CLEATS FOR A CAUSE WITH LORENZO INSIGNE

The Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association and Lorenzo Insigne Team Up with Toronto FC for March Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

My charity is The Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association. Established in 1985, the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping anyone with cerebral palsy or a related disability access quality sport and recreation activities. They do this through program delivery, education, advocacy and partnership. (CCPSA)

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.  As a person with Cerebral Palsy, I am personally excited about promoting any type of sport that would benefit inclusion, and this is a great time dedicated to bringing awareness of the challenges of individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP). This year, the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) is teaming up with Toronto FC and international soccer star Lorenzo Insigne for a wonderful initiative that blends sports, compassion, and sponsorship to assist those that have a passion particularly in soccer.

A Star Player with a Passion for Change

My favorite professional soccer player, Lorenzo Insigne has graciously decided to raise awareness regarding cerebral palsy during the month of March.  

Lorenzo Insigne, a world-renowned soccer player and Toronto FC forward, has long been recognized for his exceptional skills on the field. He played for the Italian League and now for MLS Toronto FC. But beyond his strength, Insigne is equally dedicated to making a difference with charities that have the desire to be included in the sport despite their disability. This March, he is launching a specially designed soccer shoe to raise awareness and raise funds for individuals with cerebral palsy. By using his program, Insigne is drawn attention to an often-overlooked cause and is inspiring both with fans and athletes alike to take action.

The Special Cause: Cerebral Palsy 

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting movement, posture, and muscle coordination. This is a condition that I personally am affected by.  Despite the challenges associated with CP, sports have proven to me to be a powerful tool in raising inclusion, confidence, and well-being for individuals living with this condition. Living with cerebral palsy has demonstrated that if there is a will there is a way, and I have the will and will find the way. 

The CCPSA has been at the center of promoting sports, and physical activities ensuring that athletes with CP have opportunities to participate in soccer, boccia, track and field, and other sports. The partnership with Insigne and Toronto FC will not only raise funds for these programs but also emphasize the importance of accessibility and inclusion in sports.

The Launching – Cleats for a Cause  

On March 15, Toronto FC will host a special event at BMO Field, where Insigne will unveil his limited-edition soccer shoe. The design of the shoe incorporates green, the color of CP awareness, common symbol associated with people with cerebral palsy is a green ribbon which represents awareness for the condition; the color green signifies hope and new growth, often linked to advancements in treatment and acceptance of people with CP.

A portion of the proceeds from every pair sold will directly support the CCPSA’s programs, helping to provide adaptive sports equipment, coaching, and scholarships for athletes with cerebral palsy. Fans attending the event will have the opportunity to purchase the shoes, meet Insigne, and hear firsthand from athletes who have benefited from the CCPSA’s work.

The event will have a great effect beyond just the sport of soccer. By bringing together the sports community, and athletes with CP, and supporters, this program will be able to have a deeper discussion about inclusion and accessibility in sports.

Everyone at the event, especially staff working at the event will all be wearing green armbands during the match following the shoe launch. Also, during the event the BMO Field where the event is taking place, will have signs throughout the stadium and will feature information booths to bring awareness to fans on cerebral palsy and how they can contribute to the cause.

The success of this event depends on the collective efforts of the entire community. Whether you’re a soccer fan, a supporter of adaptive sports, or simply someone who believes in the power of inclusion, there are ways you can get involved:

• Make sure you come to the event and show your support by being part of revealing this beautiful shoe at BMO Field.

• You can be the first to purchase the special edition of the shoe and every sale contributes directly to the cause, the CCPSA.

• Your donations and contributions will help grow access to sports for individuals with cerebral palsy.  Use your preferred social media to promote the event, like Facebook and Instagram bring awareness for inclusion of individuals wanting to be accepted in the athletic community.

Great athletes like Lorenzo Insigne’s who have stepped forward to partner with the CCPSA and Toronto FC is proof to the power of all athletes as believers for meaningful causes. By using his influence to increase awareness and support for cerebral palsy, Insigne is leaving a lasting effect both in the world of sports and in the lives of those affected by cerebral palsy.

Overall, I believe that because Soccer is the most popular sport in terms of fans according to my fact finding of the (Top Ranking Sports) which means that soccer fields throughout Canada have created a buzz for the game. But this is restricted to only those without cerebral palsy to enjoy the sport of soccer. Fans watching the game seeing players, like Insigne would be inspired that anything is possible. Having athletes, like Insigne and the Toronto FC wearing the shoe with the symbol of cerebral palsy would send a message to fans, athletes and sponsors to the soccer world. This initiative would allow incentive for those people with CP to consider getting involved in the sport of soccer. The shoe is a sign of inspiration and equality. 

Since March is Cerebral Palsy awareness month this initiative by the CCPSA , Toronto FC and Lorenzo Insigne will give us all an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, determination, and passion of individuals with cerebral palsy. Together, through sports and advocacy, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community—one where every athlete, regardless of ability, has the chance to compete and experience the excitement of participating in soccer.  The challenges are many, cerebral palsy is an umbrella of many different types of cerebral palsy but given the option of inclusivity there are many different ways to play a sport and showing off the new shoe is a part of the growing awareness. Playing soccer on the field, even if it’s playing with a walker, as I do, and have the right shoe, would be an inspiration and encouragement to all athletes.

So, make sure you invite everyone you know to the Launching of the Cleats for a Cause event at the BMO Field ON March 15, 2025.

Thank you!!!!