Accessible Travel in the USA: Sabres, Buffalo Wings and Pirates!

The ride in the MV1 and the gorgeous weather made our 6 hours ride that much more enjoyable. We didn't anticipate to stop in Buffalo but after crossing the Peace Bridge we decided to drive around the city (downtown was really quiet compared to Toronto) and stop by the First Niagara Center (home of the Sabres) and Coca Cola Field (Home of the Bisons) before going to Anchor Bar the Original Home of the Buffalo Wings for a bite!

The road to Pittsburgh was full of greenery with farmland and fields as we coasted along the Interstate. Along the way we from Buffalo to Pittsburgh we were counting McDonald signs and road kills, in total we counted about 12 Golden Arches and road kills.

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with lots of bridges connecting the different islands. the hotel we are staying at the Hampton Inn is accessible, the room have has a pull-in shower for a commode (however the commode we have doesn't fit over their toilet), with a bed that's portable hoyer lift friendly and with lots of space in the room to move around comfortably.

PNC Park is also gorgeous with a view of the Pittsburgh skyline. The outdoor park provides an awesome feel while watching the game. Our view wasn't bad either! The pierogie were quite good for ballpark food. During the 7th inning of the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals game was very touching, especially the part where it goes, "God Bless America, My Home Sweet Home".

It's been a long day and we can't wait to explore the city tomorrow.

Road Trip to the USA! Accessibility Travel!

This will be our first trip together in many years! These are the cities we will be stopping by along the way:

Pittsburgh
Charlotte
St. Augustine
Port Canaveral
Disney Dream to the Bahamas
Orlando
Raleigh
Washington
Baltimore
Philadelphia

We are open to your suggestions and favourite accessible hot spots in any of these cities. Send them our way!

We are very excited to be taking the MV1 on this trip, we previously owned a conversion vehicle but never travelled long distance with it, so we're looking forward to experiencing the MV1 on this long distance road trip!

Check back as we will blog daily and follow us on Instagram and Twitter!

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2014 Sochi Paralympics wrap up (was there enough Canadian coverage?)

Now that the Paralympic in Sochi have been over for more then a Month. The question is, "Was there enough coverage in Canada?". In my opinion there was still not enough coverage, especially on TV. The two-hour daily highlight show on CBC was just not enough to showcase our talented athletes. Being able to watch it online is great, but I would have loved to watch wheelchair curling and sledge hockey in its entirety on the television. I believe the Paralympians work just as hard as the Olympians, and they deserve the same coverage and respect. I know that TV stations probably need sponsors and thinks about TV ratings, but that is just an excuse.

Furthermore, if there was more television coverage, it would inspire children and people with different abilities to believe in themselves that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. It would also inspire people to go pursue sports that helps them gain confidence in their life.

Even though the Paralympic coverage in Canada has improved over the last three winter games, starting with Turin in 2006, which had terrible coverage with only 5 minute packages on the weekdays and on CBC Sports Saturday on the Weekend. In Vancouver 2010 the coverage drastically improved with 60 hours on CTV with 13.6 million viewers tuning in, but drew criticism when they almost did not broadcast the opening ceremony live throughout Canada. For Sochi this year, CBC provided the most Paralympic coverage ever with 90 hours of TV broadcast and 250 hours online which averaged 8.8 million viewers per day.

Comparing to the Olympics in Turin in 2006 which had 557 hours on CBC (including TSN coverage), Vancouver 2010 had 4,500 hours on CTV where Canadians watched 1.25 billion hours, and Sochi had 1,519 hours of coverage on CBC with 33.35 million viewers. The Olympic broadcast repeats all day long with daytime and prime time coverage, why can't it be the same for the Paralympics?

What would need to happen for the Paralympics to receive more media attention and television coverage?

Merger
There have been talk about the Paralympics merging with the Olympics from the International Paralympic Committee, according to this BBC article. I would support this if it can help provide the Paralympics with more media attention. What do you think? Is it a good idea or not? Read about what retired Paralympic Gold medalist skier Jeff Dickson thinks about the idea in this CBC article.

