Our New Home at Enables.Me!

To kick off 2015, we've moved all our blogs onto one platform with the name Enables.Me!

We're excited as our team grows to bring you stories and news on accessibility locally and around the world. Join us as we continue the journey at our new site!

ParaPan 101: Boccia

Boccia is a sport that was originally created for individual with cerebral palsy. Individuals with physical disabilities now contest it at all levels. It officially became a Paralymic sport in 1984. It has been practiced in over 50 countries worldwide since 2008.

Boccia can be played individually or in teams of three. When played in teams, the team consists of both men and women.  The goal of the game is to throw leather balls, coloured red or blue closest to a target ball, which is also called a jack. The jack is thrown first. Then the first two leather balls are played. The team who threw the jack goes first. Whoever is further from the jack goes next. The objective is to get closest to the jack or to knock your opponents ball further away.

Results from 2011 ParaPan Am Games

Event                  Individual BC1

Gold           Eduardo Ventura Mexico (MEX)

Silver          Eliana Henao Columbia (COL)

Bronze        Jose Carlos Chagas Brazil (BRA)

Event                  Individual BC2

Gold           Adam Dukovich Canda (CAN)

Silver          Pablo Cortez Argentina (ARG)

Bronze        Dave Richer Canada (CAN)

Event                  Individual BC3

Gold           Paul Gauthier Canada (CAN)

Silver          Maria Belen Ruiz Argentina (ARG)

Bronze        Clodoaldo Massardi Brazil (BRA)

Event                  Individual BC4

Gold           Fabio Moraes Brazil (BRA)

Silver          Marco Dispaltro Canada (CAN)

Bronze        Josh Vandervies Canada (CAN)
Click here for more results.

Venue in 2015

Abilities Centre, 55 Gordon Street, Whitby, ON

Jeremy scores twice in win over Kings

Source: TPWHL Facebook page

January 24, 2015 – Lake Raiders vs. Kings (Boxscore)

Jeremy scores twice in 2 – 1 comeback victory over the Kings.

In the first period, David Donnelly gave the Kings the opening lead at 8:15 with his 16th goal of the season, assisted by Sharmin Alam who got her 15th point. Leo Xu was strong in net keeping the Lake Raiders off the scoreboard.

In the second period, it continued to be a defensive battle where the Lake Raiders were able to answer back with a goal from Jeremy at 3:48 to tie the game at 1 – 1, assisted by Eriin.

In the third period, the Lake Raiders broke the deadlock at 5:15 to give them an important 2 – 1 lead on Jeremy's 40th goal of the season. The Kings would give it all they got but were unable to find on equalizing goal. The win gave the Lake Raiders 14 points which was good for a second place tie in the race to the playoffs, while the Kings are five points back of the final playoff spot.

Mohit Shines in lost to Saints

Source: TPWHL Facebook page

January 24, 2015 – Saints vs. Bulldogs (Boxscore)

Mohit Sharma shines in a close 3 – 1 lost to the Saints.

In the first period, the Bulldogs would strike first at 5:27 on a goal from Meghan Hines, her 7th of the season assisted by Scott Allen for the 1 – 0 lead. However the Saints would have an answer 3 minutes later at 8:55 on Brandy Edwards 36th goal of the season, assisted by Don. Their offense continued at 10:01 giving them their first lead of the game 2 – 1 on a goal from Don, assisted by Brandy Edwards.

In the second period, it continued to be a tightly contested game with both teams trading chances. The Saints would score the only goal of the frame at 10:43 on Don's 6th of the season for a 3 – 1 lead, assisted by Braden Martz.

In the third period, there was no score with the Saints getting tons of great chances, but the amazing goaltending from Mohit Sharma was able to stop them and keep his team the Bulldogs in the game. With the win the Saints would stay three points clear in first place, and the Bulldogs are tied for second place with 14 points. There are only eight games remaining in the regular season with four of six teams making the playoffs.

Jerry's Hattrick leads Bulldogs over Kings

Source: TPWHL Facebook page

January 17, 2015 – Bulldogs vs. Kings (Boxscore)

Jerry scores three goals in a 4 – 1 victory over the Kings.

