Sports and Recreation Programs Archives - Page 2 of 6

May 4, 2022

At Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we recognize that needs change with age. We believe that every Autistic individual should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

We’re proud to have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of our members by addressing some of the major gaps and most urgent issues impacting youth and adults on the spectrum. This includes program opportunities in employment, social and community connection, and most recently, mental health.

One of the most common barriers that Autistic youth and adults face is the need for a formal autism diagnosis to access supports.

In talking with CAN members and the broader autism community, many themes have emerged as potential barriers to formal diagnosis including cost, access to a professional who is qualified to provide a diagnosis, fear of not being believed, and other challenges navigating the healthcare system.

For the above reasons, CAN will no longer be requiring a formal diagnosis for individuals over 13 years of age who are interested in accessing any program or service provided by CAN. This important decision to increase accessibility has already been met with enthusiasm from our CAN community.

Longtime CAN program participant, and now CAN program and training team staff member, Kayla Tellier shared her excitement about the change.

“I almost didn’t get a diagnosis. The cost and fact that it was a late diagnosis would have been barriers if not for having an amazing counselor at the time,” Kayla shared.

“I am very excited about this change as I experienced barriers to services for a couple years after high school and struggled to get a diagnosis due to doctor issues and cost. I was lucky enough that I eventually did get my diagnosis, but I can see these issues being a continued barrier for many others, especially women/girls who frequently go undiagnosed. Allowing people to self-diagnose for services opens opportunities for those who were not lucky enough to find a workaround and for those facing other barriers that often stand in the way.”

CAN Office Administrator and program participant, Maxwell, elaborated on the importance of this shift to allowing individuals who are self-diagnosed to access CAN programs and services.

“As an Autistic individual, I have invested so much time in trying to find appropriate services that would match my support needs. I have eventually just given up on services after having to put in a LOT of trial and error in finding things that can help me,” Max shared.

“Making the diagnosis criteria optional for youth & adults opens a gate of opportunities for other individuals on the spectrum, especially in their time of transitioning from high school onto their own journey.”

CAN’s core program focus areas for youth and adults include:

employment & volunteering
social connection
recreation & leisure
mental health & wellness
life skills development

Get involved! Sign up for our youth & adult newsletter >

Questions? Email youthandadults@canucksautism.ca

April 29, 2022

At Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we believe that every individual on the spectrum has the right to play sports. Like all our efforts, we rely on dedicated community support to make that belief a reality. That’s why it was particularly meaningful to see our friends at Sport Surrey and the City of Surrey join us in hosting the first-ever CAN Hockey Jamboree.

Held this past April 2 at the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, the event was an opportunity for CAN Hockey participants and their families to close out the season in style.

Our hockey program features over 60 young athletes on the autism spectrum on four teams across the Lower Mainland — the Vancouver Orcas (youth & adult), Coquitlam Sharks (youth) and Surrey Stingrays (youth). Each team practices on a weekly basis, honing their skills, while forging meaningful social connections.

With the season culminating on April 2, players and their families were given the star treatment. As partners of the City of Surrey and longtime CAN supporters, the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society were on hand to serve up hot dogs and treats. And with the event also taking place on World Autism Day, Mayor Doug McCallum joined the players on the ice to drop the ceremonial puck.

After a series of scrimmages for our players to showcase their talents, parents and siblings were also invited onto the ice for a family skate.

“On behalf of City of Surrey – Parks, Recreation and Culture staff, it was our pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all the athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers participating in the Canucks Autism Network – Hockey Jamboree 2022” said Manvir Aujla, Community Services Assistant for Universal Design and Accessibility Services. “The City of Surrey is committed to creating a world where all on the autism spectrum can reach their full potential and encourages everyone to learn more about autism and how we can support the diverse needs. Also, a huge thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who have worked hard to make this a successful event!”

While the celebration was generously funded by Sport Surrey, the City of Surrey’s involvement with CAN extends far beyond this one-day event.

In addition to collaborating with the city to increase accessibility in community spaces, they have opened the doors of their pools, rinks and gyms to host CAN programs for years.

