Free event at Dakota Fieldhouse will feature more than 30 sport and community organizations
Manitobans of all abilities will have an opportunity to discover new sports, try adaptive equipment and connect with local organizations this weekend as Accessible Sport Connection Manitoba (ASC Manitoba) hosts its 2026 Adaptive Sport Expo.
The free event takes place this Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dakota Fieldhouse, located at the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex at 1188 Dakota Street in Winnipeg. More than 30 sport, recreation and community organizations are expected to participate, offering visitors a chance to experience a variety of adaptive sports and learn about accessible recreational opportunities throughout the province.
Among the participating organizations are Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association, Manitoba Blind Sports Association, Winnipeg Blind Hockey, Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics Manitoba, Golf Manitoba and Para Storm Swim Club. Representatives from Winnipeg Trails Association, Manitoba Possible, Variety Manitoba and several other community groups will also be on hand.
"We will have over 30 organizations in one place, all at the same time, and it will be an opportunity for everyone to learn about the different sports and recreation options that are available for people of varying abilities," said ASC Manitoba Executive Director Cam MacDonald.
For MacDonald, the opportunity to introduce Manitobans to adaptive sport is particularly meaningful. Born with cerebral palsy, he knows firsthand the impact that access to sport can have on someone's life.
Growing up, MacDonald recalls learning about an accessible swimming program largely through word of mouth. That introduction to the sport eventually helped pave the way for an international swimming career, which included representing Canada twice and earning a bronze medal at the 2014 ParaPan-Pacific Swim Championships.
"I think back to when I was a kid, and it was by word of mouth that I heard about the opportunity to join a swim program for people with cerebral palsy," he said. "Now there are so many more options, and with Sport Manitoba truly invested in ASC, things are really looking bright for adaptive sports in the province."
Founded in 2018, ASC Manitoba serves as a central hub for accessible sport and recreation across the province, connecting Manitobans with disabilities to opportunities ranging from introductory recreational activities to competitive athletics.
Funded primarily by Sport Manitoba, the registered Canadian charity works alongside community partners to promote inclusive programming, organize adaptive sport events and recognize achievements through its annual H.E.A.R.T. Awards.
For MacDonald, the organization's work extends well beyond introducing people to new activities. It is about creating connections, building relationships and ensuring more Manitobans have opportunities to participate.
"We are all about connecting people to different sports and building community," he said. "We want to empower people to reach their full potential and create a society with full participation that seeks to remove as many barriers as possible. It's all about enabling people to reach their potential!"
Admission to Saturday's expo is free, something MacDonald says is essential to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to attend.
"It is crucial that attendees do not face financial pressures when it comes to attending these events, so we make it possible for everyone to attend the event for free," he said.
Additional information is available through ASC Manitoba's official event page.
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