Overview

Mission
The Dwarf Athletic Association of Canada (DAAC) provides programs promoting health, and designed to improve functioning, adjustment, and build self-esteem for people with dwarfism. DAAC provides opportunities for persons with dwarfism to be integrated into such activities and/or to participate in team sports and physical activity designed to be accessible to our Little Person community.
These programs are open to everyone with dwarfism regardless of their level of ability or skill. DAAC is dedicated to conducting outreach and recruitment of all Little People participants to be as inclusive as possible. The programs are not aimed at the selection and training of individuals with a view to developing professional athletes for a career in sport.

In addition to children, youth and adults with dwarfism, DAAC’s charitable activities also extend to relieve conditions associated with aging by delivering sports programs to help address conditions normally attributable to old age for people with dwarfism, such as maintaining health, fitness, or mobility and relieving isolation all in an environment accessible to individuals of short stature and their family.

Purpose
The Dwarf Athletic Association of Canada's (DAAC) purpose is to relieve conditions associated with a disability by providing athletic and recreational programs to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children and adults with dwarfism.

Like other groups of disabled people, many of the barriers and obstacles faced by individuals with dwarfism are put in place by society, even before any of the potential medical complications of dwarfism are considered. These include barriers to participating in publicly available sports activities that promote health and well-being. DAAC’s programming removes barriers and obstacles to participation by delivering sports activities whereby individuals with dwarfism can train, play, and compete in an equitable, inclusive and accessible environment.

In addition, as it is often difficult for many average height individuals to understand the challenges a person with dwarfism faces, DAAC provides a safe space through sports for individuals with dwarfism and their families with a goal of providing social rehabilitation to those who may from time to time feel isolated and marginalized by living in an average-sized world.