Because of COVID-19, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games have been postponed. Local gyms and training facilities have been closed. Opportunities for recreation and exercise have been taken away. Your support will help to make sure opportunities in sport and activity can exist for Canadians with a disability - today, tomorrow and for years to come.

Read below to find out how two Paralympians – Rob Armstrong (Para ice hockey) and Priscilla Gagné (Para judo) - have adapted through 2020 and why they believe your support is as important now as ever.

Thank you for supporting Para athletes at all levels, whether in their communities or on the world stage. Thank you for recognizing the power of sport and the impact it has on Canadian society. Thank you for being part of our community.

 

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A message from Rob Armstrong- Para ice hockey
Rob Armstrong playing para ice hockey

There sure is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. That feeling of unpredictability and things being out of your control – like you, I get it.

The pandemic has been an eye opener. I realized I’ve taken a lot of things for granted.

It’s a bit like when everything in my life changed when I was six years old. For me, growing up watching hockey, there was no question I wanted to be a hockey player. But then, everything was different.

One day I woke up and I wasn’t able to stand. One day I was walking and one day I wasn’t. My family and I went to many hospitals before we found out I had a spinal infection, and it damaged my muscles in both of my legs. As time went on, my right leg just healed itself, but I have a brace for my left leg.

Then I found Para sport. I found Para ice hockey. I got in this old sled – probably the oldest one imaginable – and I took off down the ice. I just loved it.

I’m so happy that through Para sport, I found a way to keep living my dream as a hockey player.

It’s been really hard not being on the ice for most of this year. As a member of the Canadian National Para Ice Hockey team, our team is already so separated since we have teammates living all over the country. We can’t work on team structure or team chemistry in person. It’s tough. We’ve done Zoom calls and online team building - but it’s just not the same.

But we adapt.  We have to.  As Para athletes, we train hard.  We’re so committed.  We want to represent our country so badly.

Your donation to the Paralympic Foundation of Canada makes this possible. It makes it possible for Canadians with a disability get involved in sport – on any level. For some people, your donation will give them the chance to try a sport for the first time. For Para athletes like me, it will give us the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage.

So often, things are out of our control. If a referee makes a call on the ice, it’s out of our control.  A global pandemic? Out of our control.  We just have to do what we can do to move forward.

This has been an unpredictable year. I try to remember that it’s not how it happens; it’s how you deal with it.

For me, I’m still eyeing the same date: Beijing 2022 for the Paralympic Winter Games, but whatever happens, I’m ready for it. Our team is ready for it. We’re just focusing on trying to get one percent better every day.

You can show your support so Canadians with a disability can access sport by making a donation today. Your support goes a long way to ensure that not only is sport accessible and available to ALL, but for that some like me, when it comes time to put that Canadian jersey on, we’ll be ready to make you proud.

Thanks so much,

Rob Armstrong
Para ice hockey

A message from Priscilla Gagné- Para judo
Priscilla Gagne para judo

Hi, I hope you are well.

This year certainly hasn’t been the one any of us expected …

Sport has been a huge outlet for me during the pandemic, but it’s always been my go-to.

It’s my escape. My release of frustration, of energy, of anger. Sometimes you just need to focus on something outside of the everyday.

The reason Para judo is so appealing for the vision-impaired, like me, is that you always know where your opponent is. You always have a hand on them. It’s something I can do on fairer ground – maybe not equal ground – but on a much more level playing field. And I was always good at it. That gave me a sense of autonomy. It’s given me a sense of ability.

This year, it was sad and disappointing that the Tokyo Paralympic Games were postponed. I had been training so hard, and for so long. But I can’t really focus on that. I’ve taken advantage of the time. I’ve been taking piano lessons through Zoom. I got to spend more time with my Grandma.

I’m doing my best to train for the rescheduled Games in 2021. I’m improvising with things in my house and working with my trainer online. Right now, I’m focused on keeping my cardio and my technique up. 

For me, maybe it’s been ok because I’m so used to adapting in life anyways.

Because of my disability, I’ve always had to adapt in life. As a kid, trying to be part of a team in an able-bodied world.  Or in school trying to be part of a classroom, in a sighted class, you just always had to adapt and figure out how can I still be me? How can I still keep up with the rest of the kids and not lose my joy?

That’s the most powerful skill a person can have: the ability to adapt and keep their attitude in check. If you can do those two things – and I’ve had lots of practice with those two things over the years – I think you’re ahead of the game. 

Donors – like you – to the Paralympic Movement are so appreciated. I appreciate you for the monetary support you bring to the Para sport system, and the opportunities you help create to allow Canadians with a disability to move forward through sport. But even more importantly, your support shows you believe in us.

Your donations let us know that you’re behind us, that you recognize us for our potential. This support provides an emotional connection that shows me and other Canadians with a disability that we’re not second class, we’re not an afterthought. It shows us that we are valued.

When you support the Paralympic Movement, you are - without words - telling us that you want us to have the same opportunities as ALL Canadians.

I know that this year has been one like no other, but I hope – if you’re able to – that you’ll make a donation that keeps showing Canadians with a disability that you believe in the power of sport and the importance a sport system that’s accessible and available to all.  I hope to make you proud!

 

With many thanks,

Priscilla Gagné

Para judo