Scott Godfrey grew up playing lacrosse and spent years working with people with autism. In 2018, he founded the not-for-profit Lacrossing Barriers, with a focus on people of all ages and abilities. “No matter how you’re born, no matter how you move or what’s happened to you, you should be able to play an authentic and accountable form of sport,” he said. “We’re dedicated to providing the opportunity to play sport and learn skills for those in marginalized communities who haven’t always been given the choice.” Godfrey says the organization has expanded across the country, with other cities looking to offer adaptive programs in their communities. He says the program is for those who can play but have faced rejection at some level. “Anyone who has ever said this phrase: I can’t because,” he said. “Anyone who has been told no, or anyone who has been allowed to believe they’re not allowed to (play).” Godfrey says the goal of the program is simple, it’s to allow participants to do what they dream - not because they have a cognitive or physiological challenge, but because they’re good enough to do it. “Our athletes understand that playing the game doesn’t mean always winning,” he said. “They do want to play in a competitive situation, but we’ve also provided them with the skills to understand that you can’t get mad if you don’t score.” He says while the program began with people living with autism, it also includes new Canadians who may not have the finances to spend on team sports in their new country. Godfrey says he’s not trying to create professional athletes or lacrosse players through the program. But some participants want to further their skills. “We have had a young fellow that played Tier 2 junior B lacrosse,” Godfrey said. “He never got into a game but he signed a card and practices and does all the drills. He evaluated himself and said ‘I don’t think I’m safe to be in the game because there’s too much contact.’ But in a practice, he gets knocked around, he knocks people around.” Learn more about the program here: https://www.lacrossingbarriers.org/