In the first period, Sharmin Alam gave the Kings a quick start just one minute into the game for a 1 – 0 lead. Jerry Mariano would answer back for the Bulldogs at 11:49 to tie the game at 1, assisted by Christine Pacheco.

In the second period, the Bulldogs would start to take control of the game with Jerry Mariano scoring his second goal for a 2 – 1 lead at 2:09. They would extend the lead at 10:49 on Jerry's Hattrick goal that just beat Kings goalie Leo Xu, after receiving a great pass from the corner by Christine Pacheco.

In the third period, the Kings gave it their all to try and get another one on the board, but Meghan Hines would seal the win for the Bulldogs with her goal at 6:25 assisted by Jerry Mariano.

Saints outscores Wolves

Source: TPWHL Facebook page

January 17, 2015 – Saints vs. Wolves (Boxscore)

Saints win 9 – 7 in a high-scoring game versus the Wolves.

In the first period, Don opened the scoring for the Saints at 4:06 to give them a 1 – 0 lead. Saverio Romano would answer right back for the Wolves at 5:30 to tie the game at 1, on an amazing long shot. The Wolves had a few close chances but was turned aside by Saints goalie Tracey Taylor. Don would give the Saints their second lead 2 – 1 at the 10 minute mark, and added another one at 13:58 from a great pass by Brandy Edwards which stretched out the Wolves goalie Torrance Ho.

In the second period, the Wolves would cut the lead to 3 – 2 at 1:38 on a nice goal from Saverio Romano who deked out the Saints defense. The Saints once again extended the lead to 5 – 2 on goals from Don and Brandy Edwards at 4:37 and 12:59. They nearly scored another goal but goalie Torrance Ho made a couple of excellent saves.

In the third period, the Wolves would outscore the Saints 5 – 4. With Saverio Romano scoring four goals and one assist, Matt Vocino with an incredible goal, and Mitchell Stark with an assist for the Wolves. For the Saints, Brandy Edwards would score all four goals with Braden Martz providing two assists. However the comeback would fall short, as the Saints hung on for the win to stay in first place.

Michigan teenager helps brother raise awareness on Cerebral Palsy

Source: The Cerebral Palsy Swagger Facebook page

This is an amazing story about Hunter Gandee from Michigan who helped his 8-year-old brother Braden raise awareness on Cerebral Palsy by carrying him on a 40 mile walk in June 2014. Braden seems like a spirited young boy who is willing to try his hardest at everything including sledge hockey and wrestling, even though he has a disability.

“But if you put your mind to it and try hard enough, maybe actually you can do it” - Braden Gandee

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153072083763689

You can follow the brothers on their Facebook page The Cerebral Palsy Swagger.

ParaPan 101: Goalball

Source: Canadian Paralympic Committee Facebook Page

Goalball was originally created to help World War Two veterans with visual impairments during rehabilitation. It was eventually nominated as a demonstration sport at the 1976 Summer Paralympics in Toronto, and officially became part of the program in 1980.

A Goalball team consists of six players per team, and only three players are allowed on the floor at a time. There are only three positions including center, left and right wings, and all three players contribute to offense and defense. Two 12 minute halves are played. They use a round blue ball with bells in it, which helps the athletes hear the ball. The object of the game is to score as many goals in the opponents net as you can.

Results from 2011 ParaPan Am Games:
Men: Gold: Brazil / Silver: USA / Bronze: Mexico / 4th: Canada.
Women: Gold: USA / Silver: Brazil / Bronze: Canada.
Click here for more results.

Venue for 2015:
Mississauga Sports Centre at 5500 Rose Cherry Place, Mississauga, Ontario.

Mustangs end first half on a high note in a game of firsts

December 20, 2014 – Saints vs. Mustangs (Boxscore)

In the last game before the Christmas break the Mustangs took to the floor against the Saints.  

The Saints opened the scoring in the first period with a goal from Matt Cockburn – his first of the season, and in the senior league.

Mike Iacovone would answer back early in the second period to tie the game at 1 goal apiece before Brandy Edwards would take the Saints into the third period with a one goal lead.

