Fourteen Pro Sports Teams and Provincial Sport Organizations Unite at BC Place
Vancouver, BC – On Saturday, May 11, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) welcomed over 2,500 attendees at CAN Sports Day, presented by ITC Construction Group. The annual event featured 11 sports stations for children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families, to enjoy on the field at BC Place.
Now in its 10th year, the event featured five professional sports teams – the Vancouver Canucks, Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, and Vancouver Warriors. The event also included a range of Provincial Sport Organizations – BC Lacrosse Association, BC Athletics, British Columbia Golf, Tennis BC, Gymnastics BC, Baseball BC, BC Rugby, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, and Let’s Play BC.
All participating organizations received autism training from CAN ahead of the event. Staff, players, alumni, and mascots were then joined by CAN coaches and volunteers in order to lead the various activities for participants.
“We believe that every individual on the autism spectrum has the right to play sports,” said Britt Andersen, CEO of Canucks Autism Network. “It is truly inspiring to see professional teams and Provincial Sport Organizations joining forces to create an unforgettable sporting experience for our CAN community.”
Many individuals on the autism spectrum face barriers to participation in community sports and recreation. By training and uniting an entire community of BC sports leaders, the event seeks to build more inclusive and accessible sport opportunities for Autistic athletes across a variety of settings.
Each year, CAN delivers over 700 programs and trains thousands of community leaders province-wide. To learn more, visit canucksautism.ca.
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About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.
CAN’s vision is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces. Learn more at canucksautism.ca.
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Media Contact
Lindsay Petrie
Director of Marketing & Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca
604.788.8565