About

Adapted Physical Activity and Para Sport Development Leaders

Who We Are

The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement team has expertise in Adapted Physical Activity and Para sport development, annually serving more than 1,000 children and adults experiencing disabilities and training more than 250 students. As part of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta, the centre's research and education focus allows it to deliver innovative programs and share proven expertise with community fitness and sport leaders across Alberta.

Located in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at the University of Alberta, The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement is an internationally acclaimed disability research centre supporting the sport and fitness goals of people experiencing disability with effective, research-based, sport, physical activity and athlete development programs that promote health and well-being.

Adapted Physical Activity and Para Sport Development Leaders

Presently, the TSC serves as a research, teaching and service delivery unit within the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. We research, educate and collaborate to inspire:

  • leadership, innovation and inclusion for people living with impairments
  • meaningful advances in Adapted Physical Activity and Para sport achievements in personal fitness, motor skill development and athletic performance
  • future leaders, educators, coaches and health-care professionals

Facilities

The Steadward Centre Facility, opened in 2016, was designed to offer enhanced accessibility and 17,000 square feet of dedicated space for our community.

Highlights include:

  • 17,000 square feet of dedicated space
  • main floor entry
  • dedicated DATS drop-off and revamped parking area
  • lounge and open coat room with mini-locker storage
  • accessible stand-alone washrooms within the program space, with four units with showers
  • dedicated children's activity space for the Free2BMe program with parent viewing zones
  • a dedicated assessment room
  • a multipurpose fitness studio

History

Originally known as the Research and Training Centre for Athletes with Disabilities, the centre was founded by Dr. Robert Steadward in 1978. It was originally developed to provide athletes with physical disabilities, and their coaches, with technical information in the areas of sport, fitness and training. The centre also provided a well-equipped training facility for the athletes. Following the Man in Motion Tour, the centre was renamed the Rick Hansen Centre as a tribute to Rick Hansen's achievement. In November 2000, the centre was renamed in recognition of its founder and is now known as The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement (TSC).

Annual Reports

45 years in the making: Celebrating the impact of Dr. Steadward & The Steadward Centre

In 2023, we celebrated The Steadward Centre's 45th Anniversary. Join us in honoring the accomplishments of Dr. Steadward by learning about the impact he has had on the adapted physical activity and para sport community.

Our Community, Season 8, Episode 1: The Steadward Centre

In this episode of Our Community, a show by Accessible Media Inc., we meet Dr. Bob Steadward, who pioneered the modern Paralympic movement and created the visionary Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement.