inclusive recreation

Inclusive Swimming Lessons with Vecova and COSPA

Looking for inclusive, supportive, and sensory-aware swimming lessons this summer?

Registration for Vecova’s Children’s & Adults’ Adapted Aquatics program opens April 14 through the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA) website.

Vecova is proud to once again partner with COSPA to bring our trusted adapted aquatics programming outdoors for another summer season.

This year, families can register for lessons at two outdoor pool locations in Calgary:
• Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool
• South Calgary Outdoor Pool

These programs are designed to provide safe, welcoming swimming experiences for children and adults who benefit from additional support in the water, helping every participant build confidence and water skills at their own pace.

A Program Families Already Know and Trust

Many families will recognize this program from its former name, SwimAbilities.

Now reimagined as Vecova’s Children & Adult’s Adapted Aquatics, the program continues Vecova’s long-standing commitment to adapted recreation and inclusive swimming programs.

Lessons are designed specifically for individuals with:

Physical disabilities
Cognitive disabilities
Sensory differences
Emotional or behavioural support needs
Autism or other neurodiverse conditions

Our goal is to help every swimmer build confidence, comfort, and water safety skills at their own pace.

What Makes These Lessons Different?

Vecova’s adapted aquatics program focuses on creating a calm, inclusive environment where every participant can succeed.

While these are not private lessons, the program uses a low instructor-to-participant ratio of 4:1, allowing instructors to:

Provide more personalized guidance
Adjust instruction based on each swimmer’s needs
Create meaningful one-to-one moments within the group

All participants are also required to have a parent, caregiver, or aide in the water during the lesson. This helps create a safe and supportive experience while also allowing caregivers to continue practicing skills outside of lessons.

Caregivers are not charged a fee to participate in the program.

Program Details

Locations:

Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool
South Calgary Outdoor Pool

Ages: Children (7–16) and Adults

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 14th at 9:00am on the Cospa Website: https://www.cospa.ca

Program Schedule:

Adult & Child Classes from End of June to August 2026

June to July

Child: Tuesdays & Thursday’s: 4:00pm-4:40pm – $136.00 / per session – June 30, 2026 until July 2

Adult: Friday’s 12:00pm-1:00pm – $68.00 – July 3, 2026 until July 24,

August 2026

Child: Tuesday + Thursday’s 4:00pm-4:40pm – $136.00 / per session – July 28, 2026 until August 20

Adult: Friday’s 12:00pm-1:00pm – $68.00 – July 31, 2026 until August 21

Explore now on the COSPA Website: https://www.cospa.ca

Spring is in full swing, and that means Spring Session 2 at Vecova is just around the corner! Our next session begins Tuesday, April 7, and we’re excited to welcome participants back for another season of recreation, connection, and skill-building.

At Vecova, our programs are designed to support people of all abilities through inclusive recreation, wellness, and community programs. Whether you’re looking to stay active, try something new, or connect with others, Spring Session 2 offers something for everyone.

Programs That Build Skills and Confidence

Vecova’s recreation programs focus on developing fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment. Participants can explore a variety of activities designed to encourage movement, creativity, and social connection.

Our programs help individuals build skills such as:

Balance and coordination
Throwing, catching, and movement skills
Teamwork and communication
Confidence through physical activity

These foundational skills help participants feel comfortable engaging in sports, recreation, and everyday activities.

One of the most important parts of Vecova programs is the sense of community. Participants have the opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and experience the joy of being part of an inclusive group.

Our trained staff and volunteers create a welcoming environment where everyone can participate at their own pace and feel supported along the way.

Join Us This Spring

Spring Session 2 begins April 7, and we can’t wait to get started. Whether you’re returning to a favorite program or joining us for the first time, we look forward to seeing you at Vecova.

To learn more about available programs and how to register, visit our program registration page.

Let’s make this spring a season of movement, connection, and fun at Vecova.

Looking for a fun, active, and inclusive way to spend your Tuesday afternoon? Vecova’s Adult Adapted Cricket program offers adults living with a disability the chance to learn and enjoy one of the world’s great sports in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Hosted at the Calgary Cricket Center, this program introduces participants to the exciting fundamentals of cricket. Ever wondered how to bowl a googly, or what makes a seam or swing bowler different? Maybe you’re more interested in batting, perfecting a square cut, charging down the pitch, or hitting a straight drive for six. Fielding more your style? You might find yourself learning positions like Silly Mid Off or Third Man. Or perhaps you’re just curious why the word “wicket” has three different meanings. Whatever sparks your interest, this program has something for everyone.

