BC Ferries Program Connecting Athletes to Opportunity by Breaking Down Travel Barriers
Apr 29, 2026
The BC Ferries Sport Experience Program and the BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program are opening doors for sport participation across BC. While travel is a necessary part of competitive sport, the cost and accessibility challenges it creates can be a major barrier for many athletes.
The BC Ferries Sport Experience Program supports amateur sport organizations by covering ferry fares for athletes and teams attending competitions, while the BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program specifically assists athletes with disabilities, helping to reduce travel-related barriers and supporting inclusive participation in sport.
Overall, this was a very busy quarter, with 232 applications in total. From January to March, a total of 2,298 ferry vouchers were distributed across 27 different sports, supporting a wide range of athletic activities and events. Since January, the programs have supported a wide range of events. Below are a few highlights:
- Western Canadian Cross Country Skiing Championships
- BC Provincial Cheerleading Championships
- 2026 BC Winter Provincial Swimming Championships
Additional support was provided for development opportunities, including a Sport Climbing BC Tier 2 selection camp, a Special Olympics Friendly Games Invitational Basketball Tournament, and a Junior Wheelchair Rugby participation camp.
A grateful team of recipients shared their appreciation:
“Thank you for helping our Special Olympic athletes get to their tournament this past weekend. Without this type of support, we may not have been able to afford to participate in this incredible event. This meant the world to our team. We placed second in our division and came home with full hearts! – Deborah, Special Olympics Friendly Games
These programs continue to play a vital role in ensuring that sport is accessible to all, helping remove financial barriers for travel on the coastal ferry system.
Interested in applying? Find out more about eligibility and submit your application by clicking the links below:
