Who we are

Purpose

The Para Collective unites disability-led organizations and leaders with disabilities to address the multifaceted challenges faced by adaptive athletes through a robust network that leverages diverse skills, experiences, and resources. This collaborative approach pools resources, shares knowledge, and synchronizes efforts, ensuring our initiatives are well-rounded, strategically aligned, and genuinely representative of the community's needs. By fostering a model of true representation, inclusivity, and partnership, we aim to transform endurance sports into a more accessible and empowering space for athletes with disabilities.

Strength in Unity

No single organization or leader possesses all the answers or resources necessary to make enduring changes in the inclusivity of endurance sports for the disability community. Collaborating allows everyone to contribute their unique strengths, whether in advocacy, education, or event management, creating a more robust and effective support network.


Representation Matters

Having leaders with disabilities at the forefront of the Para Collective ensures that the initiatives authentically represent the needs and aspirations of adaptive athletes. This direct involvement in decision-making helps tailor our actions to best support the real-world challenges athletes with a disability face, fostering an environment of empowerment and respect.

Building a Resilient Foundation

By establishing a coalition, the Para Collective sets a precedent for future collaborations in the sports community and beyond. It demonstrates the power of unity in creating significant, sustainable change, encouraging other sectors to adopt a similar approach to inclusivity.

This collective approach enhances the effectiveness of our efforts and serves as a model for collaboration and partnership in pursuit of a more representative, accessible,, and inclusive endurance sport space for athletes with disabilities. 

Why A Collective?

The creation of the Para Collective stems from recognizing that the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities are multifaceted and require diverse skills, experiences, and resources to address effectively. By uniting disability-led organizations and leaders with disabilities, the Para Collective leverages a broad spectrum of insights and expertise, ensuring that solutions are well-rounded and genuinely reflect the community’s needs.

Shared Vision, Greater Impact

This coalition enables us to pool resources, share knowledge, and synchronize efforts, thus amplifying our impact. When organizations and leaders work in silos, efforts can be duplicated, and opportunities for innovation may be missed. The Para Collective ensures that our initiatives are cohesive and strategically aligned, maximizing the benefit to the disability community.

Organisational Structure

Core Members

Core Members are the backbone of the Para Collective, comprising leaders from disability-led organizations and highly involved individuals who directly oversee the initiative's strategic direction. These members are responsible for decision-making, program development, year-round operations, and maintaining the mission of the collective. Their role is crucial in ensuring that all activities and partnerships align with the collective's mission and values.

Mentors

Mentors within the Para Collective play a pivotal role in providing guidance, support, and expertise to the athletes. This group includes experienced coaches, former athletes, and specialists in adaptive sports who work directly with participants to enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall experience in endurance sports. Mentors help bridge the gap between ambition and reality, offering personalized advice and encouragement to nurture the athletes' development. Mentors are involved at varying levels and often commit to being a mentor through event activations. 

Athletes and Allies

Athletes with a disability and community allies represent the heart of the Para Collective, consisting of adaptive athletes and their allies who participate in and advocate for inclusive endurance sports. Athletes and allies are both beneficiaries and contributors, as they provide feedback, participate in events, and help spread the collective's message. They play an essential role in shaping the community's dynamics and ensuring that the collective's efforts resonate on a personal and practical level.

Meet the Organizations

Meet the Core Members

  • Kyle Stepp

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  • Annijke Wade

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  • Vase Sojitra

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  • Kai Luan

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  • Zachary Friedley

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  • Dani Aravich

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