Recreation

MDSS Active Youth Program

MDSS is proud to offer our very own Active Youth Program in Winnipeg - designed specifically for youth with Down syndrome between the ages of 9 and 17. Through fun, inclusive programming, participants build physical literacy skills, develop confidence in sport and recreation, and form meaningful friendships with peers.

Learn More About the Active Youth Program

Physical Health Tips for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Start early

Building physical literacy from a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy movement. Early intervention programs like physiotherapy and occupational therapy can support motor development in young children.

Find activities your loved one enjoys

When movement is fun, it becomes a habit. Try swimming, dancing, walking, cycling, yoga, or team sports - and follow your loved one's interests and energy.

Consider inclusive and adaptive programs

Programs like Special Olympics and Swimmingly offer supportive, structured environments where individuals with Down syndrome can develop skills and thrive alongside peers.

Work with your healthcare team

Speak with your loved one's doctor or physiotherapist about any health considerations specific to Down syndrome, including atlantoaxial instability, which may affect participation in certain high-impact activities.

Celebrate every win

Recreation is about joy, growth, and connection - not just performance. Celebrate effort, participation, and the friendships that come with being active.

Manitoba Recreation Resources

Accessible Sport Connection MB

Central hub for information and resources about accessible sport in Manitoba. A great starting point for finding the right fit for your child or family member.

ascmanitoba.ca

Autism Learning Centre

Offers therapeutic recreation, group programming, camp, academic tutoring, and consulting for preschool-aged children through adults.

autismlearningcentre.ca

Boccia Manitoba

Recreational and competitive boccia groups available in Winnipeg and Brandon - a fun, low-barrier sport for all ability levels.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/boccia-mb

Bonivital All Abilities Soccer

Soccer programming designed for children and youth with disabilities, ages 9-16.

bonivitalsoccer.com/youth-programs_1/all-abilities

Calm'n Sense Yoga

Yoga classes tailored for children ages 6-12.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/calm-n-sense-yoga

Challenger Baseball

Adapted baseball program welcoming children, youth, and young adults with disabilities.

manitobachallengerbaseball.ca

Children's Therapy Collective

Small group exercise programs designed for neurodivergent children.

childrenstherapycollective.com

City of Winnipeg - Recreation Fee Assistance Program

If cost is a barrier to recreation, the City of Winnipeg's Recreation Fee Assistance Program may be able to help. The program reduces financial barriers to participation and helps ensure equitable access to recreation programs and services.

E-mail: RecFeeAssist@winnipeg.ca
Phone: 311
Learn More & Apply

ILRC Able Sail

Adapted sailing program based out of FortWhyte Alive - a unique outdoor adventure opportunity.

ilrc.mb.ca/able-sail/#tab-5

Kid City Archibald

Indoor adventure playground offering drop-in play and group classes.

kidcitymb.ca/550-archibald

LIFE Program

Therapeutic recreation program for children and teens with additional needs, ages 2-21.

rccinc.ca/programs-and-services/life-program

Manitoba Cerebral Palsy Sports Association

Home of the Para Storm swim club, open to youth and young adults with physical disabilities.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/mb-cerebral-palsy-sports-assoc

Manitoba Possible - Children's Recreation and Leisure Programs

Manitoba Possible offers children's recreation and leisure programs designed to support the participation of children with disabilities in community recreation activities.

Visit Manitoba Possible

Manitoba Theatre for Young People

Acting classes, camp programs, and sensory-friendly theatre performances for young people of all abilities.

mtyp.ca/i-can-pretend

Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association

The home of wheelchair basketball, rugby, and a range of additional accessible sports.

mwsa.ca

motionball Winnipeg - Marathon of Sport

motionball is a national non-profit organization that empowers young Canadians to be leaders in their communities, raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics through inclusive social and sporting events.

E-mail: winnipeg@motionball.com
Visit motionball Winnipeg

MOVE by GoodLife Kids

Virtual group fitness classes for youth with autism and intellectual disability.

goodlifekids.com/the-move-program

Movement Centre

Conductive education programs for children with neuromotor disorders.

movementcentre.ca

Next Chapter Book Club

Weekly book clubs for young adults of all abilities - a wonderful social and literacy opportunity.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/next-chapter-book-club

Prairie Strides

Accessible horseback riding program for children of all abilities, ages 5-15.

prairiestrides.com

Prelude Music

Private and group music therapy and music lessons available for all ages.

preludemusic.ca

Rady JCC

Youth fitness and recreation groups and summer camp opportunities in a welcoming community environment.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/rady-jcc

Recreational Respite

Respite programs, workshops, and 1:1 direct support for individuals and families.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/recreational-respite

Stepping Out on Saturdays

Recreation programs for children ages 5-12 with FASD.

• rccinc.ca/programs-and-services/stepping-out-on-saturdays-sos

Special Olympics Manitoba

Special Olympics Manitoba offers year-round sport programming for children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities across the province.

Visit Special Olympics Manitoba

Swimmingly Manitoba

Swimmingly Manitoba provides specialized, affordable adaptive swim lessons for Manitoba youth with disabilities.

Phone: 204-284-4954
E-mail: admin@swimminglymb.org
Visit Swimmingly Manitoba

Variety - The Children's Charity of Manitoba

Variety Manitoba funds programs, equipment, and experiences that help children with special needs live life to the fullest, including support for recreation and mobility equipment.

Visit Variety Manitoba

Volt Hockey

Accessible hockey program for children and youth with disabilities, ages 8-18.

varietymanitoba.com/programs/varietys-volt-hockey

WinterPeg

Adapted winter sports equipment and programs through the Mobile Ski Library.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/winterpeg

YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg

After-school recreation programs and day camps for young adults ages 13-21.

inclusiverecreationmb.org/ymca-ywca-of-winnipeg

National Recreation Resources

Special Olympics Canada

For 50 years, Special Olympics Canada has enriched the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability - of all ages and skill levels - through the transformative power of sport, with chapters across Canada offering varying programs and opportunities.

Visit Special Olympics Canada

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Canadian Tire Jumpstart helps kids in financial need participate in organized sport and recreation, removing financial barriers and connecting families with support to help kids get active.

Visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart