Today’s meeting was a special presentation held in the Fraser Room at the Library. The meeting brought
together our club members, some of the Haney Club members, some of the District’s Parks & Rec. staff, BC
Disability Sports’ Executive Director Jane Samletzki, and two special guests. The presentation was on the
upcoming BC Disability Games scheduled for July 22 – 26, 2009 in Maple Ridge.
Anita Perler, Chief Director of the Games, spoke of the honour of holding the games within our community. This event showcases the abilities of the disabled and builds a legacy for our community.
The last time the games were held in Maple Ridge was in 1992. Anita advised that BC Disability Games were established in 1968. This multi-sport event gives athletes with a
disability the opportunity to compete in a variety of sport and recreational activities. The Games offer the host
community an opportunity to celebrate their cultural diversity while showcasing local facilities and services.
The BC Disability Games support athletes from disability groups through the participation of a number of member groups including:
-SportAbility BC BC Deaf Sports Federation
-BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association
-Disabled Sailing Association of BC
-Canadian Amputee Sports Association – BC Division
-BC Therapeutic Riding Association
The sports chosen for the BC Disability Games, ensure that the needs of athletes with a disability are met. The sports include Boccia, Archery, Sailing, Equestrian, and Goal ball to name a few. There are approximately 600 participants (athletes, officials, caregivers, etc.) with another 600 people volunteering for the event. Anita introduced the Board of Directors, which includes John Mitchell, Rick Howard, Maggie Prince, Denise
Gunn, Kathy Marshall, Mike Murray, Robert Campbell, Anita Perler, Derrick Keist, Chum Richardson, Trevor Randall, Clive and Marilyn. She then introduced Heather McCain.
Heather McCain, a local athlete and a co-organizer for the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Games, gave us a bit of
background on her involvement in Paralympics sports. She used to play power soccer utilizing a power
wheelchair, and started a power soccer team in Maple Ridge.
Due to further health issues, Heather changed to the sport of Boccia. She borrowed a Boccia ball but had no
gym for practice, so she painted a court in her driveway. With the help of a young friend who retrieved the ball
for her, she practiced hard and became skilled in the sport. She received great support from her neighbours and
friends during her training period.
In 2005, Heather went to Nanaimo to compete in the Games. She did not feel unique or out of place socially. She found that the Games were inclusive of all people with disabilities who want to play and have a passion for sports. In 2007, Heather attended the Games held in Powell River as a Special Guest due to health issues that did not allow her to participate. She will co-organize the Maple Ridge Games.
Alison Kabush was then introduced along with her assistant, Shannon. Alison is Boccia participant who has won two bronze medals in the Summer Paralympics Games. She won in Sidney in 2000, and in Athens in 2004. She is now on her way to Beijing to participate in the 2008 Summer Games.
Hosting the 2009 Games in Maple Ridge will have a lasting effect
on our Community. It will change our perception of people with disabilities and provide a better understanding of what can be accomplished by an individual’s desire and passion to compete in sports. The Games will leave a legacy for our community and be a source of community pride.
Submitted by Lynda Lawrence