» Facility Profile The Abilities’ Centre: Breaking New


» Facility Profile


Ground By Dr. Julia Alleyne


With less than two years until the


2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games comes to Toronto, we have already started to celebrate, that is, to cele- brate our abilities. The Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ont., will be the venue for competitive judo and boccia for the Games. This unique centre is more than a sports arena and more than a work-out gym. It is place where mem- bers are unconditionally accepted for their abilities within an inclusive en- vironment designed to respectfully ac- commodate all who enter.


From the outside, the glass and light


effect is modern and inviting. But what is truly unique is that it is a privately owned centre that is a registered char- ity with a mission to deliver enriching sports, fitness, arts, life skills, research and educational opportunities for peo- ple of all ages and abilities.


BY DR. JULIA ALLEYNE W The Abilities Centre opened its


doors for business in June 2012 unveil- ing a 125,000 sq. ft. barrier-free facility that is stocked to the brim with inno- vative programs, accessible equipment a inth less th n two years until


already s rtiarted to celebrate, that is, to cel- ebrate our abilities. The Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ont., will be the venue for competi- tive judo and boccia for the Games. This unique centre is more than a sports arena and more than a work-out gym. It is place where members are unconditionally ac- cepted for their abilities within an inclusive environment designed to respectfully ac- commodate all who enter.


boxing and Pilates.


d an unparalleled philosophy. the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games comes to Toronto, we have ghts that is the heart of its reason for existence. The charter emphasiz- es words like “innovative,” “resp ct


the Ontario Basketball Team and the Wheelchair Lacrosse Association. At the Parapan two-year countdown cel- ebration, staff and volunteers toured the Centre field house, which contains a walking/training track, full-size bas- ketball courts, a fitness facility, sensory therapy room, life skills, art and music programs, and performing arts com- ponents. Behind each door there was a new experience, a new way of look- ing at ability and new challenge to our thinking as we imagined the potential of a barrier free and accessible world. The Abilities Centre is a living para-


THE ABILITIES CENTRE Breaking New Ground


digm of fully-integrated facilities for supportive and optimistic trainers and is an inspiration to members.


SIDEBAR 1 “At Abilities Centre, we recognize


and celebrate the unique abilities of all of our members and visitors. We care more about what people CAN do than what they cannot do.


In addition, by


offering such a widely diverse pro- gram, we are able to tap into their in- terests and talent.”


Leo Plue


The Centre developed a charter of rights that is the heart of i s reason for existence.


executive director Abilities Centre


The Centre devel ped a charter of The charter emphasizes words like “inno- vative,” “respectful,” “expedient” and “in- clusive,” and it brings these words to life with cl Moavsses like Stroller Fit Boot Camp for


SIDEBAR 2 The TIME class (Together in


ful,” “expedient” and “inclusive,” and it young moms and Piloxing, wh ch combines brings these words to life with classes boxing and Pilates. like Stroller Fit Boot Camp for young


ement and Exercise) is for persons with neuromuscular conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and brain You can feel the innovation but what


From t ahe outside, the glass and light ef- fect is m odern and inviting. But what is truly unique is that it is a privately owned centre th caat is a registered charity with a mission to deliver enriching sports, fitness, arts, life skills, research and education- al opport yunities for people of all ages and abilities.haps it is a long battle of weight loss. The Abilities Centre opened its doors for what is clear is that there is a unique


f the Abilities Centre are a diverse


business in June 2012 unveiling a 125,000 sq. ft. barrier-free facility that is stocked to the brim with innovative programs, ac- cessible equipment and an unparalleled philosophy.


40 Fitness Business Canada July/August 2014 40 Fitness Business Canada July/August 2014 styles and community integration.


moms and Piloxing, which combines about the inclusiveness? The members of the Abilities Centre are a diverse popula- tion where physical challenges can include navigating the world from a wheelchair or Rob has been attending the class on his physician’s recommendation: “The


injury. It is a class where participants find new ways to move and ultimate- ly experience the fun and freedom of movement.


You can feel the innovation but what


population where physical challenges teoarthritis or perhaps it is a long battle n include navigating the world from of weight loss. There is no clear eligibility a wheelchair or making shapes from criteri ma, but what is clear is that there is a the shadows of partial vision. Perhaps unique blend of innovative classes, coach- our challenge is osteoarthritis or per-ing s ctyles and community integration. The Abilities Centre has attract-


There is no clear eligibility criteria, buted te yaoms to train in the facility, includ- ing t she Ontario Basketball Team and the


bout the inclusiveness? The members making shapes from the shadows of par- tial vision. Perhaps your challenge is os- TIME program was the first group ac- t vity that I’ve participated in. It helped e come out of my shell as I was re- ally not comfortable with my elf in my ondition. Mingling with able-bodied and not so able-bodied people, both ung and old, has real y helped my pirits and I feel s ronger physically.”


blend of innovative classes, coaching Wheelchair Lacrosse Association. At the Parapan two-year countdown celebration, staff and volunteers toured the Centre field house, which contains a walking/training


The Abilities Centre has attracted teams to train in the facility, including


SIDEBAR 3 "This is an amazing venue that is well thought out architecturally and


“At Abilities Centre, we recognize and celebrate the unique abilities of all of our members and visitors. We care more about what people CAN do than what they cannot do. In addition, by offering such a widely diverse program, we are able to tap into their interests and talent.”


—Leo Plue executive director Abilities Centre


yet has an inspirational quality that motivates all of us to be active,” says Dr. Gaetan Tardif, president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “This venue will be a pleasure for our athletes to compete in."


Dr. Julia Alleyne is a sport medicine


physician and the chief medical offi- cer for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Games in Toronto. ##


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