Keven Smith-Worthylake loves hockey. So what better event for him to visit than the upcoming world junior hockey championships in Ottawa.
“It’s a magical competition, at a magical time of year,” he told OBJ. “All athletes are playing for the love of their country, which makes for great games with lots of passion.”
While Smith-Worthylake is eagerly anticipating the first puck-drop just like any other fan, he has other considerations, too. Originally from Nova Scotia, Smith-Worthylake, 46, lives with cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair.
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While he has been a self-proclaimed “hardcore world juniors” fan his whole life, due to the lack of accessible care available at major sporting events, he says his past experiences have been cut short.
This time, thanks to an Ottawa company, he’s looking forward to an “upgraded” world juniors experience this holiday season.
Whimble aims to connect people like Smith-Worthylake with experienced caregivers to help them with everyday tasks, especially at major events such as Bluesfest and the world juniors.
Smith-Worthylake said he first heard about Whimble at the 2023 ParaSport festival at Carleton University and has since used the company’s at-home services, as well as at other larger events like Canada Day shows.
Emma Brown, founder and CEO of Whimble, said the service is meant to act as a backup for “when the routine support system breaks down.”
“Our goal is to act like a safety net and plug the gaps in people’s daily needs when their regular workers or friends and family aren’t available or just need a bit of flexibility,” Brown said.
At bigger events, Whimble’s caregivers are a part of the on-site team, just like first aid providers or security, Brown added.
“It’s quite stressful to not know how you’re going to get your needs met, unless you find someone to bring with you, and that usually means either dragging along a friend or family member or hiring your own private caregiver to accompany you, at quite a significant cost to the individual,” she said.
With Whimble as part of the on-site services, it becomes easier for those requiring assistance to have their needs met while not sacrificing any of the fun.
Smith-Worthylake said that Whimble is allowing him to enjoy more of the world juniors.
“Without these services, I would only be able to go to a few games and limit my spending on concessions, as I would need to return home to access basic care needs (such as) assistance with eating, washroom, etc.,” he said. “After learning about Whimble services being available on-site during the tournament, I upgraded my tickets to a full package of games, knowing I’ll have help for any care needs directly on site, without having to bring an attendant with me – a barrier which would double the cost of buying my attendant a ticket also.”
Those who may need assistance during the games will have a chance to connect with a member of Whimble’s team at the entrance to the arena before entering. Once in their seats, users can scan a QR code leading to a form that will let Whimble’s team members know where they are and what type of aid they require.
Brown said she is grateful for the support of Hockey Canada and Ottawa Tourism for making this collaboration possible.
“I’m really grateful to both organizations for really embracing disability inclusion, and truly putting their money where their mouths are, and for investing in a service to support the fans with disabilities at the tournament. They’re truly setting a gold standard for world juniors, hopefully, and future international sporting tournaments as well,” Brown said.
Smith-Worthylake said improved accessibility at other major events in the city would be advantageous – not just for those with disabilities, but for businesses as well.
“I’d love to see more sports events employ Whimble services in Ottawa (such as) the Senators, OSEG teams, etc. I’d buy more tickets and spend more money at games. I know others would as well. Accessibility is not just about basic equality. When done correctly, accessibility makes good business sense. It can improve the brand and the bottom line,” he said.
The world junior hockey championship runs Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 at TD Place and Canadian Tire Centre.
