THE CAMPAIGN

Our mission is that every region across the country will have the standardized equipment that meets Special Olympics rules and regulations to be inclusive for all. In achieving this, we are providing legacy resources so Divisions can grow their Special Olympics/PaddleAll programming. Each year, the region that will be targeted to receive this equipment will be the Host Division of the Sprint National Championships. As a result of last year's campaign, our generous community helped to raise a total of just under $7000, which helped purchase a fleet of accessible boats that were used at the 2025 CKC Sprint National Championships in Regina and will remain there as a legacy to promote programming in the area for PaddleAll competitors, our program for those with intellectual disabilities.

As a continuously progressive National Sport Organization (NSO), Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) makes every effort for our sport to be accessible to all athletes, with a vision to increase our international opportunities for our PaddleAll and Special Olympics athletes. One of our main values is inclusion, and we pride ourselves on ensuring that our activities strive to be as inclusive as possible.

Currently, CKC provides opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities at our Sprint National Championships under our PaddleAll program. Many regions and clubs provide great programming for our athletes and have those athletes compete at our National Championships.

One of our biggest challenges in the continued success of this event is to ensure we have enough boats of the same type so that races are fair for all participants. Our Tourist class singles event is an event where athletes may not all use the same equipment at their clubs, but at National Championships, we need to guarantee they have the same access to equipment, so the race is as fair as possible across the field.

These boats are versatile and can be used for many purposes at a club, not just for PaddleAll programming. They will open up opportunities for everyone to try paddling and can be used in many introductory programs.

THE GOAL

To ensure our races at National Championships are inclusive for all and to grow the sport across the country, we want to raise $15,000 to purchase a fleet of accessible boats that will be used at the 2026 National Championships that will then stay with the Host Division as a legacy to promote programming in the area for PaddleAll competitors, our program for those with intellectual disabilities.

THE DETAILS

• Funds raised as a result of this campaign will go directly towards the purchase of an additional 10 touring boats to be used at the 2026 Sprint National Championships in Ottawa, Ontario and left as a legacy for PaddleAll races in the Eastern Ontario Division 
• Eastern Ontario Division will manage the use of these boats in their region
• Contributions to the campaign over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt (please note that CanadaHelps, our fundraising platform, will issue the tax receipt)

ABOUT CKC'S PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES

Paddling is for all Canadians, whether they paddle for the leaf or for the sport.

We must continue our legacy – to ensure that paddling is available to everyone across our land so that they can experience our country in a way like no other. Paddling connects us to our history. But we’re at risk of not being able to pass down its rich tradition.

There is a crisis in sport funding in Canada. One of the major barriers in access to, promotion of, and programming in paddling is a lack of funding. But thanks to the generosity of Canadians, we can continue supporting paddling at all levels and disciplines within the sport. You can help us build paddling in Canada by making a tax-deductible charitable gift.

For the sport. For the leaf.