The upcoming Tokyo Paralympics will be an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Canadian Paralympians. However, without strong development pathways, young Canadians may not have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. An important first step along any development pathway is a positive introduction to sport through grassroots community programs. There is a persisting gap in the literature related to athletes’ experiences of existing community parasport programs, particularly among youth participants. As part of my Master’s research project, I spoke with female youth participants in a community multi-sport parasport program in Ontario to hear about their experiences. The athletes shared the ways they felt their participation had impacted their personal development, as well as their views of the program and how it fit into their lives.
