{"id":2397,"date":"2025-05-26T00:43:03","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T00:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/?p=2397"},"modified":"2025-05-26T00:43:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T00:43:20","slug":"empowering-lives-through-inclusive-recreation-and-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/?p=2397","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Lives Through Inclusive Recreation and Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pimbc.ca\/\">By Louise Abbott \u2022 The Kelowna and District Society for People In Motion<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Empowering-Lives-Through-Inclusive.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2384\" srcset=\"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Empowering-Lives-Through-Inclusive.jpg 1000w, http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Empowering-Lives-Through-Inclusive-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Empowering-Lives-Through-Inclusive-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its inception in 1987, People In Motion (PIM) Kelowna has been a beacon of inclusivity, providing adaptive recreational opportunities for individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. Through a diverse array of programs and services, PIM fosters independence, community engagement, and the joy of active living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Adaptive Sailing: Navigating New Horizons<\/span><\/strong><br>In partnership with the Kelowna Yacht Club, People In Motion has introduced an adaptive sailing program utilizing specially designed boats, the program provides individuals from ages (6 to 90), who require adaptive support the opportunity to experience the freedom and independence of sailing on Okanagan Lake. Registration is now open and sailing begins June 2, 2025 for the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Adaptive Snow Sports: Embracing Winter Adventures<\/span><\/strong><br>Our Adaptive Snow Sports programs are located at three locations; Big White Ski Resort, Baldy Mountain Resort and Apex Mountain Resort which offers tailored skiing and snowboarding experiences for individuals with diverse abilities. Certified volunteer instructors provide personalized instruction, utilizing specialized equipment such as sit-skis, bi-skis, and mono-skis to accommodate each participant\u2019s needs. The program runs from January to March, ensuring ample opportunities for engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Adaptive Equipment Loans: Facilitating Independence<\/span><\/strong><br>PIM offers a range of adaptive recreational equipment for loan, enabling individuals to explore various terrains and activities. From adaptive bikes to trail riders, the equipment is available for use both locally and out of town, promoting freedom and independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Wheelchair Sports Leagues: Wheelchair Basketball and Power Wheelchair Soccer<\/span><\/strong><br>Our Wheelchair Basketball and Power Soccer leagues hold weekly practices designed to build skills, foster teamwork, and promote inclusive competition. Players participate in exciting tournaments that bring together athletes from across the region to showcase their talent and celebrate adaptive sports. These events are a highlight for players and fans alike, creating a vibrant, supportive community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Myra Canyon Adaptive Tours: Exploring Scenic Trails<\/span><\/strong><br>Through a partnership with Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours, PIM provides adaptive equipment such as duet bikes, adult trikes, and junior trail riders. This collaboration allows individuals to experience the beauty of the Kettle Valley Rail Trails, making outdoor exploration accessible to all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Accessible Scenic and Charter Tours: Discovering the Okanagan<\/span><\/strong><br>PIM\u2019s \u2018Out and About\u2019 tours offer accessible transportation for individuals requiring lift-equipped services. These charter tours enable participants to visit various sites and attractions throughout the Okanagan, fostering community engagement and enjoyment of the region\u2019s offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Access to Angling: Fishing for All<\/span><\/strong><br>PIM\u2019s \u2018Access to Angling\u2019 program, launched in Spring 2022, offers accessible fishing experiences at Agur Lake Accessible Camp near Summerland. With the support of dedicated volunteers, the program provides individuals with disabilities the chance to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of fishing in a supportive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Kids In Motion: Family Fun Days<\/span><\/strong><br>PIM hosts annual \u2018Kids in Motion\u2019 Family Fun Days during winter at<br>Big White Ski Resort and in summer at Agur Lake. These events offer children with disabilities and their families the opportunity to participate in various recreational activities, fostering community and inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color\">Community Engagement and Volunteerism<\/span><\/strong><br>PIM thrives thanks to the incredible dedication of its volunteers, who play a vital role in every aspect of the organization\u2013from event planning and program support to hands-on instruction. With a team of approximately 135 committed volunteers, PIM is able to continuously grow its impact and reach more individuals in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Equally important is the unwavering support from our sponsors and community partners. Their generous contributions of funding, resources, and collaboration make it possible to offer high-quality, inclusive programming. We\u2019re truly grateful for every person and organization that helps bring our mission to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>People In Motion Kelowna stands as a testament to the power of inclusivity and community support. Through its comprehensive programs and services, PIM empowers individuals with disabilities to lead active, engaged, and fulfilling lives. For more information or to get involved, and register for any of our amazing programs visit <a href=\"https:\/\/pimbc.ca\/\">pimbc.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Louise Abbott \u2022 The Kelowna and District Society for People In Motion Since its inception in 1987, People In Motion (PIM) Kelowna has been a beacon of inclusivity, providing adaptive recreational opportunities for individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. Through a diverse array of programs and services, PIM fosters independence, community engagement, and &#8230; <a href=\"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/?p=2397\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Empowering Lives Through Inclusive Recreation and Adventure&#8221;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2397"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2397"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2398,"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2397\/revisions\/2398"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/okanaganfamilymagazine.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}