And the fun doesn’t stop with cricket. The Calgary Cricket Center’s state-of-the-art facility also gives participants the opportunity to try other activities like Pickleball, Bocce Ball, and Floor Curling. There’s even a bowling machine for those who want to test their batting skills and have a little extra fun.

The program runs Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00 pm, with doors opening at 12:30 pm for early drop-off and closing at 3:30 pm to allow for late pick-up.

Please note: this program does not provide one-to-one support. Participants who require an aide for other recreational activities, work, or school will need similar support during this program.

The City of Calgary Fair Entry Card is accepted, helping make this program more accessible.

📍 Location: Calgary Cricket Center
7005 6 St SE

If you’re ready to try something new, stay active, and have fun in a supportive community, Adult Adapted Cricket at Vecova is a great place to start.

Register on February 10th: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/vecovarecreationcentre/activity/search/detail/28593?onlineSiteId=2&from_original_cui=true

Recreation is about more than movement; it’s about confidence, connection, and having fun in a supportive environment. Vecova’s adapted recreation programs offer inclusive opportunities for children, youth, and adults with disabilities to stay active, try new activities, and enjoy meaningful social experiences.

From adapted aquatics to inclusive sport and movement-based programs, there’s something for every age and ability level.

Explore all recreation and community programs at:
https://vecova.ca/programs/#programs

Here’s what’s happening this season:

🏊‍♀️ Adult Adapted Aquatics

Location: Vivo Recreation Centre | Calgary
Program Details: https://vecova.ca/programs/adult-adapted-recreation/

Vecova’s Adult Adapted Aquatics program is designed for adults living with disabilities who want to build aquatic skills, stay active, and enjoy the social benefits of recreation in a warm pool.

Participants work toward individual aquatic goals, explore new water-based activities, and take part in group games that encourage connection and fun in a safe, supported environment. All ability levels are welcome.

Important notes:

Participants are required to have an aide in the water for safety.
Lifejackets and flotation devices are provided as needed.
Program runs out of the Vivo Recreation Centre, 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary.

🎾 Children’s Adapted Recreation (CAR) & Youth Adapted Recreation (YAR)

Saturdays | Location: Vivo Recreation Centre
Program Details: CAR https://vecova.ca/programs/childrens-adapted-recreation/
YAR https://vecova.ca/programs/youth-adapted-recreation/

Looking for the best Saturday ever? CAR and YAR are fun, high-energy respite programs for children and youth aged 6–18.

Participants are matched one-to-one with volunteers and enjoy an afternoon filled with games, sports, swimming, and laughter. These programs focus on inclusion, friendship, and giving kids and youth the chance to just be kids in a supportive setting.

Good to know:

Caregivers do not need to stay onsite, but must be reachable by phone.
Programs run out of Vivo Recreation Centre, 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary.

🏃🏽‍♀️ FUNdamental Movement

Location: Western Canada High School | Calgary
Program Details: https://vecova.ca/programs/fundamental-movement/

FUNdamental Movement is a multi-sport program focused on building the foundations of movement, sport, and play in a fun and inclusive way.

Rather than specializing in one sport, participants explore a wide range of movement skills, including throwing, catching, kicking, balance, coordination, and teamwork, through engaging, game-based activities.

The program emphasizes exploration, confidence-building, and accessible play, helping participants discover what their bodies can do and how movement can feel empowering.

Location:

Main gym at Western Canada High School, 641 17 Ave SW

Please note:

This program does not provide one-to-one support.
Participants who require one-to-one support in other settings will need to bring the same level of support to this program.

🌊 Adapted Swimming Lessons – Kids & Teens

Registration through the City of Calgary
Program Details: https://liveandplay.calgary.ca/REGPROG/public/booking/CourseTypes/SWIMADAPTED

These adapted swimming lessons are designed specifically for kids and teens with disabilities and are delivered in partnership with Vecova and the City of Calgary.

With small class sizes (one instructor for every four participants), lessons are tailored to each swimmer’s needs and focus on building confidence and independence in the water.

