The ATTAIN Parkinson’s Initiative introduces table tennis as a therapeutic and social intervention for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) and their caregivers in Kenya. By addressing challenges such as costly treatments, misdiagnosis and stigma, the project fosters safe environments that support both patients and caregivers.

Through table tennis sessions, participants improve motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and cognitive function. Beyond the physical benefits, the initiative provides much-needed emotional support, reduces stigma and promotes dignity and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s in Kilifi and beyond.

Audrey Oronda is a certified ITTF table tennis coach and a research scientist by profession. Her coaching philosophy goes far beyond performance – she sees sport, and table tennis in particular, as a bridge between health, inclusion and opportunity.

Blending her expertise in coaching, research and advocacy, Audrey is committed to harnessing the therapeutic power of sport to improve well-being and challenge stigma, while creating inclusive spaces where communities can thrive.

Links:

IOC Young Leaders: https://www.olympics.com/ioc/young-leaders/audrey-oronda

Attainable Table Tennis: https://www.instagram.com/attaintabletennis?igsh=ZGQxaDNtYmVwNG55

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Future of Sport in Canada Commission was established by the federal government in December 2023. The Commission’s mandate was to review the Canadian sport system and make recommendations on concrete and effective actions with respect to improving safe sport and the sport system in Canada.

Cheryl Macdonald is the CEO of Sport New Brusnwick. She holds a PhD in Social & Cultural Analysis from Concordia University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in building inclusive sporting communities at the University of Alberta. She was also the co-editor of Overcoming the Neutral Zone Trap: Hockey's agents of change (2021).

Andre Gallant has been a long time leader within the Canadian Sport and Recreation sector, working with the Canada Games Council and the YMCA, among others.

Links:

Transforming Sport in Canada: Time for Action final report: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/future-sport/participate/final-report.html

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Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award.

Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠

Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠

Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)

Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠

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Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

Active Abilities Canada is a national organization dedicated to advancing inclusion and accessibility in recreation and physical activity for people of all abilities. With a focus on breaking down barriers and fostering equitable opportunities, they work closely with communities, organizations, and governments to create environments where everyone can participate fully and confidently. Through education, advocacy, and practical resources, Active Abilities Canada empowers individuals and groups to build more inclusive spaces that promote health, connection, and well-being for all. Their collaborative approach and commitment to meaningful change make them a leading voice in shaping a more accessible and inclusive future across the country.

The Municipal Guide for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity is a comprehensive resource designed to support municipalities in creating inclusive, accessible recreational spaces and programs. This guide offers practical strategies, tools, and best practices to help local governments remove barriers and foster environments where people of all abilities can fully participate in physical activity and recreation. By focusing on inclusion, equity, and community engagement, the guide empowers municipalities to build stronger, healthier communities that celebrate diversity and ensure everyone has the opportunity to move, play, and connect.

Leading this project is Taryn Barry, the dedicated Project Manager whose expertise and passion have shaped the guide into a valuable tool for promoting equity and inclusion in community recreation. Taryn has worked for different sport organizations in Canada and internationally, and currently is the project manager of the Municipal Guide for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity. She has a PhD in sport management at the University of Alberta. Taryn played varsity hockey for the University of Alberta Pandas Hockey team for five seasons.

Links:

Municipal Guide for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity: https://activeabilities.ca/municipal-guide/

Actives Abilities Canada: https://activeabilities.ca/

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Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award.

Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠

Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠

Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)

Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠

Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header

Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