Lacrossing Barriers
We are a group dedicated to providing opportunities to play sport, move and learn skills to those in marginalized communities who haven't always been given a choice.
"People Who Say It Cannot Be Done Should Not Interrupt Those Who Are Doing It"
George Bernard Shaw
What We Do
In 2004, the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society Of Calgary (AAFS Calgary) began to provide social and recreational opportunities for people on, but not limited to the autism spectrum.
Their mandate was to do so in a way that allowed members to experience and learn the way they needed.
Fast forward to 2015, which saw longtime AFFS volunteer Scott Godfrey hired to create a sports sampler program, which included a try-it lacrosse session.
AAFS developed a six-week adaptive lacrosse program in the fall of 2018, which included eight participants.
In 2019, participation exploded with 20 people playing lacrosse weekly during the fall.
Spring saw boxing and rugby added with 15 people still participating in lacrosse.
To cap off the year, members of the Thunder Monkeys AAFS Lacrosse Club visited lacrosse friends in Vancouver.
We slowed down in 2020 and 2021 (and so did the rest of the world) but our members wanted more.
People were ready to share lacrosse and other sports with marginalized communities when we opened up in 2022.
Today, we run programming for over half the year and are always looking to develop more opportunities for people in marginalized communities.
Many of our past participants are now certified as coaches and attend our events and programs. We have big plans for the future and are enjoying the ride.
