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Inclusive Recreation Opportunities at UVic
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.
We currently offer three indoor inclusive recreation programs for children and youth with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or neurodivergent identities. These programs are intentially designed to help develop fundamental movement and physical literacy skills. All of our programs are 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. For more information, please see our program offerings below!
We have long standing partnerships with community organizations such as Victoria Wheelchair Sports and OneAbility, which enhance access to adaptive sport and recreation opportunities. Throughout the year, we attend community events (e.g., Autism Awareness Walk, ParaPLAY Day, etc.) increasing our visibility and the integration of UVic’s inclusive recreation programs within the broader adaptive sport community.
The Advocacy for Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Program is a collaborative program hosted by Vikes Athletics and Recreation, the UVic Graduate Students' Society, and the UVic Students’ Society's advocacy groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and Pride Collective). This program is for students who identify as members of the aforementioned advocacy groups on campus. The goal of AIR is to create a fun, inclusive, safe, and equitable environment for students to move their bodies and build community!
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.
If you want to join the Vikes Recreation team, we have openings related to inclusion and accessibility. Check out the jobs and volunteer positions below for more information.
5:00PM–7:00PM
5:00PM–7:00PM
This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning January 4. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
11:00AM–12:00PM
Register
6:00PM–7:00PM
Register
Note: There are no programs on Sep. 7, Sep. 30, Oct. 12, Nov. 11 due to holidays.
ACCESSIBLE
Join us Monday evenings for some fun drop-in climbing at the CARSA Climbing Centre! This program runs concurrently with the Adaptive Climbing program, so AIR climbers will have access to adaptive climbing equipment if needed.
Free shoe rentals and belay lessons will also be available during this time. Please come prepared with your ONECard. Gender-neutral change rooms/washrooms are available!
This program is for students who identify as members of the UVSS advocacy groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVIC Pride Collective).
Requirements: UVic students only
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Program contact: Megan Vlahiotis • mvlahiotis@uvic.ca
Current
Dates: September 14 – November 30
Time:
Monday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
NEW ACCESSIBLE
Learn the basics of Vogue in a fun, welcoming, and judgment-free environment! At a beginner-friendly pace, we’ll explore foundational movements like poses, waacking, floorwork, and catwalk. Rooted in New York’s LGBTQ+ Ballroom scene, Vogue is all about creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Please come prepared with your ONECard. Gender-neutral change rooms/washrooms are available!
This program is for students who identify as members of the UVSS advocacy groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVIC Pride Collective).
Requirements: UVic students only
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Instructor: Gabby E.
Location: Gwynne Excel Studio
Program contact: Megan Vlahiotis • mvlahiotis@uvic.ca
Current
No current session.
Upcoming
Dates: September 22 – December 1
Time:
Tuesday at 4:00PM–5:00PM
Price: Free
ACCESSIBLE
Join us on Sunday nights for slow-flow restorative yoga that is intentionally for ALL body sizes, shapes, abilities, and mobilities.
All mats, blocks, chairs, and equipment will be provided. Please come prepared with your ONECard. Gender-neutral change rooms/washrooms are available!
This program is for students who identify as members of the UVSS advocacy groups (Native Students Union, Gender Empowerment Centre, Society for Students with a Disability, Students of Colour Collective, and UVIC Pride Collective).
Requirements: UVic students only
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Instructor: Per S.
Location: Gwynne Excel Studio
Program contact: Megan Vlahiotis • mvlahiotis@uvic.ca • www.instagram.com/uvic.air/
Current
No current session.
Upcoming
Dates: September 20 – November 29
Time:
Sunday at 6:00PM–7:00PM
Price: Free
ACCESSIBLE
This program is intended to support those living with barriers to engage with climbing and enjoy their time in the CARSA Climbing Centre with the support of our highly trained team. Our team will set-up several adapted climbing systems, which you are encouraged to try. This program is offered with high staff to participant ratio so that all feel safe and supported in our space and are have ample time to explore the wall and find your success.
Extra space? Feel free to drop-in on the day!
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Program contact:
Current
Dates: September 14 – December 14
Time:
Monday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
YOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE
Adaptive Kids Climbing Club (AKCC) supports climbers under 16 who benefit from individualized instruction. Sessions are designed to adapt challenges, equipment, and teaching methods to meet each climber’s needs.
Instructors work closely with participants and caregivers to create a supportive, positive experience focused on confidence, body awareness, and exploration.
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: Youth Welcome: 7-16 years years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center
Program contact:
Current
Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time:
Saturday at 2:00PM–3:00PM
YOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE
This is an 8-week, free indoor sports program for children and youth with intellectual disabilities and/or neurodivergent identities to develop fundamental movement skills and discover how to play team sports, in particular field hockey by exploring 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: 5-16 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: McKinnon 1/3 Gym
Program contact: Dr. Veronica Planella • planella@uvic.ca
Current
No current session.
Upcoming
Dates: October 4 – November 22
Time:
Sunday at 11:00AM–12:00PM
Price: Free
YOUTH 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 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: McKinnon Gym
Program contact: • just4kicks@uvic.ca
Current
Dates: September 13 – November 29
Time:
Sunday at 1:30PM–2:30PM
All prices valid as of August 18, 2026. 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.
© 2026 University of Victoria, Division of Student Affairs, Vikes Athletics and Recreation