Adaptive Sports and Recreation Around Vancouver

One of the first things we looked for after moving to Vancouver was ways for our son to get moving and have fun. There's a lot here, much of it free or low cost. These are the programs we've tried or heard good things about.

Last checked October 2026. Seasons and registration dates change, so check each program before you go.

Programs we've tried

Wheelchair basketball: Let's Play (BC Wheelchair Basketball Society)

Let's Play gives preschool and elementary-aged kids in BC with reduced mobility a free, properly sized sport wheelchair, plus resources to build skills. Kids who walk with crutches, walkers, or prosthetics can join too. The program also lends chairs to schools so classmates can play together. Our son has tried it.

Frame running

Frame running (formerly RaceRunning) uses a three-wheeled frame with a saddle and chest support, so athletes with significant balance or coordination challenges, including many kids with CP, can run on their own. We tried it through a West Vancouver track and field program. SportAbility BC also runs frame running.

The Disability Foundation network

The Disability Foundation in Vancouver supports several societies that run recreation for people with disabilities:

• BC Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS): adaptive hiking using TrailRiders, one-wheeled chairs that volunteers guide over trails, plus other outdoor programs. TrailRiders can be rented year round.
• Adaptive Sailing Association of BC: sails from the Jericho Sailing Centre in specially designed boats, with an electric hoist for transfers. Open to kids 8 and up. The season usually starts in June.
• Vancouver Adapted Music Society: free music lessons, adapted instruments, an accessible recording studio, and help finding places to perform, for people with physical disabilities.

More sports for kids

• SportAbility BC: boccia, power soccer, para ice hockey, frame running, and CP soccer, at recreational and competitive levels.
• Challenger Baseball: adaptive baseball for ages 4 to 18 (up to 22 if still in school), with volunteer buddies so everyone bats and runs the bases. Vancouver has an accessible Challenger diamond at Hillcrest Park.
• Skiing: Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports runs programs at Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress. See our sit skiing guide for more.

Found a great adaptive program around Vancouver? Join the NextAbilities community and tell other families about it.