BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program

Athletes, coaches, managers, club volunteers and staff, and athlete companions affiliated with Disability Sport Organizations can apply for competition travel assistance through the BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program.

Through the BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program, BC Ferries and viaSport provide travel support to eligible not-for-profit disability sport organizations and athletes.

BC Ferries and viaSport will provide ferry travel vouchers to eligible athletes traveling to participate in the following competitions in British Columbia:

• Tournaments
• Participation camps
• Events
• Regular league play

Who can apply?

Eligible events for athletes (of any age) who are traveling for disability or para sport opportunities within British Columbia are defined as:

• Participation Camps, Events, or Regular League Play: A sport event organized or sanctioned by a Provincial or Disability Sport Organization where individuals or teams have to travel within British Columbia to participate.
• Tournaments: An event sanctioned by a Provincial or Disability Sport Organization that brings together three or more teams or competitors to compete within British Columbia.

Additional eligible events for athletes aged 18 years and younger include:

• Provincial Championship: An event sanctioned by the relevant PSO where you have qualified to represent your city or region. The winner of said event would be crowned Provincial Champions.
• Western or National Championship: An event sanctioned by the relevant NSO where you have qualified to represent B.C. 
• International Event: An elite-level event such as a World Cup where you have qualified to represent Canada.

Other Eligibility includes:

• Coaches, managers, and athlete companions are eligible to be included in applications, but the priority of the program is to fund travel for athletes. Additional parent chaperones are not eligible to receive funding.
• Coaches, or officials traveling to a recognized certification or professional development opportunity.

Applications may be submitted individually or for a group: When multiple athletes from one club or organization are applying for travel to the same event, only one application should be submitted.

Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days (between and including Monday to Friday, not including weekends and public holidays) before the first day of travel.

Funding is available for travel through March 31, 2027

Important Update for Voucher Holders – Horseshoe Bay Terminal

Starting October 15, 2025, BC Ferries requires reservations for all travel from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) due to terminal construction. If you’re using a voucher or gift certificate, please:

• Call BC Ferries at 1-888-223-3779 to book and pay in advance
• Provide your voucher number during the call
• A credit card is required to hold the booking (no-show fees apply)
• Bring your voucher to the terminal with you just in case.

Travel from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) remains unchanged — you can still book online with a voucher.

More info: www.bcferries.com/hsb-travel

Grant Statistics

The BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program has an annual in-kind budget of  $25,000. Last year, viaSport received 62 applications. Vouchers were fully or partially awarded at a success rate of about 90%.

Sponsor