Last year, Motion launched the Giving in Motion Fund for employees to help extend our impact beyond local communities and support initiatives that reflect our Vision, Mission & Values. Through this fund, employees are empowered to take part in meaningful opportunities that create real change.

For Motion employee Tyler, that opportunity meant travelling across the country to volunteer, compete, and contribute to a more inclusive and accessible experience at the 2026 Canada Powerlifting Nationals in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Learn more about Tyler’s experience in his words below.

I’d like to start with a sincere thank you to Motion and everyone involved with the Giving in Motion Fund. This support gave me the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than a competition. It allowed me to contribute to making powerlifting more accessible and inclusive for athletes across Canada.

For me, powerlifting has always been about more than lifting weights. It’s about community, opportunity, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, has a chance to step onto the platform.

A National Stage for Inclusive Sport

This year, the Canada Powerlifting Nationals took place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, bringing together nearly 900 athletes from across the country. What stood out most to me wasn’t just the scale of the event, but the diversity of athletes competing.

From youth lifters to Masters athletes, and from Special Olympics to Para-Powerlifting divisions, Nationals showcased what sport can look like when accessibility is prioritized.

Being part of that environment reminded me how important it is to continue building spaces where all athletes feel supported, represented, and empowered to compete.

Wearing Multiple Hats

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to take on several roles as an athlete, coach, and referee. While I was proud to compete and earn gold in the M2 93kg Classic Bench Press category, the most meaningful moments came from the time I spent supporting others.

As a coach, I worked alongside athletes in multiple age categories, including Masters lifters who continue to push boundaries well into their 60s and 70s. Their dedication is a powerful reminder that access to sport shouldn’t have an age limit.

As a referee, I had a front-row seat to the importance of fair, consistent, and informed officiating – especially in divisions where athletes may require adaptations or additional support.

The Impact of Accessible Divisions

The most impactful day for me was when I had the privilege of refereeing the youth, Special Olympics and Para-Powerlifting divisions.

This is where accessibility in sport becomes real.

As a Special Olympics coach and someone who helps run Para-Powerlifting competitions, I’ve seen how critical it is to create opportunities for athletes who may otherwise face barriers to participation. These divisions are not just add-ons; they are essential to the future of the sport.

Every athlete deserves the chance to compete, to be recognized, and to feel like they belong.

Seeing that in action on a national stage was something I won’t forget.

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Building a More Inclusive Future

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the week was being invited to join a National Committee focused on developing and improving Para-Powerlifting in Canada.

To me, this is what accessibility work is all about: taking what we see on the platform and turning it into long-term change. It’s about improving systems, increasing awareness, and continuing to remove barriers so more athletes can get involved.

There is still work to be done, but opportunities like this are a step in the right direction.

Why Support Matters

None of this would have been possible without the Giving in Motion Fund.

The support I received didn’t just help me travel to Nationals; it allowed me to show up fully in every role I hold within the sport. It gave me the chance to coach, officiate, connect with others, and advocate for greater accessibility in powerlifting.

That kind of support has a ripple effect. It doesn’t just impact one person – it impacts every athlete, coach, and community member we’re able to reach.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on this experience, I’m reminded that strength isn’t just measured in what we lift, it’s measured in how we support one another and create opportunities for others to succeed.

With Nationals coming to Nanaimo in 2027, I’m excited to continue this work and help build an even more accessible and inclusive experience for athletes across Canada.

Thank you again to Motion and the Giving in Motion Fund for making this possible.

Tyler