Geneva Centre for Autism

On behalf of the event organizing committee, I am thrilled to welcome you to Toronto’s only autism friendly and fun spirited track and field event where qualifying is not a prerequisite.

Just two years ago, the idea for the Trailblazers’ Track and Field Competition was sparked by the enthusiasm and zest for life of my children. Rather than being jealous of his sister’s athletic success, my son Rory, who has autism, has been thrilled by her track and field endeavours. He counts down the days, "Four more days until track and field Georgia"..."Three more days"...and with a big grin he exclaims, "It's track and field day Georgia!!".

Rory adores life. To my delight he has also expressed enthusiasm to be an active participant in sports. Our family has been fortunate because Rory has had a positive sport experience at his Toronto District School Board school. With support and nurturing, he has been able to take part in cross country events. Track and field events at school however are not designed to accommodate the issues that he and other young people with autism live with every day.

As a result of Rory’s gross motor, sensory and communication limitations, he experiences the world differently. Those differences make it hard for him to communicate with others and is unable to react to things going on around him in the way other children would.

On a spring day when my daughter was competing in track and field excellently and happily, I envisioned Varsity stadium full of children and teens with autism, running like champions and winning medals. I knew immediately who to call to seek advice and feedback on how to make this event for kids with autism possible. I called the professionals at Geneva Centre for Autism (GCA), Toronto’s leading autism service organization that has provided vital services to my son for 10 years. I was thrilled to receive incredibly supportive feedback from the staff of the Centre.

Now here we are and soon Varsity Stadium will host a large group of young people with autism and their families having the time of their lives, learning vital life sustaining skills and establishing important relationships.

This groundbreaking sporting competition would not have been possible without the passion and commitment of a committee of volunteers. Sincere thanks and appreciation go to fellow parent Nadine Leggett,GCA respite supervisor Andrea Seater, GCA Foundation staff Rachel Truant. Finally, we are especially grateful to have had the expert advice and support of the University of Toronto and Jen Leake for contributing expert athletic direction for our track and field events.

The Trailblazers Track and Field competition is made possible by G. Scott Paterson of Toronto, whose spirit of generosity has helped to open a new door of opportunity for young people with autism.