James Murphy
ParaSport® Ontario Executive Director
Hi there, and welcome to ParaSport Ontario! My name is James and I have a diverse background in sport and community partnerships, program leadership, and advocating for the benefits of physical activity and inclusion for everybody. As the Executive Director, I am passionate about finding a sport and active living opportunity for everyBODY.
As an organization we support members of the disability community in choosing their own parasport path. Even though it is individualized for each person, overall, the goals are the same - to increase physical activity participation, mental health, and quality of life for anyone with a disability.
ParaSport Ontario is serious about getting you in the game, or back in the game, because parasports make fitness fun! There are plenty of parasports to try and we are here to get you started!
As an organization we support members of the disability community in choosing their own parasport path. Even though it is individualized for each person, overall, the goals are the same - to increase physical activity participation, mental health, and quality of life for anyone with a disability.
ParaSport Ontario is serious about getting you in the game, or back in the game, because parasports make fitness fun! There are plenty of parasports to try and we are here to get you started!
ParaSport® Ontario
Jeff Tiessen
At one point in my life I didn't think that there was any sport for me, a kid without any hands. ParaSport Ontario - which was Sport for Disabled Ontario at the time - found me, connected me with many parasports and a sports club, and supported me on my parasport path which ultimately guided me to the medal podium at three Paralympic Games. Choose your own parasport path. It's different for each one of us. But what is the same, is that physical activity is essential for all of us. We're here to help get you started!
Barbara Morrow
Barbara has been with ParaSport Ontario for over 30 years, beginning when the organization was known as Sport for Disabled - Ontario. Her passion for sport began at a young age, participating in competitive and recreational sport. "Participating in sports contributes to a healthy and active lifestyle and is a great way to meet new people and establish life-long friendships."
Emily Blackborow
Hi everyone, my name is Emily Blackborow and I’m the Communications Coordinator at ParaSport Ontario, based in our Niagara regional office. After earning my Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, I entered the not-for-profit world with goals to enhance my leadership skills and to explore my passions of community development and grassroots movements. I want to promote strategies that sustain meaningful community programs in my hometown and across the province. Currently, I am focused on accessible social media marketing and ensuring we are doing our best to be a digitally accessible organization.
Kevin Waters
Hi! My name is Kevin Waters and I am the Program and Events Coordinator with ParaSport Ontario. I completed a BSc in Recreation and a Bachelor of Management degree at Dalhousie University. I am originally from Hubbards, Nova Scotia, where I began my recreation journey as a member of the Municipality of Chester's Recreation and Parks Department Team. I was also the Student Director for Recreation Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors from 2018-21. I found my passion for para sport when organizing a sledge hockey program – South Shore Para – an organization my father and I cofounded in 2016. Using my experience with sledge hockey and the recreation field, I saw an amazing opportunity with ParaSport Ontario.
Maryann Macharia
Hey, my name is Maryann, a lover of the outdoors. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Brock University. I am passionate about social justice and believe that sport can be used to empower disenfranchised communities and contribute to social development. I am directly involved in sourcing resources, expertise and programs at ParaSport Ontario. There are opportunities for everyBODY to enjoy recreational or competitive experiences and I’m excited to share information about adapted sport, inclusive participation and community resources with you.
Sponsor Message
How to resolve AdBlock issue? Supported by
