The Best Seats
In The House

While much of what we do here at Sport Systems is out of necessity, there are some projects that also display how we're passionate about creating solutions that make a real difference, especially when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable. Recently, we had the privilege of partnering with Walk of Grace, a remarkable family-owned organization in the Ottawa-area that is dedicated to empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Founded over a decade ago, Walk of Grace has been a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the challenges of developmental disabilities. Their mission is to empower lives through compassionate care and meaningful connections. By providing a safe, nurturing environment, they help individuals thrive, build essential life skills, and foster independence.

Earlier this year, Walk of Grace approached us with a clear goal: safeguarding the children and adults in their care from potential injuries in a communal seating area. The existing furniture posed a risk with its hard edges and surfaces, and their initial vision involved crafting over 40 individual pad pieces, each secured with Velcro to the sides of the furniture. While functional, this approach would have been labor-intensive to install and maintain, potentially leading to unnecessary wear and tear over time.

After working alongside key stakeholders, it became apparent that we could do better. Safety shouldn't come at the expense of practicality or durability and we quickly enlisted the help of our experienced custom padding team. Led by the talented duo of Venessa and Jessica, the pair hit the ground running by visiting the site to take precise measurements of every furniture piece. Armed with this data, they designed and handcrafted a streamlined set of custom padding that fits seamlessly like a glove over the existing furniture.

Gone were the ideas of dozens of separate pieces. Instead, we delivered integrated, form-fitting covers that provide proper protection without the hassle. Made from high-quality, durable materials, these pads are built to withstand daily use while maintaining a soft, inviting feel. 

The project resulted in a seating area that's not only safer but also more welcoming, a true embodiment of thoughtful design meeting the real-world needs of this truly special organization. Our custom padding solution exceeded expectations, delivering the safety Walk of Grace envisioned while simplifying their operations and extending the lifespan of the installation. It was a win-win that reinforced our shared commitment to excellence.

If your organization is looking to upgrade spaces for safety without sacrificing style or simplicity, we'd love to chat. Reach out to our custom padding department today.