As we honor National Philanthropy Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sanjay Malaviya and the Malaviya Foundation, who stand as formidable champions in the arena of Canadian sports. Their unwavering support has played a pivotal role in propelling the Paralympic Movement to new heights across the nation, fostering greater inclusivity and opportunity for athletes with disabilities.
The Malaviya Foundation’s impactful contributions have significantly enhanced the IGNITE Campaign, an ambitious fundraising initiative spearheaded by the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC). This campaign aims to ignite a passion for Para sport throughout the country, drawing on support from everyday Canadians and visionary partners like the Malaviya Foundation to fuel its success.
The foundation has been instrumental in launching the Paralympic Performance Recognition program, which debuted in January 2024. This innovative program commenced with the establishment of a substantial endowment fund, aiming to reach $8 million in total. Remarkably, the Malaviya Foundation has pledged an extraordinary $4 million—the largest single donation in PFC’s history—while the Government of Canada has contributed an additional $2 million, with plans to secure the remaining $2 million actively underway.
This groundbreaking program recognizes and rewards Canadian Paralympians who achieve medal-winning performances at the Paralympic Games, starting with this past summer’s event in Paris. Under this initiative, Canadian Paralympic medalists will receive financial rewards similar to those of their Olympic counterparts: $20,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze medals.
PFC Executive Director Dean Brokop conveyed his deep appreciation for the Malaviya Foundation’s steadfast support of the Paralympic Movement in Canada, emphasizing the positive changes it has brought to the lives of Canadians with disabilities. He remarked, “The generosity shown by Sanjay Malaviya and the Malaviya Foundation is truly inspiring. Their belief in the Paralympic Movement and the IGNITE Campaign is helping to break down barriers, build pathways, and create meaningful opportunities for Canadian Paralympians.”
“Their contributions are instrumental in driving this movement forward and enabling Canadians with a disability to have equitable opportunities to pursue the sport they love. We are incredibly grateful for the Malaviya Foundation’s investment in the Paralympic Performance Recognition program. It will have a lasting impact on the future of Para sport in Canada.”
The IGNITE campaign’s mission is to ensure every Canadian with a disability has ample opportunities to experience the empowering potential of sport. Through its initiatives, PFC aims to uplift diverse champions who inspire belief in the potential for greatness, thereby fostering communities across Canada into healthy, inclusive spaces where every individual with a disability can find belonging and acceptance.
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How will the Malaviya Foundation’s initiatives, like the IGNITE Campaign, influence the future of Para sport in Canada?
**Interview with Sanjay Malaviya, Founder of the Malaviya Foundation**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sanjay, especially on National Philanthropy Day. Your contributions to the Paralympic Movement in Canada have been significant. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to establish the Malaviya Foundation?
**Sanjay Malaviya:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration to establish the Malaviya Foundation stems from a deep belief in the power of sport to transform lives. I’ve always admired the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities. Through our foundation, I wanted to create broader opportunities for these incredible athletes, ensuring they have the support they need to excel on the international stage.
**Editor:** The Malaviya Foundation has made a remarkable impact through the IGNITE Campaign and the Paralympic Performance Recognition program. How do you feel these initiatives will influence the future of Para sport in Canada?
**Sanjay Malaviya:** Initiatives like the IGNITE Campaign and the Paralympic Performance Recognition program are game-changers. They not only provide vital funding but also raise awareness and inspire a new generation of athletes. With the recognition of medal achievements, we aim to elevate the profile of Para sport and foster a culture of inclusivity. I believe that as more Canadians engage with and support these athletes, we will see a significant shift towards greater inclusivity in the sports landscape.
**Editor:** Your pledge of $4 million is the largest single donation in the history of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. What does this milestone mean for you personally and for the foundation’s goals?
**Sanjay Malaviya:** For me, it’s not just about the financial contribution; it’s about the message it sends—that we believe in the potential of these athletes and support their journey. This milestone validates our mission and encourages us to strive for a more inclusive sports community. I hope it motivates other individuals and organizations to recognize the importance of contributing towards this cause.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations for the Malaviya Foundation and its role in supporting athletes with disabilities?
**Sanjay Malaviya:** Our aspiration is to continue building sustainable programs that ensure long-term support for our athletes. We want to expand our reach, develop more initiatives like the Paralympic Performance Recognition program, and engage more Canadians in the Paralympic Movement. Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where every athlete, regardless of ability, has the chance to pursue their dreams in sport.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sanjay. Your commitment to inclusivity and support for Paralympic athletes is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of the Malaviya Foundation!
**Sanjay Malaviya:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to share this journey with you and all Canadians who support our athletes.
