Annual Report 2025-2026
We are built by a community of people who are committed to ensuring that people experiencing disability have access to quality, meaningful physical activity experiences. We know that these meaningful experiences go beyond the gym. In 2025-2026, we spent time learning from and with people connected to our para sport programs, engaged with our volunteers to build more impactful training opportunities, and hosted gatherings to share food and stories. I’m proud to share these stories as we celebrate our community and continue being active together.
Jen Leo
Dr. Jennifer Leo, PhD
Director, The Steadward Centre
Credit: John Ulan
As I reflect on another year of achievement at The Steadward Centre, I am filled with both gratitude and pride. What began in 1978 as a vision to create opportunities for people living with a disability has grown into an internationally respected Centre that continues to make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
The Centre’s growth and impact would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, students, volunteers, and community partners. Your commitment, compassion, and belief in our mission have helped create an environment where people can develop skills, improve their health and fitness, participate in sport and recreation, and realize their full potential.
It has been especially meaningful to see The Steadward Centre continue to build upon the values and vision that guided its founding while embracing new opportunities and innovations to serve future generations. Our true legacy lies in the lives it has touched and the opportunities it continues to create every day.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Together, we can take great pride in all that has been accomplished and look forward with confidence and optimism to the future.
Robert Steadward
Dr. Robert D. Steadward, CC, OC, AOE, PhD, LLD
Through collaborations with U of A's Student Success & Experience, TSC is helping connect more students to the Centre.
A surprise ceremony at Maskwacis recognized Bob Steadward’s lifelong impact on inclusive sport and Indigenous communities.
Watch a day in the life of TSC para athlete Maggie Slessor at the 2025 Canada Summer Games
From record-setting volunteer to summer camp counsellor and 1:1 instructor, Sean credits The Steadward Centre with shaping his approach to teaching as he enters his first classroom this fall.
Jordan Davis’ journey from the trades to kinesiology shows how in-field learning at The Steadward Centre gives KSR students meaningful, real-world experience that shapes their future careers.
In 2025-2026, The Steadward Centre intiated a consultation and engagement series on renewing the direction of para sport programming at TSC.
The University of Alberta unveils the Steadward Paralympic Journey display
The Steadward Centre hosted high shool students preparing for univeristy during Futures Day with SHAD and U School
Instructors, students, and researchers collaborated to innovate exercise instruction with self compassion practices.
A comic book tells the story of two families' day at an inclusive playground; based on research by The Steadward Centre and partners.
Territorial Acknowledgement The Steadward Centre, and The University of Alberta, are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.