(Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association congratulates Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association (MWSA) on being awarded a $10,000 Manitoba Future grant from MTS Allstream. The funds will go to support MWSA’s Mini Paralympians program, which provides sport experiences for children with physical disabilities and inspires them to get active.

“We’re so grateful to MTS and to the Manitobans who voted for us,” said MWSA Executive Director Angela Lloyd. “This grant will allow us to expand our Mini-Paralympians program and offer it all year long in addition to our summer week-long Mini Paralympian Camp. We’ll be able to reach more children and make sure that no child with a disability in Manitoba misses out on the many benefits of physical activity.”

According to Lloyd, the Mini Paralympians program helps children both on and off the field of play.

“Involvement in wheelchair sport is so vital for children with disabilities,” she said. “Not only does it help them lead active, healthy lives, but they also gain confidence and meet new friends.”

Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association CEO Cathy Cadieux praised the program.

“The Mini Paralympians camp is just one example of the great grassroots efforts going on in Manitoba,” she said. “Thanks to programs like this and supporters like MTS, we’re building the next generation of Paralympians.”