Corporate teams raced in support of inclusive recreation programs
On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014 in Stanley Park, 35 of Vancouver s top corporations competed in Power To Play Vancouver presented by Goldcorp. The adventure race raised $218,000 in support of Power To Be AdventureTherapy Society s (Power To Be) programs. Proceeds raised will create greater opportunities for B.C. youth and families living with a disability or barrier to access much needed inclusive nature‐based recreation programs.
The fourth annual Power To Play Vancouver raised a record-breaking $240,000 in support of Power To Be’s accessible recreation programs in Vancouver and Victoria. Hosted in Stanley Park on Sept. 24, the event brought Vancouver’s business leaders outside for a day of philanthropy and teambuilding.
“We are exceptionally fortunate to be surrounded by some of Canada’s finest difference makers that make our charitable work possible. Power To Play Vancouver is designed to showcase the power of teamwork, and what is possible when people come together for a common goal,” said Tim Cormode, Power To Be Executive Director. “Of course, the goal for teams racing is to win, but our greater goal is creating more accessible life‐changing recreation programs to meet a growing demand.”
As the clock ticked down on the three‐and‐a‐half hour race, team members ran, climbed, swam and paddled through 10 kilometres of challenges. Racers were put to the mental and physical test, relying on good communication, co‐operation and sound leadership within their teams.
Special mentions go to the top fundraising team, Cassels Brock Lawyers who received the Act‐of‐Kindness award for raising an incredible $16,775 to support Power To Be and to Tempest, the fastest race winners finishing at 1:58:38.
Through the support of Power To Play Vancouver, the event will help Power To Be reach 800 youth and families this year, who would not have access to outdoor recreation otherwise.
Power To Play Vancouver marks the third year in a partnership between Power To Be and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation in an effort to support access to park and recreation services for people living with life‐barriers. The partnership is part of a wider initiative from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, which is investing considerable resources to reduce barriers for recreation, including fully accessible playgrounds, beaches, rinks, picnic areas and adaptive equipment for aquatic facilities.
Power To Be currently facilitates accessible and adaptive recreation programs in Stanley Park in tandem with ongoing programs throughout Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Media Contact
- Kevin Chapman, 604‐366‐4295 or kevin@powertobe.ca
- Amy Dove, 250‐217‐9310 or adove@powertobe.ca
About Power to Be Adventure Therapy
Power To Be inspires youth and families in need of support to discover their limitless abilities through nature‐based programs; Adaptive Recreation a positive response to the community need for inclusive, nature‐based recreation for people living with a barrier or disability, and the Wilderness School, a multi‐year program for youth that fosters, leadership, positive social development and life skills though outdoor adventure activities. Since inception in 1998, Power To Be has reached more than 8,000 participants.