- Richard and Susan A.
CONSTRUCTION
The Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association (ICHA) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities across Windsor and Essex County by providing sports, recreational and social activities. The roots of the ICHA were established in 1977 at Glengarda School when Egidio Novelletto began a soccer program for persons living with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. ICHA was granted charitable not-for-profit status on July 22, 1987.
Since then, ICHA has implemented several additional sports, recreational and social activities designed to build self-confidence, self-esteem and integrate our members into the community. Along with the soccer program, ICHA offers basketball, bocce, bowling (5 and 10 pin), floor hockey, modified yoga, tae kwon do and dance. In addition, our Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas parties, and the extraordinarily successful annual fishing derby are filled with friendship, wonderful memories and a great deal of fun.
The ICHA has established a fund to offer bursaries at both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. Bursary funds are accessible to people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Also, in recognition of an individual who contributed greatly to the success of the ICHA, the Dario Rossi Memorial Bursary was established and is available to a qualified ICHA volunteer who is moving into a post-secondary school environment.
Today, the ICHA is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Ontario with a membership base of over 200 members. Our members range in age from fifteen (15) to fifty (50) with the average age of thirty (35). It is important to note that our Association is run entirely through the efforts and generosity of our volunteers. Membership with ICHA is open to all individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities living in Windsor and Essex County. The word “Italian” in our name reflects the ethnic background of our founding members and recognizes their generous contributions and the commitment they’ve given to our organization over the years. In October 2002, the ICHA opened the Novelletto Rosati Complex with the intent of providing a safe place for all individuals with a physical and/or intellectual disability in our community. Through the generosity of all levels of government and the overwhelming support of businesses and individuals in Windsor and throughout Essex County, the ICHA was successful in this endeavor.
If you know of someone that could benefit from our programs or is interested in volunteering their time, please have them contact us. Inquiries can be sent to
Drive, Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9C 0C3
Visit us at www.icha.ca Phone: (519) 977-1209 Email: icha@thesoccerplace.ca
GREETINGS FROM THE ICHA PRESIDENT
Share the Spirit,
Loris Sanson
Over 30 years of Service in the Community
It is an honour and privilege to welcome all the participants, family members, visitors and volunteers to the ICHA’s 2022 Fishing Derby along the Detroit River. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic our Annual ICHA Fishing Derby was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 in order to keep all our participants and volunteers safe. The ICHA has organized the Fishing Derby for the fun and enjoyment of people with disabilities living in the Windsor and Essex County area. Again, we are looking for more favourable conditions to allow all the participants a good day of fishing, renew friendships and entertainment. Whether the fish are biting or not, there will surely be plenty of smiling faces along the water’s edge. The ICHA is very grateful for the assistance provided by the event’s Director, Pat Pagano and his committee, the many entertainers and volunteers that assist our participants along the waterfront and in the park to make the Fishing Derby a special and memorable event. A special thank you goes out to our Fishing Derby official sponsor, The Alan Quesnel Family Foundation.
ICHA, 3939 Carmichael Drive
ICHA President
It is with heartfelt sorrow that the ICHA had to announce the passing of our Head Soccer Coach, TOMASSO MADIA.
For over 10 years Tomasso served our organization faithfully and encouraged our players to reach for their very best. In 2016, he was honoured with a place in the ICHA Hall of Fame. His legacy of kindness and service will never be forgotten.
The ICHA SOCCer program began in 1987 on the grounds of Glengarda School. Athletes who participate in soccer are able to improve their overall physical fitness through training and competition and learn the benefits of playing as a team, which promotes communication, camaraderie and friendship.
Practices at the Novelletto Rosati Complex take place every Tuesday, and include warm-up exercises, skills development for various abilities, and competitive levels of the athletes. The program runs from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and is open to “B”, “C” and “D” level athletes.
