In the Community

Inclusion in Motion: The Inaugural Niagara VOLT Hockey Classic 

The energy inside Canada Games Park was impossible to miss. Athletes sped across the court, teammates cheered from the sidelines, and families filled the stands for our first-ever Niagara VOLT Hockey Classic.

The tournament, held on Saturday, Nov. 8, brought together nearly 50 athletes from across Ontario, including teams from Barrie, Hamilton, London, Toronto, and Niagara, for a full day of competition, teamwork, and celebration. Athletes competed in divisions based on skill level, showcasing speed, strategy, and determination.

For Mason Rogers, the tournament represented something even bigger.

“It’s nice to be part of a team where I don’t have to worry about my disability,” Mason shared. “I have always wanted to play hockey, and now I can.”

VOLT Hockey is an adaptive, electric-powered version of the sport that uses specialized motorized chairs controlled by joysticks, allowing athletes with physical disabilities to move, pass, and shoot.

For Mason, who lives with mild cerebral palsy, the sport has built more than athletic skills. It has strengthened confidence, leadership, and friendships.

Beyond the competition, the Classic reflected the growing commitment across Niagara to accessible recreation. Families, coaches, volunteers, and supporters filled the stands, creating an atmosphere that emphasized encouragement as much as competition. The event highlighted how adaptive sport continues to build stronger connections between athletes, families, and the wider community, while expanding opportunities for meaningful participation.

The tournament highlighted something we see every day: recreation creates opportunities for belonging. As athletes celebrated goals, shared laughs, and supported one another, the Niagara VOLT Hockey Classic proved that inclusive sport is about much more than competition — it is about community.

An Inclusive Halloween Experience

On Saturday, October 25, we welcomed hundreds of children and families for a morning of accessible trick-or-treating filled with imagination, laughter, and community connection.

This year, we had 30 decorated vehicles line the event space, each one creatively transformed into themed displays inspired by Frozen, Sesame Street, Alice in Wonderland, and more. Families also explored fire trucks, police vehicles, and tractors, and met special guests, including Sunny the River Otter.

Traditional Halloween activities can present barriers for many families. Trunk or Treat removes those barriers by creating an equitable and welcoming space where every child can enjoy the fun of the season.

With support from staff, volunteers, local businesses, and community partners, the event continues to grow each year, showing what is possible when inclusion and celebration come together. 

Building Connections Through Dad’s Corner 

This year, we introduced Dad’s Corner, a new support group created specifically for fathers and male-identifying caregivers.

The idea grew from conversations among parents involved with the Centre’s Family Advisory Network. With many having experienced the value of connecting with other families through the Children’s Centre, the group recognized an opportunity to create a dedicated space where dads could build similar relationships and support one another.

Unlike traditional support groups, Dad’s Corner focuses on connection through shared experiences. Whether gathering to watch a hockey game, enjoy a round of golf, or meet for coffee, participants are encouraged to connect in a relaxed, welcoming environment with no pressure or expectations.

Dad’s Corner reflects our commitment to supporting the entire family, recognizing that meaningful connections can be just as important as the services provided.