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CALGARY- The Western Canadian Sledge Hockey Challenge is under way this Easter weekend. The paralympic sporting event is the largest tournament of its kind in western Canada.

The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association was formed four years ago to give people living with disabilities the opportunity to play the sport.

According to the organization, only three per cent of children with a disability are currently participating in sport.

President of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association, Dominic Shaw, said the opportunity helps participants succeed down the road.

“It’s not just physical; it’s social. You’re going to make friends with similar disabilities.”

“We’ve seen a lot of younger players develop over the years,” Shaw said. “They go on to great jobs, great schools. They just gain that self confidence.”

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More than 180 players from across western Canada will take part at the weekend tournament at WinSport Winter Sport Institute at Canada Olympic Park.

All funds raised go directly to the organization to pay for ice time and equipment costs.

Click here to find out more about the programs.

Seventy-five exhibitors are also taking part in the Community and Recreation Expo, which runs until 6 p.m. Saturday.