics, including wheeling, running, jumping, and throwing. Events range from wheelchair racing and seated throws, to sprinting, endurance running and long jump. Athletes can choose to focus on one event area or develop skills across multiple events. With the support of qualified coaches, athletes are provided with individualized program plans that focus on event-specific skills for athletes ages 12+. The Steadward Bears supports athletes who are new to the sport of athletics as well as those with aspirations to compete at provincial and national levels. The Steadward Bears Para Athletics program is inclusive of all individuals experiencing disability who are interested in developing skills in track and/or field events. Integrated competitive opportunities are available for those interested.

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Para Swimming

The Steadward Bears Para swimming team engages athletes experiencing disability to develop competitive swimming skills; from grassroots to high-performance athletes. With the support of qualified coaches, knowledgeable volunteers and APA Consultants, we develop individualized programs that focus on stroke-specific skills for athletes of all ages and are inclusive of all individuals experiencing disability. The Steadward Bears support athletes who are new to the sport of swimming as well as those with aspirations to compete at provincial and national levels. We run several different programs depending on the swimmer’s ability and interest, although all members of the Steadward Bears Para swimming community share a common, inclusive and welcoming community. 

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Team Training

Team Training is designed for recreational and competitive sport teams (Para sport or integrated teams). The following services are available:

• physical conditioning programs
• training camps hosted in state-of-the-art facilities
• develop programs with coaches that can be incorporated into practice
• workshops for athletes and/or coaches (effective training, coaching Para-athletes, Becoming Para Ready)

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To inquire about team training please contact Partnerships & Para Sport Development Coordinator at tscparasport@ualberta.ca.