A groundbreaking partnership in Windsor is harnessing the power of sports and exercise to transform lives. The University of Windsor has teamed up with Holy Names Catholic High School to launch a pilot program designed to promote physical activity among students with special needs.
APEX Program: Building Strength and Community
The initiative, called the APEX (Adapted Physical Exercise) program, was conceived by the Human Kinetics faculty at the University of Windsor. It officially brings together university students with leadership students from Holy Names to create tailored exercise routines for their peers with developmental disabilities.
The sessions run on Wednesdays in the school gym, where participants engage in various adapted exercises and sports aimed at increasing strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. The program goes beyond physical health, serving as a "vehicle for social change" by highlighting the capabilities of adults with disabilities in a sports setting.
Student Leadership and Research in Action
At the heart of the program's delivery is Chloe Vidamour, a University of Windsor human kinetics masters student and a Holy Names graduate. She collaborates closely with Stacey Ditchfield, a physical education teacher at the high school.
Vidamour emphasizes the community-building aspect of APEX. "When we start the program, people have very low expectations, and then they build relationships... and they realize they’re a lot more capable, they’re a lot stronger than they think they are," she explained in a program video. The initiative also provides valuable research opportunities in adapted physical exercise, disability, and sport, with findings intended to inform better policy and practices in developmental services.
A Model for Broader Change
Teacher Stacey Ditchfield is a strong advocate for expanding the program's reach. "I think it would be an outstanding … project for every high school," she stated, calling the innovative collaboration "breaking edge."
The program, highlighted in photos from December 10, 2025, shows students like France Mirza, Lucas Macri, Shamus Retty, Somi Asapokhai, Neder El-Morad, Kareem Hamami, and Mila Simeunovic actively participating. By fostering friendships and challenging perceptions, the APEX program in Windsor is demonstrating a powerful new model for inclusive education and health promotion.
