Open Call for BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2027

The BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program provides ferry travel vouchers to athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers, staff, and eligible companions affiliated with not-for-profit disability sport organizations in British Columbia. The program helps reduce transportation barriers by supporting eligible travel to competitions, tournaments, camps, league activities, and other recognized disability sport events within British Columbia, with funding available for travel through March 31, 2027. What Is the BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program? The BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program is a partnership between BC Ferries and viaSport British Columbia that helps athletes and other members of the disability sport community travel to eligible sporting events. The program provides ferry travel vouchers rather than direct cash grants. Its primary purpose is to reduce transportation costs and improve access to disability sport and para sport competitions and activities across British Columbia. The program can support members of eligible not-for-profit disability sport organizations, including: - Athletes - Coaches - Managers - Club volunteers - Organization staff - Athlete companions - Eligible coaches or officials attending certification or professional development opportunities Why Does the Program Matter? Travel costs can create significant barriers for athletes participating in disability and para sport. Ferry transportation support can help athletes and their teams: - Attend competitions - Participate in training and participation camps - Travel to tournaments - Take part in regular league play - Attend recognized championships - Access professional development and certification opportunities - Increase participation in disability sport - Improve opportunities for athletes to compete across British Columbia The program therefore supports greater sport participation, inclusion, accessibility, and competitive opportunities for people involved in disability sport. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for people affiliated with eligible not-for-profit disability sport organizations in British Columbia. Potentially eligible applicants and travellers include: - Athletes - Coaches - Managers - Club volunteers - Organization staff - Athlete companions - Coaches or officials attending recognized certification or professional development opportunities The primary focus of the program is athlete travel. Coaches, managers, and companions may be included when their travel is connected to supporting an eligible athlete or team. What Events Are Eligible? The program supports ferry travel associated with recognized disability sport activities.

Eligible events can include:

Participation Camps

Athletes may receive support for travel to eligible participation or sport development camps. Tournaments Travel to qualifying disability sport tournaments within British Columbia may be supported. Regular League Play Eligible athletes can receive assistance for travel associated with regular league participation where the event meets program requirements. Recognized Sport Events Events organized or sanctioned by a Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) or Disability Sport Organization (DSO) may qualify when travel is required within British Columbia. Additional Eligibility for Athletes Aged 18 and Under The program provides additional eligible event categories for athletes who are 18 years of age or younger. These athletes may receive support for qualifying: - Provincial championships - Western championships - National championships - International championships For these events, the athlete must have qualified to represent their city, region, province, or country, as applicable. This provision helps young athletes access higher-level competitive opportunities that may require significant travel. Are Coaches and Athlete Companions Eligible? Yes.

Applications may include:

- Coaches - Managers - Athlete companions However, the program’s primary purpose is to support athlete travel. Applicants should therefore clearly explain the role of any additional travellers and their connection to the athlete or eligible sporting activity. Are Coaches Eligible for Certification or Professional Development Travel? Yes, eligible coaches or officials travelling for recognized certification or professional development opportunities may qualify for support. The activity should meet the program’s requirements and be connected to disability sport. How Much Funding Is Available? The program operates through an annual in-kind budget of $25,000. Support is provided through BC Ferries travel vouchers. This means the assistance is provided as travel support rather than as a conventional cash grant.

In the previous year:

- viaSport received 62 applications. - Approximately 90% of applications were fully or partially awarded vouchers. Past application statistics indicate strong demand for the program, although previous success rates do not guarantee funding for future applications. How to Apply Applications can be submitted individually or as a group. Applicants should plan ahead because applications must be submitted at least 10 business days before the first day of travel.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Determine whether you and the organization you are affiliated with meet the program requirements.

Confirm:

- Your connection to an eligible disability sport organization - The purpose of your travel - Whether the event qualifies - Whether the travel occurs within the eligible period

Step 2: Confirm the Event

Make sure the sporting activity falls within an eligible event category.

This may include:

- Participation camps - Tournaments - League play - PSO- or DSO-sanctioned events - Eligible championships for athletes aged 18 or younger - Recognized coaching certification or professional development activities

Step 3: Determine Who Is Travelling

Identify all individuals who require travel support. De