APA Symposium

With an emphasis on connection and collaboration, The Steadward Centre is proud to work with various partners to host a province-wide multidisciplinary symposium focused on fostering connected communities and enhancing the accessibility of physical activity and sports across the province for all Albertans experiencing disability. The symposiums are geared towards Alberta's researchers, professionals, practitioners and students from a variety of disciplines and sectors, all of whom share an interest in Adapted Physical Activity.

Our first symposium was hosted in 2013 at Grande Prairie Regional College. The Are We Ready 2013 Adapted Physical Activity, Sport and Fitness Symposium attracted delegates from across the world and created traction for each subsequent symposium to grow and expand. In 2015, the symposium was hosted by The Steadward Centre and Red Deer College in Red Deer, Alberta. Most recently, in 2023, The Steadward Centre collaborated with Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary to host the fourth biennial Alberta Adapted Physical Activity Symposium in Calgary, Alberta. Over two days, we brought together sport, physical activity and recreation leaders from across Western Canada to share ideas and best practices and facilitate engagement and learning to get more Albertans, specifically those experiencing disability, more active, more often. We prioritized learning from those with lived experience, as demonstrated by all keynote speakers (and many session presenters) who shared their knowledge and expertise as people experiencing disability.  

With each symposium, we are excited about the opportunity to showcase the innovation and expertise of Alberta's professionals, researchers, community-based practitioners, leaders, advocates, students and athletes through presentations, workshops, information sharing, panel discussions and applied sessions.

Stay tuned for more information on the next Adapted Physical Activity Symposium!