In particular, the CAN Hockey program in Surrey operates out of the same rink as the Pacific Junior Hockey League’s Surrey Knights. So, when team owner John Craighead heard about our team, he went above and beyond to make sure they felt welcome.

The Knights opened their private dressing room to our young athletes. They made personalized name bars to be placed above each player’s stall. And best of all, Knights players were on hand for each weekly practice to mentor and guide our participants.

So of course, on the day of the CAN Hockey Jamboree, Knights players joined each of our four teams on the ice for their scrimmage.

“Individuals on the spectrum often face barriers to participation in sports & rec,” said Romdoul Long, CAN Program Coordinator & event organizer.

“So to see three different groups from the City of Surrey community come together to support our participants – what an incredible way to celebrate acceptance on World Autism Day.”

On behalf of all 60+ families in attendance at the CAN Hockey Jamboree, thank you to Sport Surrey, the City of Surrey, Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society and the Surrey Knights.

Throughout the evening, the Canucks put the spotlight on CAN participants and the importance of supporting and including individuals on the spectrum in our community.

For the second straight year, anthem singer Gavin Leong (13 years old) and PA announcer Ryan Chilton (28) were featured at the mic.

A former student of the CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music program, Gavin has sung at a number of CAN events over the years. Meanwhile, Ryan is a professional announcer and voice over artist who has forged a bond with Canucks PA announcer Al Murdoch.

Gavin was joined at ice level by a couple of young CAN athletes from the Coquitlam Sharks hockey team.

Mikael Raptis (11) was chosen for the Rogers Every Kid’s Dream program, joining the starting lineup at the blueline. Meanwhile, his teammate Kayen DeGoey (10) experienced the pre-game warm up as the Toyota Junior Trainer of the Game.

Mikael (left) and Kayen (right) had just completed their first year of CAN Hockey the day before the game.

And just before puck drop, it was Bob Shanks, a 29-year-old on the spectrum, who cranked the BCLC Community Hero Siren. Over the course of 10 years, Bob has single-handedly raised over $300,000 for CAN. A community hero, indeed.

After the 1st period, it was CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini and CEO Britt Andersen‘s turn to highlight the cause.

Paolo sat with Sportsnet 650 host Satiar Shah, whose brother is also on the autism spectrum. On the Sportsnet telecast, Britt joined Dan Murphy to let viewers know how to support the work that CAN does across BC and beyond.

Listen to Paolo’s interview >

Watch Britt’s interview >

While the evening featured so many different key individuals from CAN, it’s important to note the work that the Canucks do year-round to support autism acceptance.

In addition to providing vital funding through 50/50 and a number of charitable initiatives, the Canucks have partnered with CAN to make resources available at Rogers Arena for any fan on the spectrum (or anyone with sensory sensitivities) who might benefit.

Resources include noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, ID bracelets and a Quiet Room available upon request. For Canucks games specifically, fans can also benefit form an activity storybook to help illustrate what to expect.

For full details, please visit the Canucks’ autism accessibility page.

Looking for ways to support the cause, while commemorating the event?

Canucks players wore limited edition hoodies celebrating the cause.
Get your own Canucks x CAN hoodie at vanbase.ca. Proceeds support CAN!
Proceeds from Canucks 50/50 benefit CAN & a range of other deserving charities.
Fans can buy tickets in-game and online.
Or make a donation directly to CAN!
Visit canucksautism.ca/donate.

A huge thank you to entire Canucks organization and Herbaland for celebrating autism acceptance this past Sunday and for supporting the cause year-round. It is because of them that we can continue our work across BC and beyond.

“It’s important to accept, be open to everyone and enjoy everyone’s unique and individual personalities and abilities,” Natanya said.

As a young woman on the spectrum, her lived experience fuels the understanding and compassion she brings to our programs. Natanya has been with CAN for just over two years. Before being hired as a support worker, she started as a volunteer, supporting kids in our summer programs.

In addition to supporting CAN camps & weekly programs, Natanya (2nd from right) has also volunteered at fundraisers & family experiences!

