BC Wheelchair Sports' Bridging the Gap Program

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a BC Wheelchair Sports program that helps individuals with disabilities reintegrate into the community. Thanks to $105,000 from the BC Sport Participation Program in 2004-2007, more than 250 individuals in 14 communities, along with 39 coaches, participated in the program.

BTG was introduced at "Have-a-Go" events where participants could try various sports and develop basic strength and wheeling skills. Participants can progress from BTG to community-based programs in tennis, athletics, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and hockey. BTG works closely with GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, community parks and recreation associations and wheelchair sport clubs throughout the province.

The following communities particpated in the BTG program: Burnaby, Coquitlam, Fort St. John, Kelowna, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Prince George, Quesnel, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, Vernon and Victoria.

The BC Sport Participation Program aims to increase sport participation in community and school-based sports. From 2004-2007 the program gave more than $2 million to 22 sport organizations running programs in 109 communities for close to 85,000 participants and more than 4,600 coaches. The program is funded by the Province of British Columbia and Sport Canada.