Ottawa, ON (August 8, 2024) – The Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) is pleased to announce the three recipients of the Kabush Para Athlete Fund for 2024, who will each receive a bursary of $1,000, including boccia athlete Kyle Scott (Hamilton, ON), para-athletics wheelchair racer Maggie Slessor (Edmonton, AB), and wheelchair tennis athlete Lachlan Sandford (Mission, BC).

A member of the Ontario Boccia Team since 2022, Scott noted how the sport of boccia has changed his life in positive ways including providing independence and the opportunity to compete against athletes from across Canada, to making new friends and creating lasting memories. Scott reflected on what this bursary means to him. “As a Kabush Para Athlete Fund Bursary recipient, I am grateful and honoured. By receiving this funding, I will be able to offset the costs associated with attending boccia competitions. Furthermore, this funding will support my athletic development as I continue to improve my skills in the game of boccia and participate in more events across the country. My gratitude goes out to the Kabush family for their support of para-athletes and for removing barriers to parasports. The sky’s the limit . . . Shoot for the stars!”

An advocate and mentor for young children living with various impairments and active in sports since childhood, Slessor participated in ballet, wheelchair basketball and para-swimming, before finding her true passion in wheelchair racing. “Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of the Kabush Para Athlete Fund,” remarked Slessor. “It means the world to me to have opportunities like this bursary, to help me achieve my dream of one day representing Team Canada. This bursary will help take the stress out of paying for team fees and purchasing items to help me maintain my racing chair, allowing me to keep focus on my goals.”

A full-time student entering grade twelve, Sandford balances academics with athletics, whichrequires dedication and careful planning. A member of the National Development Team for Tennis Canada and the BC Provincial Wheelchair Tennis Team, when notified of selection for this bursary, Sandford stated, “I am grateful to have been chosen for the Kabush athletic grant. Its support enables me to travel and train with the focus and dedication I need to reach my goals. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

Executive Director of CCPSA, Peter Leyser commented on the quality applications and interest generated for the Fund. “There were so many amazing stories from the applications of para-athletes chasing their dreams, on their own terms and pathway. Each applicant was deserving of the bursary, and we wish them continued success on their journey. None of this would be possible without the generosity of the Kabush family who had the aspiration to establish the fund and support para sport in Canada.”