The third period was a back and forth battle of shots where both Brad Gordon and Tracey Taylor traded saves with players on both teams trying to figure out what it would take to beat them again. The Mustangs finally figured out what that would take at the 8 minute mark of the third period where Istok Vidmar scored his first goal of the 2014-2015 season unassisted tying the game at 2. Thus giving the Mustangs their first game point of the season since November 1^st.

2014 Year in Review, Looking forward to 2015 and the ParaPan Games

Wow, I can't believe another year has come and gone! Our blogging team has grown to 7 people, which includes myself, Donald, Neil, and new members Alexis, Julie, Nicole, and RV. Thanks to the team we have written 157 articles (including our Sports, Technology, Travel, and Work blogs) and there has been 19,500 more page views than last year.

Here are our reflections of 2014 successes:

• Continued success with TPWHL Game summaries.
• New success with the Chair Yoga bi–weekly segment by Julie.
• Most viewed SportsEnables.Me article is the Electric Hockey Demo at Variety Village.
• Most viewed TechnologyEnables.Me articles are the Assistive Technology Holiday Gift Guide and The Wheelmap app will take you places.
• Most viewed TravelEnables.Me article is the Rail Trip to Ottawa; and WorkEnables.Me article is The Ontario Direct Funding Program article from our guest writer Connie.

Here are some of our favorite articles:

1. Road trip to the USA! Accessibility travel!
2. The 2014 PowerHockey Cup.
3. The always enjoyable articles written by Donald Barrie, which includes the 2014 Sochi Paralympics coverage.
4. VAT (Voter Assist Terminal) article from TechnologyEnables.Me.
5. Windreach Farm and My Adventure in Whitehorse article from TravelEnables.Me.

In 2015 we are looking forward to:

• Writing about the 2015 ParaPan Games in Toronto, Ontario happening between August 7th to the 15th!
• Covering a wide variety of stories, experiences and events related to accessibility.
• Continue to grow our team of writers.

I would like to wish all of you a healthy and successful 2015!

Isaac leads Kings over Wolves

Created by Neil

December 20, 2014 – Kings vs. Wolves (Boxscore)

The Kings doubled up the Wolves 6 – 3 avenging an earlier defeat in the season.

In the first period, Saverio Romano gave the Wolves an early 1 – 0 lead. The Kings would answer back at 8:45 on a goal from Isaac to tie the game. However two minutes later at 10:45 the Wolves would take the lead again 2 – 1 on a beautiful shot from Saverio Romano assisted by Mitchell Stark.The Kings Isaac once again tied the game in the dying seconds to end the frame.

In the second period, the Kings took their first lead of the game 3 – 2 on a goal from substitute player Jeremy who was left in front of the Wolves net for the easy tap in, after a deflection off a defenseman. Before the end of the frame the Wolves would tie the game at 3 from Saverio Romano's hat trick goal assisted by Mitchell Stark.

In the third period, Jeremy deked out the Wolves defense and scored on the backhand to give the Kings a 4 – 3 lead. Four minutes later he would once again score on a high looping shot for a two-goal 8dvantage. Isaac rounded out the scoring with his hat trick goal. The Kings goalie Leo Xu was great in helping his team to close out the game, and the defense played solid as well.

The TPWHL season will resume in the new year on January 17.

Roberto makes debut in hard-fought battle against Bulldogs

Created by Neil

December 13, 2014 – Bulldogs vs. Mustangs (Boxscore)

Both teams battled hard in a 4 – 2 win for the Bulldogs.

In the first period, Jerry Mariano would score twice to help give the Bulldogs a 2 – 0 lead. It was Jerry's 22nd goal of the season.

In the second period, it was scoreless with a strong effort by both goalies Brad Gordon and Mohit Sharma keeping the score close.

In the third period, Mustangs rookie Roberto Monteiro who was playing his first ever PowerHockey game, scored his first goal to cut the lead to 2 – 1 assisted by Nicole Neeson at 2:25. However at 5:05 the Bulldogs would score twice in a minute to take a 4 – 1 lead, thanks to Christine Pacheco's second goal of the season and Monique Lawrence's first goal assisted by Jerry Mariano. The Mustangs would continue fighting hard with Nicole Neeson's 10th goal of the season assisted by Roberto Monteiro with five minutes remaining, but were unable to get another one pass the Bulldogs goalie.

