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Recreation for everyone at CARSA
The University of Victoria is committed to providing inclusive and accessible recreation and leisure opportunities for all students, staff and community members. Is there something we could do to make your CARSA experience more inclusive or accessible? Please contact mvlahiotis@uvic.ca.
The AIR Program (Advocacy for Inclusive Recreation) is a collaborative program hosted by the Office of Student Life, Vikes Athletics and Recreation, Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVic Pride Collective. This program is for students who identify as members of the aforementioned Advocacy groups on Campus. The goal of AIR is to provide access in an inclusive, safe, and equitable manner to students of the five UVic Advocacy groups on campus. We want to provide accessible movement-activities that will promote wellness and community on campus.
Read more about the AIR program here!
View photos of some of the adaptive equipment and facilities at CARSA.
If you are attending a varsity basketball game in CARSA, hearing assist systems are available. Download the user guide (PDF).
Is there a piece of adaptive equipment you would like to see at CARSA? Contact mvlahiotis@uvic.ca.
Questions about inclusion and accessibility at Vikes Recreation?
Email: mvlahiotis@uvic.ca
Inclusion and accessibility programs take place all over the CARSA and McKinnon facilities. Check individual program details for exact location. View map.
Consistent with UVic’s values, we acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning January 6. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Note: There are no programs on Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 25, Dec. 26 due to holidays.
ACCESSIBLE
Introductory climbing times for folks looking to boulder and use the high rope climbing tower.
🗓️ Mondays - Oct 7, 21, 28; Nov 4, 18, 25; Dec 2
⏰ 7:00pm-9:00pm (drop-in)
📍 CARSA Climbing Centre, CARSA Building, 1st Floor
👕👟 please wear clothes you are comfortable to move in! Climbing shoes are available at no cost (no outside shoes please). Harnesses can fit up to a 48” waist. The auto belay can support up to 310 lbs.
Please note that adaptive equipment will not be available during this program.
WHO? This program is for students who identify as members of equity deserving groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVIC Pride Collective).
HOW? Register online here! Go to the CARSA front desk and tell the staff member who are attending the AIR climbing night. They will buzz you in for free (NO CARSA PASS REQUIRED - just register online). Once in the climbing gym you can rent shoes if needed (free of charge).
Requirements: UVic students only
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre, CARSA Building, 1st Floor
Dates: October 7 – December 2
Time: Monday at 7:00PM–9:00PM
Program contact: Megan Vlahiotis • mvlahiotis@uvic.ca • https://www.instagram.com/uvic.air/
RegisterACCESSIBLE
Join us on Saturdays to be guided through an accessible dance session. No experience required. Sessions will run from 5:45pm-6:45pm with a cooldown period until 7:00pm as needed. Please come prepared with your ONECard. Gender-neutral change rooms/washrooms are available.
🗓️ Saturdays - Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 23, 30; Dec 7
⏰ 5:45pm-6:45pm (cool down time until 7:00pm)
📍 Gwynne Studio, CARSA Building, 2nd Floor
👕👟 please wear clothes you are comfortable to move in and non-marking indoor shoes (no outside shoes please).
WHO? This program is for students who identify as members of equity deserving groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVIC Pride Collective).
HOW? Register online here! Go to the CARSA front desk and tell the staff member who are attending the AIR climbing night. They will buzz you in for free (NO CARSA PASS REQUIRED - just register online).
Requirements: UVic students only
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Instructor: Flora Wells
Location: Gwynne Studio, CARSA Building, 2nd Floor
Dates: October 5 – December 7
Time: Saturday at 5:45PM–6:45PM
Program contact: Megan Vlahiotis • mvlahiotis@uvic.ca • https://www.instagram.com/uvic.air/
RegisterNEW ACCESSIBLE
Introducing the AIR x SSD pilot program - Body Inclusive Yoga! Join us for 2 sessions of slow-flow restorative yoga that is intentially for ALL body sizes, shapes, abilities, and mobilities. Sessions will be available in-person and over Zoom.
🗓️ Monday, November 18 and Sunday, November 24
⏰ 7:30-8:30pm (Nov 18) and 5:30-6:30pm (Nov 24)
📍 Vertigo - SUB (Nov 18) and Gwynne Studio (Nov 24)
👕👟 please wear clothes you are comfortable to move in! All mats, blocks, chairs, and equipment will be provided.
WHO? This program is for students who identify as members of equity deserving groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVIC Pride Collective).
HOW? Register online here!
