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Group of Paralympic athletes at Pyeong Chang 2018 opening ceremony waving Canadian flag

Fostering the Canadian Paralympic Community with Drupal DXP & Portage CyberTech

The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) has been a beacon for Paralympic sports in Canada since 1968. Representing athletes across 27 member organizations, it stands tall within the global Paralympic sports landscape.

But the Paralympic movement transcends sportsmanship. François Robert, Chief Commercial Officer, articulates this vision, "Our goal is to promote sports and ensure every Canadian, regardless of their ability, understands that sport offers camaraderie, inclusivity, and community." 

Indeed, the Paralympic Games are a showcase for Canada, emphasizing inclusion, diversity, and representation. An astounding 4.25 billion viewers tuned in for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, reinforcing its worldwide appeal. 

When speaking to both François Robert and Erin Blaskie, the Director of Marketing and Communications, their vision becomes clear. They perceive the digital realm as integral to the movement's growth, believing it to be a critical platform for amplifying the CPC's goals and supporting the broader social cause. 

François's passion for the Paralympics is evident. "In my years of attending the Paralympic Games, and interacting with athletes and their families, I've come to understand the true power of sport. It's not just for Paralympians but for every Canadian." 

Since the Vancouver Paralympic Games, the Committee has fortified its position, nurturing pivotal connections with major sponsors like Pfizer Canada, Petro-Canada, Canadian Tire, and Lululemon. The onus now, as François emphasizes, is on "building awareness and properly communicating with all stakeholders." 

Central to their strategy is the power of storytelling.

François asserts that, "Storytelling is critical for promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports and society at large." This sentiment is echoed by Erin, who stresses the importance of connecting with their partners and the broader public through athletes' narratives.

With the prevalence of short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, it's crucial to meet audiences where they are. 

To support this ambition, a partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada brings Paralympic sports to television audiences. This widespread content dissemination benefits both the sports and the sponsors and plays a vital role in challenging biases against disabled individuals. 

The heart of this digital push is the Drupal DXP platform by Portage CyberTech. Recognizing the need for a robust digital tool, the CPC turned to Portage CyberTech for a solution that was both intuitive and powerful.

The CPC praises their collaboration, stating, "Portage CyberTech's personal, responsive approach sets them apart. They partner with us, understanding our mission and contributing to our goals." 

Beyond the platform's benefits, such as its intuitive interface and ease of integration with other tools, Portage CyberTech also shines in its commitment to accessibility.

Their adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensures that the platform aligns with the CPC's dedication to inclusivity. 

Looking forward, François celebrates the global growth of Paralympic sports. As this movement gains momentum, so do the expectations of fans, athletes, and partners.

With this evolution, the CPC is contemplating how best to serve their community and sponsors. François envisions a future where "any Canadian with a disability will know that sport is available to them," furthering the CPC's commitment to inclusion. 

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