Saints snaps the Kings three-game winning streak

Created by Neil

December 13, 2014 – Saints vs. Kings (Boxscore)

The Saints win 4 – 3 snapping the Kings three-game winning streak.

In the first period, it was all Saints where Brandy Edwards scored three goals to help her team lead 3 – 0.

In the second period, the Saints would extend the lead to 4 – 0 at 7:15 on a goal from substitute player Roberto Monteiro assisted by Brandy Edwards. However starting 13 seconds later the Kings picked up their game and scored 3 straight goals to cut the lead to 4 – 3. Two of the goals were scored by Isaac, Sharmin Alam would add a goal and an assist, and David Donnelly contributed with three assists.

In the third period, the Kings had a lot of great chances to tie the game including on the power-play with Saints Brandy Edwards in the penalty box for dangerous driving at 9:50. But the Kings was turned aside by Tracey Taylor who had a solid effort in net, and also great defensive plays from the team to preserve the win.

Lake Raiders double up on Saints

December 6, 2014 – Lake Raiders vs. Saints (Boxscore)

In the second meeting of the season the Lake Raiders were looking to avenge a 6-1 loss at the hands of the Saints on November 1st.

Action started early with the Saints serving a dangerous driving minor, Brandy Edwards (unassisted) put the Saints up 1-0 with a shorthanded goal at 2:53. 31 seconds later the Lake Raiders's Jeremy Schofield (unassisted) drew even with a power play marker at 3:24. Then with the Saints being denied on an excellent chance, it was the Lake Raiders Jeremy Schofield (unassisted) who scored going stick side at 7:25, followed shortly by another at 11:57 taking a 3-1 lead into the second period.

The second frame saw the Lake Raiders build on their lead early on a Jeremy Schofield solo effort at 1:14. Not to be outdone the Saints Brandy Edwards (unassisted) deaked out the Lake Raiders defense bringing them within two at 4:04. both sides continued to exchange excellent chances, however it was the Lake Raiders Jeremy Schofield (unassisted) shot off the inside of the post, despite being short handed that  gave the Lake Raiders a healthy 5-2  lead into the third period.

The final period saw the Lake Raiders penalty killers working overtime, with a total of four minor penalties but somehow managed to add another even strength tally at 9:44, while giving up a power play goal at 11:22 to end the scoring and secure the 6-3 win.

Kings seek and get revenge.

December 6, 2014 – Kings vs. Mustangs (Boxscore)

The Kings took to the floor against the Mustangs on Saturday hoping to avenge their loss from the last time these two teams took the floor.

The Kings would open the scoring with a goal from David Donnelly.  With Mike Iacovone answering back from the Mustangs at the 2:05 minute mark, on a great pass from Nicole Neeson. The Kings would score 3 more goals with two from David Donnelly and a goal and two assists from Isaac for a 4 – 1 lead after the first period.

The Kings Isaac scored the lone goal at 12:29 in the second period, assisted by Sharmin Alam.

It was a scoreless third period. Brad Gordon put on an excellent effort in net for the Mustangs who just could not keep up with the mighty Kings.  Falling victim to them in a 5 – 1 loss.

Wolves use third period come back in win

Created by Neil

December 6, 2014 – Wolves vs. Bulldogs (Boxscore)

The Wolves comes back in the third to win 7 – 5 over the Bulldogs.

In the first period, the Wolves got off to an early start scoring two goals from Saverio Romano at 2:30 and 7:15 for a 2 – 0 lead. The Bulldogs would answer at 9:02 with Meghan Hines scoring a beauty of a goal deking out Wolves goalie Torrance Ho to cut the lead in half, assisted by Christine Pacheco.

In the second period, the Wolves would immediately regain their two-goal lead 40 seconds into the period on a sweet goal from Saverio Romano who made some nice moves around the Bulldogs players, assisted by Matt Vocino. However the Bulldogs would score 3 unanswered goals starting at 7:15 to take their first lead of the game 4 – 3. All three goals were scored by Jerry Mariano with assists from Christine Pacheco and Meghan Hines.