“My favourite memory at CAN was Overnight Camp on Keats. I remember encouraging one of the campers to let me take him out on the water in a kayak. We saw dozens of seals. His excitement was so rewarding.”

That summer alone, Natanya volunteered in two week-long summer day camps and a full three days at Keats – tirelessly supporting our participants in a range of scenarios.

The following season, Natanya jumped in the pool to support our weekly swimming lessons. Overseeing our swim program at our JCC location in Vancouver was Kaitlin Sterndale-Bennett. Recalling Natanya’s time as a volunteer, Kaitlin had particularly high praise:

“I cannot speak highly enough about Natanya. As a volunteer, she was naturally responsive to the kids, excellent with our visual tools and calm under pressure. She was one of the strongest individuals in the pool.”

Needless to say, Natanya was quickly hired on as a support worker. Her tireless energy, natural ability and clear dedication to helping others are such a benefit to our participants.

Today, she works in CAN’s Active, Multisport, Skate and Music programs.

“I want people to know that people on the autism spectrum are just like everyone else. We have goals and dreams. And we work hard to be successful and achieve them.”

We are so lucky to have individuals like Natanya supporting our participants and families. In addition to guiding our participants in their skill development, she is showcasing first-hand how individuals on the spectrum can lead the way in their community.

What programs have you volunteered for?

Since joining CAN as a volunteer in 2017, I have been a part of Active, Multisport, Gymnastics, Weekly Youth & Adult and Summer Day Camps.

I have been very fortunate in the past four years to have the time to put into such a great organization. Between programs and and planning fundraising events, I have accumulated over 100 hours of service for CAN.

I am very grateful to have had so many opportunities to learn about, advocate for, and provide support to autistic children, youth, and their families.

CAN’s Active program with new COVID protocols and physical distancing.

Why did you choose to volunteer with CAN?

I was looking for something I’d be excited for on a weekly basis. Upon learning about CAN, it seemed a little too good to be true.

Hanging out with kids, playing games and being active was the perfect scenario. I can confirm that it’s just as good in real life as it seems on paper!

Tell us about the transition you made from volunteering to become a staff member!

Each week was so fulfilling. Volunteering with CAN gave me the tools to feel confident in supporting individuals with diverse abilities. I’m forever grateful for that.

Seeing how much fun CAN participants have each week and seeing their skills grow has been such an amazing experience. This past Fall, I wanted to take on more responsibility at CAN, so I took the steps to transition into a support worker role.

Since then, I have been lucky enough to become a virtual coach for the CAN Science Club, continue to support Active & Multisport and will be taking steps to become an in-person coach this Spring.

You’ve helped organize two fundraisers for CAN in the two years. Tell us about them!

I was involved in planning and facilitating Country for CAN back in June 2019. Several local BC country musicians came together for a benefit concert. We hosted a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. The night was such a blast and we successfully raised over $2,500.

This past weekend, a fellow CAN volunteer (and my close friend), Nina Gaspari, joined me in planning a COVID-friendly and socially-distanced scavenger hunt with Treaze. With the support of amazing local companies, we raised over $1,500.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Treaźe Canada (@treazecanada)

What is your favourite memory volunteering with CAN?

There was one particularly challenging session. I felt like I was struggling to demonstrate the skills my participant needed to work on.

The parent was watching on the sidelines and approached me afterwards. They told me that they had never seen their child so chatty and excited to come to programs before!

It was such an important moment for me. Even though I felt like I was struggling to support them, the parent was just so appreciative that they had a place they wanted to come to.

I feel like that’s the true success of any CAN program – the ability to instill confidence in each individual so that they may feel understood and included. That’s the first step in developing their skills and forming social connections, no matter the activity or community setting.

For anyone looking for a place where autistic youth are supported. Or anyone wishing to provide that support – I can’t recommend CAN enough!

Which programs have you supported with CAN?

I have volunteered for Multi-Sport, Swim, Bike, and Skate in both Kelowna and Kamloops!

What motivated you to volunteer with CAN participants?

I have played organized sports throughout my life and understand the effect that it can have on young children growing up. I know it helps with the development of social and motor skills.

But mainly, sports provides kids with the opportunity to just be kids and have fun!

Austin testing out a bike camp activity with staff in Kamloops! (2019)

Growing up, my mother was a CEA, so I was introduced to what autism was at a young age. I always wanted to help people on the autism spectrum like she did.

I was also always aware that people with certain challenges or disabilities (whether they be physical or cognitive, etc.) might not have the same opportunity as others. And that never sat well with me.

So when I learned about CAN, I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer!

Do you have a favourite memory in your time volunteering with CAN?

A participant and I both got along really well with each other, and we created a secret handshake. Every time that something awesome happened or we were just happy and having fun, we did the secret handshake.

The handshake was quite involved too! We were partnered up for a few different sessions, and the handshake lasted throughout all of them.

Why do you continue volunteering with CAN?

I’ve met so many great people had so many great experiences. I want to continue sharing all of the skills that organized sports has given me. And hopefully, a few more laughs and smiles along the way!

Updated Safety Plan: In-Person Programs

The following changes ensure that we can further support physical distancing and safety, while maintaining fun, active and individualized experiences for all participants.

Curriculum Updates

All children’s sports & rec programs will feature a station-based format in which participants are even further distanced within the program area.
All children’s sports & rec programs are now designed to be hands-free. Participants will focus on skills such as running, jumping, hopping and kicking. Activities that require touching equipment will be eliminated for this season.
Youth and adult programs will feature increased outdoor activities where physical distancing can be maintained.

Mandatory Masks

New health orders require mask use in all indoor public spaces – if you are able.
This includes facility lobbies, hallways, washrooms, etc.
We recognize that not all participants are able to wear a mask, but those who can are strongly encouraged to do so.
In alignment with other community sport programs and public health orders, masks will NOT be required on the ‘field of play’ (ie. on the ice, field or gym court).

No Spectators:

New health orders prohibit programs spectators of any kind. Parents/caregivers are no longer able to enter the facility and observe programs.
Participants will be dropped off at the facility entrance and CAN staff will escort them into the space.

Reduced Participants

In order to further support physical distancing, we will be decreasing the number of participants enrolled in each session beginning Winter 2021.

Physically Distanced Support

Provincial health guidelines require that CAN staff and volunteers maintain physical distance from participants.
For participants who have difficulty maintaining physical distance, a parent/caregiver may be asked to join the program to provide one-on-one physical support. If this is the case for your child, CAN staff will contact you directly to create an individualized approach.

Read the full Safety Plan for In-Person Programs. >>

Browse the Winter 2021 Program Guide. >>

Safety Plan Updates: Family Experiences

CAN Family Experiences will continue as scheduled. This decision remains in alignment with provincial health recommendations as long as families remain within their household bubbles.

In the past, the goal of our Family Experiences has been to provide opportunities for our members to enjoy local attractions together as a family, while also meeting other families in their community.

During this time of physical distancing, we must reiterate the need to eliminate interactions with other households at CAN Family Experiences.

We remain committed to providing opportunities for CAN families to enjoy attractions within their immediate household bubble and in their local community.

We will continue to work with venues and attractions to create opportunities for our members by covering the cost of entry fees and/or prioritizing venue access for CAN families.

Physical distancing must be maintained at all times and families must stay with their immediate household bubble.
CAN will ensure that all host venues/attractions have comprehensive COVID-19 safety plans and will work to secure more experiences for families in outdoor venues
In accordance with provincial health mandates, families are encouraged to limit travel across communities to access CAN Family Experiences

Read the full Safety Plan for Family Experiences. >>

During this time of uncertainty, we want to reiterate to our members that we are here for you.

We remain committed to providing CAN members with safe and physically-distanced opportunities to be active and engaged with their community.

And in recognition of the increasing need to provide programming accessible from home, we are also committed to expanding our virtual offerings into the Winter 2021 season and beyond.

View the Winter 2021 Program Guide.

Our team is keeping a watchful eye on any further provincial health recommendations and orders. Please note that at any point in time, additional temporary program suspensions may occur in accordance with new mandates.