Lessons focus on:

Comfort, buoyancy, and propulsion
Water safety skills
Adapting instruction to sensory, physical, cognitive, and emotional needs

Important:

A parent or support person is required to be in the water with each participant.
Registration is through the City of Calgary:
Adapted swimming lessons – kids & teens (City of Calgary)

⚽ Friday Mixed Ability Indoor Soccer

Location: Vivo Recreation Centre | Calgary
Program Details: https://vecova.ca/programs/mixed-ability-soccer/

Vecova’s Friday Mixed Ability Indoor Soccer is back! This inclusive drop-in style program welcomes people of all abilities and experience levels.

Each Friday, teams are created, and the games begin with the right balance of friendly competition, inclusivity, and plenty of cheers. Participants can register for the full session or choose drop-in days that work for them.

Please note:

This program does not provide one-to-one support.
Participants requiring one-to-one support in other settings will need the same level of support here.
Games take place at Vivo Recreation Centre.

Inclusive Recreation for All Ages

Vecova’s recreation programs are designed to create welcoming, accessible spaces where people with disabilities can move their bodies, build skills, and connect with others through play and physical activity.

To explore all programs and register, visit:
https://vecova.ca/programs/#programs

Over the past year, we’ve heard from many people who believe Vecova is closing. We want to be very clear:

Vecova is not closing.

What is changing is where and how some of our programs are delivered, and these changes are helping us reach more people with disabilities across Calgary.

What’s Actually Changing

Vecova is moving away from operating a single, centralized facility and instead working across multiple community locations and partnerships. This includes closing our outdated building and expanding into new spaces across Calgary.

Offer programs in more accessible spaces across the city
Partner with trusted recreation and community centres
Focus our resources where they have the greatest impact

Our New Central Hub in the Beltline

In January, Vecova will open Vecova Central Hub @ Beltline, which will serve as our downtown administrative and program hub.

The Central Hub will:

Support staff, programs, and community services
Help us stay connected to partners and participants across Calgary

This location strengthens our presence downtown and supports the long-term sustainability of our services.

What About the New NW Location?

Our new Northwest location, Vecova NW @ Kaleidoscope, offers a range of community programs, skill-building activities, and support services designed to promote independence, connection, and well-being for people with disabilities.

Together, these locations, along with offsite programs and partnerships, allow Vecova to remain flexible, responsive, and community-based.

Aquatics Programming Has Changed, Not Disappeared

While Vecova no longer operates its own pool, adapted aquatic programming continues through partnerships with local Calgary pools and recreation centres, including Vivo.

This approach allows us to keep offering warm-water aquatic programs for people with disabilities without the barriers of maintaining our own facility.

What Hasn’t Changed

Our mission
Our commitment to people with disabilities
Our focus on inclusive recreation, employment, housing, and community services

Vecova has been part of the Calgary community for over 50 years, and we’re continuing that work in new and more sustainable ways.

👉 New to Vecova? Learn more about who we are on our FAQ Page.

Looking for inclusive, supportive, and sensory-aware swimming lessons this summer?

Vecova is proud to partner with the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA) to bring its trusted adapted aquatics programming outdoors for the first time! This summer, you can register your child or loved one for adapted swim lessons at Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool.

This new offering is based on our former SwimAbilities program – a name many parents will recognize. Now reimagined as Children’s Adapted Aquatics, this program is designed specifically for children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional disabilities, including those who are autistic or require extra support in the water.

What Makes These Lessons Different?

Vecova’s adapted aquatics lessons focus on building water safety, comfort, and independence in a welcoming, inclusive environment. While this isn’t a private or 1-to-1 lesson, we use a low instructor-to-student ratio of 4:1. That means instructors can tailor the experience to each swimmer, allowing for more personalized attention and meaningful one-to-one moments.

All participants must be accompanied in the water by a parent, caregiver, or aide, ensuring safety, comfort, and continuity between the lesson and home.

Caregivers are not charged a fee to enter or participate in the program.

Program Details:

📍 Location: Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool
Ages: Children (3-16) and Adults
Cost: $136 (Child) | $68 (Adult)
Registration Opens: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Register at: www.calgaryoutdoorpools.ca

Whether your child has participated in SwimAbilities before or is brand new to the water, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy summer swimming lessons in Calgary in a calm, caring, and inclusive environment.

Spaces are limited—register early to secure your spot!
We can’t wait to welcome your family to the pool this summer ☀️

Looking for indoor warm water aquatics programs? Find out more here