The excitement of the Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games will be coming to Whitby this summer when the state-of-the-art Abilities Centre will host Parapan judo and boccia. Opened in 2012, the Abilities Centre encourages all people of all abilities to engage in sport, interact with others and learn in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
While you’re there, take in Whitby’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, including art galleries, museums and theatres, along with thousands of acres of parkland, two conservation areas, multipurpose trails, two heritage downtown areas, a seasonal farmers’ market and a marina.
Catch the Action
Two Parapan competitions take place in Whitby from August 7 to 15. Boccia, a game similar to curling, requires athletes to propel a ball as close to a target as possible. It was originally designed for people with cerebral palsy, but there is also a category for athletes with disabilities that affect motor skills. Parapan judo is a competition for athletes who are visually impaired. At each event, 700 spectators will have a unique opportunity to watch elite, world-class athletes excelling at what they do best.
For tickets and information, visit whitby.ca/panamgames.
Healthy and Cultural Pursuits
Forming part of the Lake Ontario Trail, the Whitby Shores Waterfront is a magnet for walkers, joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters and skateboarders. Nearby, the Lynde Shores Conservation area, which is rich in waterfowl, lures photographers and nature enthusiasts. The award-winning Port Whitby Marina, next to the Yacht Club and down the street from the Abilities Centre, can accommodate visitors who wish to sail to the Parapan events.
The downtown areas of Whitby and its Brooklin community feature opportunities to stroll, shop and dine among a mixture of heritage and modern buildings. The colonial past is also reflected in the verandas of Pearson Lanes, the Whitby Museum and the mid-19th-century Centennial Building. The Whitby Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday, while the Courthouse Theatre features comedy, music and drama throughout the year.
The excitement in Whitby rises to new heights each summer with a wide variety of festivities, which include:
Brooklin Spring Fair | June 4-7
Canada Day County Town Carnival | July 1
Music in the Park | Wednesdays & Thursdays, June through August
Movies in the Park | Select Friday nights, June through August
Culture in the Square | Tuesday Nights, July through August
Whitby Harbour Day and Durham Festival | August 15