Requirements: UVic students only
Class level: -- Select level --. Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Instructor: Per S.
Location: Vertigo - SUB (Nov 18) and Gwynne Studio (Nov 24)
Dates: November 18 – November 24
Time:
Program contact: Megan Vlahiotis • mvlahiotis@uvic.ca • https://www.instagram.com/uvic.air/
RegisterACCESSIBLE
Campus Security Services provides a safe walk service, which is available to members of the University Community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The escort service is provided from building to building, building to vehicle, and vice versa within the boundaries of the campus, including Ian Stewart Complex.
When receiving a call for an escort, the Security Officers taking the request will make every possible attempt to have the safe walk service to your location as soon as possible. However, at times situations, eg., heavy call load, weather conditions, etc., do arise that may delay the escort. A call back number will enable us to contact you in the event of a lengthy delay.
Safewalk can also be requested by calling from any of Campus Security's 15 Direct Dial Phones located around the University campus.
Requirements: Any staff/student can access Campus Safe Walk services.
Class level: All welcome.
Location: SafeWalk services are offered anywhere on campus.
Dates: January 1 – December 31
Time:
Program contact: • 250-721-7599 • https://uvic.ca/security/home/safewalk/
ACCESSIBLE
Fit Connect aims to use movement combined with peer support to help students improve their mental health. Participants with diverse backgrounds who have historically experienced barriers to recreation, are paired up with student volunteer mentors to help them meet their movement goals. From there, the participant and volunteer meet regularly to move together! Movement can involve anything from using machines at the gym to playing sports, or simply taking a walk together around campus. Throughout the semester, the two students will get to know each other, providing valuable peer support and motivation.
If you are interested in getting involved or have questions regarding the program, please email the Student Wellness Coordinator at: swvolunteer@uvic.ca.
Requirements: Participants and volunteers must be a current University of Victoria student.
Class level: All welcome.
Location: Determined by participant!
Dates: September 10 – April 8
Time:
Program contact: • swvolunteer@uvic.ca
YOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE
Children with disabilities and their siblings are invited to join the Active Start (2 – 6 years, including siblings) Special Olympics program at the University of Victoria. The program focuses on developing motor skill proficiency in a fun, physical activity context with great support from coaches.
How to register: Registration package
For more information contact Viviene Temple, email vtemple@uvic.ca; phone: 250-721-7846
Class level: All welcome.
Youth welcome: 2-6 years
Location: McKinnon Gym
Dates: October 1 – November 26
Time: Tuesday at 3:30PM–4:20PM
Program contact: • vtemple@uvic.ca • 250-721-7846 • https://sportforlife.ca/stages/active-start/
RegisterYOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE
Field Hockey is a team sport that develops fundamental movement, self-regulation and collaboration skills.
Field Hockey was first included in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin (2023). During the Special Olympics Latin America Games (2024), one participant shared how there were “smiles and acceptance abound. There is no room for comparison; instead, there is always a place for adaptation”. Field Hockey is an activity that shows how working together, everything can be conquered!
UVic hosts its own Field Hockey program that is a 10-week free indoor sports program for children and youth with intellectual disabilities. Participants will discover how to play field hockey using the ‘CAPS’ experiential learning method (cognitive, affective, psychomotor & social skills). This program is offered with a high coach-to-participant ratio, so participants feel supported, have appropriate instructional guidance and feedback, and have ample time to practice and learn new skills in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment.
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 8-12 and 13-16 year olds years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: McKinnon 1/3 Gym
Dates: January 26 – March 30
Time: Sunday at 11:00AM–12:00PM
Program contact: Dr. Veronica Planella • planella@uvic.ca
RegisterYOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE
A free indoor soccer program for children with disabilities to participate in soccer, make new friends, learn fundamental movement skills and develop their physical literacy. Children of all ages are welcome to join in this volunteer led program.
To find out more about the program and how to get involved please email just4kicks@uvic.ca.
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 5-16 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: McKinnon Gym
Dates: September 15 – December 1
Time: Sunday at 1:30PM–2:30PM
Program contact: • just4kicks@uvic.ca
RegisterAll prices valid as of September 1, 2024. All prices include GST.
UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. We know that diversity underpins excellence, and that we all share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive community. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power.
We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples; members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin; persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities; persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. We recognize that many of these identities intersect and that therefore, equity, diversity and inclusion can be complex. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in our community.
© 2024 University of Victoria, Division of Student Affairs, Vikes Athletics and Recreation