Members will receive notifications of any program suspensions in a timely manner. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this time.

As the health situation in BC continues to rapidly evolve, we encourage members to be especially mindful during this time and to use sound judgement to ensure the safety of the CAN community – and the larger community we are a part of.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email info@canucksautism.ca.

Additional resources

For all CAN program updates, Safety Plans and Restart Plan, visit canucksautism.ca/health.
For the Winter 2021 Program Guide, including in-person and virtual offerings, visit canucksautism.ca/guide.
For all virtual programs and online resources, visit canucksautism.ca/online.

*Revised November 17, 2020

In addition to Saturday’s announcement suspending all Lower Mainland indoor programming for the next two weeks, we would like to further outline the steps that Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is taking to ensure our alignment with new provincial health orders.

Stay up-to-date on all CAN program and health updates at canucksautism.ca/health.

Suspended In-Person Programs

All Lower Mainland indoor in-person programs are suspended until Tues, Nov 24.

Active (3-6yrs) & Multisport (7-12yrs)
Burnaby (Scotia Barn), Langley (TOCA), Maple Ridge (Maple Ridge Leisure Centre), New Westminster (Futbol 5), Surrey (Uplands Sports Centre), Vancouver (Britannia, Jewish & West Point Grey Community Centres)
Skate (3-6 & 7-12yrs)
Coquitlam (Poirier Sports & Leisure Complex) & Vancouver (Britannia Arena)

Suspension of these programs is in alignment with provincial health orders to suspend all indoor group physical activities in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.

*We will provide another update towards the end of the two-week suspension period on Friday, November 20 as we anticipate an announcement from provincial health authorities on Thursday, November 19 at 3pm.

Continued In-Person Programs

All Lower Mainland outdoor in-person programs will continue as scheduled.

Active (3-6yrs) & Multisport (7-12yrs)
Vancouver (Hillcrest Park) & Surrey (Cloverdale Athletic Park)
Monthly Youth & Adult (13-17 & 18+yrs)*
Surrey (Bear Creek Park)
*Please note that this program was mistakenly listed as suspended in our original Saturday announcement.

Continuing these programs remains in alignment with provincial health orders permitting outdoor activities, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.

Our program team has carefully assessed each program. We are confident in our ability to safely deliver outdoor programs while enforcing necessary health precautions.

All Kelowna, Kamloops and Nanaimo programs will continue as scheduled:

Active (3-6yrs) & Multisport (7-12yrs)
Kelowna (Mar Jok Elementary School) & Kamloops (West Highlands Community Centre)
Skate (3-6 & 7-12yrs)
Kelowna (Capital News Centre) & Nanaimo (Cliff McNabb Arena)

Continuing these programs remains in alignment with provincial health orders as new restrictions apply only to the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.

Upcoming Family Experiences

All Family Experiences across BC will continue as scheduled:

Glow Gardens (Greater Vancouver Zoo, Langley)
Bright Nights Train (Stanley Park, Vancouver)
Holiday Skate (Propsera Place, Kelowna)

Provincial health orders continue to permit outdoor gatherings, as long as families/households can maintain physical distancing.

Both Family Experiences at Glow Gardens and the Bright Nights Train in the Lower Mainland are set to take place in large open spaces, while Prospera Place in Kelowna does not fall under indoor restrictions for the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.

We have been working hard with all three venues to ensure that all the necessary precautions are in place to ensure strict health and safety protocols.

Confirmed safety measures include, but are not limited to, one-way paths, signage to enforce physical distancing, ample personal protective equipment available to all attendees and removal/adaptation of high-touch spaces or attractions.

Virtual Programs & Winter 2021 Update

Our team is working hard to expand virtual opportunities for the Winter season. We are excited to share with you some fun new opportunities for children, youth and adults. Our Winter Program Guide is set to be released in late-November.

Registration for in-person and virtual weekly programming will take place Monday, November 30 at noon to Friday, December 4 at noon.

In the meantime, participants and families are encouraged to access pre-recorded program content at canucksautism.ca/online. This includes two 8-week sports and rec programs – Active with Coach Neesh and Multisport with Coach Robbie – and much more.

Ongoing program safety

Our team continues to follow all of the latest recommendations from the health authorities for safe program operations. As new information becomes available, we will continue to update our already comprehensive Safety Plan and ensure that we are always offering CAN programs in alignment with best practices.

We will provide more details on specific changes in our next update by Thursday, November 19.

Next update

*Canucks Autism Network will provide another update towards the end of the two-week suspension period on Friday, November 20 as we anticipate an announcement from provincial health authorities on Thursday, November 19 at 3pm.

Please stay tuned to our social channels, canucksautism.ca/health and the monthly member newsletter.

Our team is keeping a watchful and discerning eye on any subsequent provincial health updates. We are working hard to ensure that our in-person programming will remain in accordance with official health orders and guidelines.

Our team is ready to take action to continue in-person and indoor programming in the affected regions as soon as provincial health authorities allow. In the meantime, it is of utmost importance to protect the health and safety of both the CAN community and the larger provincial community we are a part of.

We are here for you.

We recognize the challenges that our members face during this difficult time. For those affected by suspension of in-person and indoor programming, please know that we are here for you. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, don’t hesitate to email info@canucksautism.ca.

During this time, the community of support that we can provide for each other is more important that ever before. To our entire CAN community – know that we are working hard to continue supporting you in new and creative ways.

Whether it is online or in-person, please continue to be kind, be calm and be safe.

Additional reading & resources

Health Updates | canucksautism.ca/health

CAN Online Resources | canucksautism.ca/online

Stay connected:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIN

Category: Sports and Recreation Programs

One of the most common barriers that Autistic youth and adults face is the need for a formal autism diagnosis to access supports.

“I almost didn’t get a diagnosis. The cost and fact that it was a late diagnosis would have been barriers if not for having an amazing counselor at the time,” Kayla shared.

Get involved! Sign up for our youth & adult newsletter >

Questions? Email youthandadults@canucksautism.ca

Held this past April 2 at the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, the event was an opportunity for CAN Hockey participants and their families to close out the season in style.

While the celebration was generously funded by Sport Surrey, the City of Surrey’s involvement with CAN extends far beyond this one-day event.

“So to see three different groups from the City of Surrey community come together to support our participants – what an incredible way to celebrate acceptance on World Autism Day.”

Further reading

Throughout the evening, the Canucks put the spotlight on CAN participants and the importance of supporting and including individuals on the spectrum in our community.

Looking for ways to support the cause, while commemorating the event?

Further reading

Further reading

“It’s important to accept, be open to everyone and enjoy everyone’s unique and individual personalities and abilities,” Natanya said.

“My favourite memory at CAN was Overnight Camp on Keats. I remember encouraging one of the campers to let me take him out on the water in a kayak. We saw dozens of seals. His excitement was so rewarding.”

“I cannot speak highly enough about Natanya. As a volunteer, she was naturally responsive to the kids, excellent with our visual tools and calm under pressure. She was one of the strongest individuals in the pool.”

“I want people to know that people on the autism spectrum are just like everyone else. We have goals and dreams. And we work hard to be successful and achieve them.”

Read more from individuals on the spectrum:

What programs have you volunteered for?

Why did you choose to volunteer with CAN?

Tell us about the transition you made from volunteering to become a staff member!

You’ve helped organize two fundraisers for CAN in the two years. Tell us about them!

What is your favourite memory volunteering with CAN?

More volunteer stories!

Which programs have you supported with CAN?

What motivated you to volunteer with CAN participants?

Do you have a favourite memory in your time volunteering with CAN?

Why do you continue volunteering with CAN?

More volunteer stories:

Updated Safety Plan: In-Person Programs

Safety Plan Updates: Family Experiences

Additional resources

Suspended In-Person Programs

Continued In-Person Programs

Upcoming Family Experiences

Virtual Programs & Winter 2021 Update

Ongoing program safety

Next update

We are here for you.

Additional reading & resources