Call to Action
Are you in favour of bringing back the petition "CTV, CBC Provide Paralympics Now" that was started after the 2012 London Paralympic games to the forefront? Especially with the Pan-American and Para-Pan American Games coming to Toronto in 2015?

Do we need more Paralympics coverage?
	Yes
	No
pollcode.com free polls

2014 TPWHL Finals: Wolves are the Champions!

In game three of the championship series, the Wolves won 3 – 2 over the Bulldogs to clinch the 2014 championship in a thrilling final game!

In the first, the Bulldogs got off to a fast start 2:30 into the game with a goal from Donnelly, who was on the receiving end of a great pass from Jerry for the 1 – 0.

In the second, Saverio replied for the wolves at 6:28 to tie the game 1 – 1, who got a pass from Sharmin after winning the face-off.

In the third, Donnelly gave the Bulldogs their second lead of the game at 5:45 off the misplay from wolves goalie Torrance. However there was no quit in the wolves who tied the game 2 – 2 with five minutes left at 10:36. On the play Saverio tucked his shot behind the goalie for the goal, assisted by Sharmin. And with momentum on their side the wolves took their first lead of the game two minutes later at 12:00 on a goal from Sharmin , assisted by Saverio. It would eventually stand up as the game-winner giving the Wolves the 2014 MD Memorial Championship cup.

It was the closest championship series ever with both teams scoring eight goals each. The Bulldogs should be proud of themselves this season, battling back from Last place and into the playoffs. They were a tough team to play against this season, with some of the best team defense that I have ever seen and great goaltending from Eli.

It was truly a great TPWHL season with clutch goals, huge saves, close games and exciting playoff races. Come out and support our hockey league or even become a player in the 2014/15 season. For more info go to their website or Facebook page.

2014 TPWHL Finals, Game 3 this Saturday!

With the wolves winning in game two to tie the series at one game apiece. That means there will be a final game three, where the winner takes it all! Will it be the Bulldogs or the wolves? Come and find out who we crown our 2014 champions at Sunnyview school 450 Blythwood Road. (Bayview Ave. & Eglington Ave. East) and check out the action this Saturday May 3rd @ 1:00pm!

Created by Neil

TPWHL Playoffs Finals: Wolves Ties the series with Game 2 Victory

Created by Neil

In game two of the championship series, the wolves won a close 3 – 2 game to tie the series 1 – 1 and force a final game three!

In the first, the Bulldogs got off to the early start with a goal from Jerry at 4:29, assisted by Lorne for the 1 – 0 lead. Saverio Replied for the wolves at the 10 minute mark with a high looping shot that beat the goalie Eli to tie the game at one. On a goal assisted by Sharmin.

In the second, Lorne scored off his own rebound to give the Bulldogs a 2 – 1 lead at 7:50, assisted by Jerry. The wolves had a few chances but were unable to score.

In the third, the wolves got out to a strong start with a tap in goal from Sharmin to tie the game at 1:10, assisted by saverio. Four minutes later off a mad scramble in front of the Bulldogs net, Matt gave the wolves their first lead in a must win game at 5:30. On the play the shot just squeaked through the goalie. The Bulldogs had one more chance at the end to tie the game, but was turned aside by the wolves goalie Torrance.

Game three will be played this Saturday May 3rd at 1 PM. Come out and support our hockey league one more time this season, as we crown our 2014 champions!

2014 TPWHL Final round Continues!

With Bulldogs leading the series 1 – 0 over the wolves after game one. Will the Bulldogs close out the series and Win the championship? Or will the wolves come back and force a final game 3? Come on out to Sunnyview school 450 Blythwood Road. (Bayview Ave. & Eglington Ave. East) and check out the action this Saturday April 26th @ 1:00pm!

Created by Neil