In 1972, the Alberta Advisory Board on Recreation for the Disabled (AABRD) award was established with the purpose of actively promoting recreational services for individuals with disabilities. By 1984, the AABRD recognized the successful fulfillment of its primary objective and subsequently delegated the responsibility for selecting and distributing its awards and scholarships to the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association.
Support for the AABRD Awards & Scholarships is provided through a Legacy Fund, managed by the Government of Alberta.
The AABRD Scholarships recognize academic achievements, contributions to, and endeavors in advancing the field of recreation for people with disabilities. The scholarships assist Albertans as they advance their education in the areas of recreation for people with disabilities.
Undergraduate: $1,000
Graduate: $3,000
To receive this scholarship, you must also meet all of these eligibility criteria:
If the recipient is a graduating student, the scholarship portion of the Award will be paid upon evidence of graduation. If the recipient is a continuing student, the scholarship funds will be paid on evidence of continuing full-time registration in the program of study.
Note: Full-time post secondary studies is defined as being registered in the minimum equivalent of nine credit units per semester from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Applications are NOW OPEN!
Application Deadline: May 30th, 2025
The ARPA Awards and Scholarships Committee with representation from all aspects of the recreation and parks sector and across the province will select the scholarship recipients. The committee will evaluate the application by rating:
A strong academic record demonstrating excellence in relevant coursework and overall. This may include GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, and academic achievements in relevant fields of study
Completion of coursework directly related to the field of recreation for persons with disabilities.This may include courses in special education, adapted physical education, therapeutic recreation, or related fields.
Active involvement in relevant organizations, clubs, or societies related to disabilities, recreation, or related fields. Acknowledgement of accomplishments through the receipt of awards, scholarships or other honours associated with academic or extracurricular excellence in relevant areas.
Demonstrated experience working or volunteering in roles that directly involve providing recreational services or support to individuals with disabilities. This could include positions such as adaptive sports coach, inclusion specialist, disability support worker, or similar roles.
Clear articulation of future goals and plans related to the field of recreation for persons with disabilities. This may include pursuing further education, engaging in research or advocacy, or working in professional roles dedicated to enhancing recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (open Monday-Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-415-1745
Email: awards@arpaonline.ca
Keanne Kesslar
Hannah May Bayfield-Tarasco
The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge the First Nations, the Métis, the Inuit and all of the people across Alberta who share a history and a deep connection with this land. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.