I have competed for Canada all over the world; in Europe, Asia and South America but the other night I got a glimpse into a world I had never experienced – the high school Athletic Banquet.

It was an energetic evening to say the least – coaches who went up to the podium to present awards were cheered loudly. There were lots of laughs and inside jokes, hugs and even some tears. When students were called up for awards you couldn’t hear anything from the din of applause, whistles and screaming. I – Was actually concerned for myre poor guide dog, Alan, because the noise was that extreme. It was a great night filled with fond memories, and a definite sense of belonging to one large team.

High school athletics could best be described as a nightmare for me. Bumping into other students, having no clue where the ball was — until I got hit with it, wanting to disappear from the embarrassment when other students got mad and frustrated with my performance. They thought I was clumsy, and they thought that sport was not my thing.

Parasport: A Sport for Everyone

Fortunately for me, I found people who told me it WAS my thing, even though I was going blind and it changed my life. Now I want to make sure other people living with disabilities understand the incredible value physical activity brings to a person’s life.

As an educator I have had the privilege to work with Physical Health and Education Canada to write accessible physical education curriculum documents, most notably Paralympic FUNdamentals which was written in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Inclusion Helps Us All

The goal of this curriculum is to make phys ed classes inherently inclusive for all abilities. Students are encouraged to find a way of moving that works best for them. It challenges the notion that there is one “right” way to be active.

The amazing thing I realized when implementing these accessible phys. ed plans is how much they benefited all students. Suddenly the students who did not participate in gym class were on an equal playing field with the star athletes, and that gave them a little more confidence to join in. Not to mention that al the lesson plans rely on collaboration and team work to make sure everyone is able to participate to their full potential.Phys. Ed class was inclusive and teaching important lives skills as well as physical activity
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Attention Teachers!

The lesson plans introduce students to four paralympic sports; sitting volleyball, goal ball , bocci and athletics events. For more information, you can find the free resource – complete with curriculum expectations for all our provinces – at www.education.paralympic.ca.

Obviously not everyone will want to compete in the Paralympic Games, but the health benefits, both physical and mental, are too important for educators to exclude anyone.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy Preferences

What I Bring
  • Inclusive Leadership & DEI – practical strategies to build equity and accessibility into culture and operations.
  • Resilience & High Performance – lessons from elite sport to help teams adapt, focus, and excel under pressure.
  • Strategy & Change – proven success leading national initiatives, digital transformation, and organizational growth
  • Accessibility & Design Thinking – advisory support to create environments and services where everyone can succeed. I partner with corporations, nonprofits, and teams who want more than inspiration—organizations ready to embed resilience, inclusion, and performance into how they work every day.

Keynote Title and Description

Have you ever felt nervous or unsure about your environment? Have you ever felt like things were happening around you that you had no control over? How often do you feel like you are missing important information to make a sound decision? Uncertainty, insecurity and lack of control are all at the root of fear. They are also a direct result of change, And they are part of life every single day for someone who is blind. With organizations facing more intense change than ever before, It’s no wonder that job dissatisfaction, disengagement and burn out are on the rise. Together we will redefine what is possible when facing the unknown

Biography

Victoria Nolan is a world champion rower, author, tv personality and advocate for people living with blindness and other disabilities. Vicky went blind when her daughter was born and has since faced the world in the dark. She chooses hope over fear, and embraces uncertainty as a challenge to overcome. Vicky is determined to push limits: she has won 8 medals for Team Canada and competed in four Olympic games. Now pursuing her MBA at Queens University, she also serves as national manager for one of Canada’s largest non -profit organizations. Victoria's story is one of resilience, tough choices and inspiring others to overcome life’s challenges.