The Paralympic Movement and Disability in Sport

Welcome back to Life Shouldn't Hurt. It is almost 2026, and I am thrilled to kick off the new year with my guest host, Anita Cassidy. While we opened the show discussing our personal resolutions—including Anita’s shocking decision to drink her first cup of coffee after 49 years of abstinence, and our mutual commitment to walking and strength training to protect our joints and bone health—the heart of this episode was a conversation that every Canadian needs to hear.

A Legend in the Studio

I had the immense privilege of sitting down with Dr. Bob Steadward, a man I consider the “godfather” and one of the founding fathers of the modern Paralympic movement. Dr. Steadward’s journey began in a small farming community in Saskatchewan before he came to the University of Alberta in the mid‑1960s. While he was a high‑level athlete himself in hockey, baseball, and track, his focus shifted when he saw the immense physical and attitudinal barriers facing people with disabilities.

Dr. Steadward didn’t just observe these problems; he changed the global landscape of sport. In the 1980s, frustrated by the lack of a world body to govern disability sports, he took a risk to lead change when no one else would. He founded the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and was instrumental in the 1988 Seoul Games, where the Paralympics and Olympics were finally held in the same city under a unified committee, marking the true beginning of the modern games.

The Critical State of Disability Sport

Our conversation shed light on the urgent importance of accessibility and infrastructure. Dr. Steadward pointed out a concerning trend: while Canada was once ranked top three in the world for Paralympic sport, we have fallen to between 12th and 15th because other nations have learned from us and surpassed us.

The barriers to entry are high. Specialized equipment, such as racing chairs or monoskis, requires sophisticated technology and can cost upwards of $30,000 to $40,000. This creates a significant financial divide, not just for developing nations, but for Canadian athletes as well. Furthermore, high‑performance coaches need to better understand the functional aspects of disability, such as the logistical challenges of simply getting a wheelchair‑bound athlete to a facility.

The Steadward Centre Model

We also discussed the “Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement” at the University of Alberta, a facility that serves nearly 1,400 people ranging from children to elite athletes. Dr. Steadward shared his philosophy of “segregation before inclusion.” This means providing a safe, specialized environment where individuals can learn independent skills—like transferring from a wheelchair or swimming—among peers before integrating into broader community programs.

The impact of this work is profound. Dr. Steadward shared a moving story of a woman who recently told him that the center saved her life. 

A Call to Action

Our country needs more facilities like this. As Dr. Steadward noted, we need leaders in communities across Canada to “pick up the torch” and build the infrastructure necessary to support these athletes.

Until next time,
Grant Fedoruk

Support the show

Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you!

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.