In the third period, the Wolves at 6:55 would tie the game at 4 – 4 on a goal from Saverio Romano assisted by Matt Vocino. With five minutes left in an exciting game, the Wolves would break the tie with Saverio Romano scoring three straight goals to lead 7 – 4. Jerry Mariano scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs assisted by Meghan Hines. But the Wolves would hang on for their fourth straight win with great defense in the final two minutes, especially from Matthew Costa.

Kings overwelm penalty plagued Lake Raiders

November 29, 2014 – Kings vs. Lake Raiders (Boxscore)

In this match up between the upgraded Kings and Lake Raiders, it was the Lake Raiders who drew first blood on a Jeremy Schofield solo effort with the Kings shorthanded at 3:37. 7:47 saw the Lake Raiders build on their lead off a Jeremy Schofield (unassisted) line drive for a 2-0 lead. the Kings responded at 9:17 on a David Donnelly (unassisted) goal closing out the first period.

In the second frame the Kings tied things up early on a Issaac Vescio (David Donnelly) goal at 3:37. the Kings added another on a Sharmin Alam (unassisted) goal at 5:24. With the Lake Raiders serving a crease violation minor, Jeremy Schofield deaked out the King's D and buried a shorthanded goal for a 3-3 tie at the end of thirty minutes of play.

Third period action started very early as the Lake Raider's Jeremy Schofield (unassisted) regained the lead at 0:15, then with the Lake Raiders once again shorthanded (the second of three times in the third period) the King's Issaac Vescio (Sharmin Alam, David Donnelly) scored on a mad flury in front of the Lake Raiders net pulling things even at 4-4. 10:14 saw the Lake Raiders capitalize on the power play with Jeremy Schofield (unassisted) scoring his fifth of the game. From then on the Kings dominated with three unanswered goals from Sharmin Alam (David Donnelly) at 11:06, Issaac Vescio (Sharmin Alam, David Donnelly) at 13:00 and a power play marker to seal the deal and the 7-5 win by David Donnelly (Sharmin Alam) at 14:53.

Wolves win wild game versus Mustangs

Created by Neil

November 29, 2014 – Wolves vs. Mustangs (Boxscore)

The Wolves win a high scoring game versus the Mustangs.

In the first period, the Mustangs had a great start having 3 two goal leads with Mike Iacovone scoring 2 goals and one assist, and Nicole Neeson scoring two as well. However Saverio Romano answered each time for the Wolves to trail 4 – 3 in the game.

In the second period, the Wolves took their game up a notch to outscore the Mustangs 4 – 1 for a 7 – 5 lead. Saverio Romano would score 3 more goals with one assist, Mitchell Stark added a goal, and Matt Vocino with an assist. Nicole Neeson scored the lone goal for the Mustangs.

In the third period, there was no quit in the Mustangs where they would score 2 goals in the first five minutes to tie the game at 7 – 7 with a goal and assist from Nicole Neeson, and a goal from Mike Iacovone. But once again the Wolves had an answer with the game-winning goal from Mitchell Stark assisted by Matt Vocino and Saverio Romano, who also added another goal in a crazy 9 – 7 game.

Saints edge Bulldogs in close game

Created by Neil

November 29, 2014 – Saints vs. Bulldogs (Boxscore)

Both teams were looking to rebound from tough losses.

In the first period, it was scoreless where both teams had tons of great chances but were unable to score. The Bulldogs goalie Mohit Sharma made a few incredible saves to keep the score at zero's.

In the second period, the Bulldogs nearly scored but was turned aside by Saints goalie Tracey Taylor. The Saints would end up breaking the tie at the nine minute mark scoring two goals 40 seconds apart to lead 2 – 0. The goals were scored by Brandy Edwards and Braden Martz.

In the third period, the Bulldogs were looking to score to get back into the game and they would get just that five minutes in, scored by Jerry Mariano assisted by Christine Pacheco. The goal would give them life where they pressured the Saints and nearly tied the game, but the Saints weathered the storm and added a late goal from Brandy Edwards to win 3 – 1.