History
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.
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 to its founder and is now known as The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement.
Presently, the Centre 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 Parasport achievements in personal fitness, motor skill development, and athletic performance
- Future leaders, educators, coaches, and healthcare professionals
Annual Reports