At Eliot River, that is what we are trying to accomplish. We realize that our existing programs, run in the way they have been run for many years, provide the opportunity to play soccer to some but not all members of our community. We want to do what we can to give anyone who wants the opportunity to experience the beautiful game a chance to do so. To make our programming more inclusive and available to everyone in our community, we are working towards creating some brand new programs or directing people to existing programs.
Coming in 2022! As the name implies, this is soccer played by walking only. Running is not permitted nor is contact or shooting or passing the ball above knee-height. This program targets adult players who have experienced an injury significant enough to stop them from playing competitive soccer. As walking soccer is low impact yet great exercise, we also hope to engage the senior community in this program.
Coming August 2022! In conjunction with ParaSport and Recreation PEI, we will be offering a 'Try Soccer Day'. Paralympic Sports Canada says that “Para sport” is a term used to describe sport that is primarily aimed at persons with a disability, and comes from the idea that it is "para"llel to sport for able-bodied athletes, sometimes with adapted equipment or rules to make the game fun and accessible for everyone.
Special Olympics PEI already offers recreational and competitive soccer programs. Where para sports focus on providing opportunities primarily to those with a physical disability, to be eligible for Special Olympics, participants must have an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a developmental disability.
As outlined by Special Olympics Canada, an individual is considered to have an intellectual disability based on the following three criteria:
The competitive soccer program runs Thursdays at 6:15pm weekly from Orlebar Park in Charlottetown. The recreational community program runs Wednesdays at 5:30pm in the same location. To sign up please call Special Olympics PEI at 368-8919.