Celebrating the Malaviya Foundation’s Dedication to Canadian Para Sport – Canadian Paralympic Committee

As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, we want to recognize and offer our greatest appreciation to Sanjay Malaviya and the Malaviya Foundation who are strong advocates within Canada’s sporting landscape. Their support has had a significant impact on the Paralympic Movement across the nation.

The Malaviya Foundation’s generous contributions have bolstered the IGNITE Campaign, a fundraising initiative of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC). The campaign is designed to spark the development of Para sport across the country and relies on support from everyday Canadians but also visionary partners like the Malaviya Foundation.

The Malaviya Foundation has been integral in the formation of the Paralympic Performance Recognition program. Launched in January 2024, the program began with the creation of an endowment fund. With a goal of $8 million, the Malaviya Foundation has committed an astounding $4 million to the fund – the biggest single donation in the history of PFC. The Government of Canada has added $2 million and the remaining $2 million is in the process of being raised.

The program rewards Canadian Paralympians who win medals at the Paralympic Games, beginning this past summer in Paris. Canadian Paralympic medalists are now rewarded $20,000 for winning a gold medal, $15,000 for a silver medal, and $10,000 for bronze; equivalent amounts to what Olympic athletes receive for the same achievements.

In addition to their commitment to the Paralympic Performance Recognition program, the Malaviya Foundation also previously created the Team Canada Podium Awards. Starting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, these awards offer an additional $5000 to Paralympians and Olympians for each medal won at their respective Games.

PFC Executive Director Dean Brokop expressed his gratitude for the Malaviya Foundation’s ongoing support of the Paralympic Movement in Canada and making a difference for Canadians with a disability.

“The generosity shown by Sanjay Malaviya and the Malaviya Foundation is truly inspiring. Their belief in the Paralympic Movement and the IGNITE Campaign is helping to break down barriers, build pathways, and create meaningful opportunities for Canadian Paralympians,” Brokop said.

“Their contributions are instrumental in driving this movement forward and enabling Canadians with a disability to have equitable opportunities to pursue the sport they love. We are incredibly grateful for the Malaviya Foundation’s investment in the Paralympic Performance Recognition program. It will have a lasting impact on the future of Para sport in Canada.”

The IGNITE campaign works to ensure that every Canadian with a disability is offered ample opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport. PFC strives to support diverse champions that inspire belief in the potential for greatness, thereby shaping communities across Canada into healthy and inclusive spaces where every person with a disability feels a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Together we can IGNITE change through sport. Donate to create your own spark today.