Richmond's Thompson Community Association received a $10,000 grant from BC Rehab Foundation.
The money helps fund a year of the association's Adapted Fitness program at the Thompson Community centre.
The program allows people with physical disabilities one-on-one personal training with a certified trainer while exercising beside their friends and family.
"It is important to us that everyone in the community can participate in fitness," said association board member, Julie Halfnights.
"The BC Rehab Foundation grant allows us to extend services to people who have needs that are more intense and/or different than most people who use the fitness centre. Not only do the Adapted Fitness program clients benefit from the physical workout they get at Thompson, everyone benefits socially."
The Adapted Fitness program began in 2007, understanding the importance for people with physical disabilities to participate in regular fitness.
The program has grown from eight sessions per week to 16 and the fitness staff is constantly trained to ensure they meet the specialized needs of clients.
More than 100 clients, some born with a disability and others whose disability is due to an accident or stroke, have used the unique program.
Previous grants from the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Milan and Maureen Ilich Foundation have supported the purchase of specialized equipment and facility changes such as a wider door with an automatic opener.
Thompson Community Association is a volunteer-led, not for profit society, partnered with the city to provide recreation services, facilities and events, primarily at centre.
Revenues from the association's fees and other programs pay for expenses not covered by the grant.
BC Rehab Foundation supports people with physical disabilities through education, research, arts and recreation.
For more information on BC Rehab Foundation, please visit bcrehab.com.
For more information about the Adapted Fitness program or other programs, please call 604-238-8434.
