Testimonials
“This winter a passion was awakened inside of me. This is all thanks to the adaptive skiing program at Sunshine and of course my instructor Jamie McCulloch. I started lessons in January and after just ten lessons, I have transformed into an amazing skier. I have been pushed to my limits and helped to reach a new level of skiing. Thanks to having the opportunity to ski, I have overcome some of my fears, gained confidence and realized that nothing is impossible. I have been in the CADS program at Canada Olympic Park for seven years and I am so grateful to them for teaching me how to ski, but the program at Sunshine allows me to challenge myself as a skier and to reach new heights. At times everyday life can be a struggle for me. Especially navigating the crowded hallways in a giant high school or doing some of the activities in gym class. I don’t always fit in. When I ski, all my problems disappear. Skiing gives me the freedom I don’t have in everyday life. I plan to ski the rest of my life. In fact, Jamie has been such an inspiration to me, that I want to teach other people with disabilities to ski. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to ski, no matter what. There is nothing I would rather do. It is one of those things that I can’t go a day without thinking about. The ski season has just ended and I honestly don’t know how I am going to survive another six months until I get to use my pink skis again! If I didn’t have skiing to look forward to, I don’t know what I would do. This program has changed my life in so many ways. I am so grateful, and if programs like this did not exist, I might not have had the chance to discover my true passion in life. And who knows, maybe one day I will represent Canada in the Olympics!! As Jamie says “there is no such thing as can’t, only cans that you haven’t done yet.” Nadine Rutledge, CP, Participant
“With all of them (Adaptive Sports) we’ve seen wonderful benefits. Because the skiing is something Matthew’s been doing for a number of years with one on one instruction, it’s been fantastic for his confidence and made him realize he can do something he previously thought he could never do, which has consequently helped him in other areas of his life. It’s also made a big difference to our family life because now we can go out and ski together…….” Jane Read, Parent
“Matthew’s also done a couple of seasons of horseback riding which taught him a little more about respecting other living creatures. It was an experience he probably would never have had in a regular setting because we tried and he refused to even get on the horse. Whereas after a few classes in a therapeutic setting, he was confidently riding the horse virtually without assistance. It was such a freeing experience for him, he’d have a smile from ear to ear!” Mo Read, Parent
“by doing adaptive sport, I have not only learnt how to overcome challenges, but more importantly I have learnt how to have a bloody good time with my disability” David Morgen, Paraplegic
“The impact of this program on his overall development has been astounding………. He has learned that new experiences need not be feared – that scary situations can be overcome – and to trust in himself enough to push his limits.” Rob McIntyre, Parent
“Clearly, the benefits of these programs lie in the development of lifetime skills as well as providing immediate benefits. As well as physical development, social contact and intellectual development, most importantly for Evan is the ego boost he receives from these activities. Academic programs are very difficult for him, and we find Evan is consistently rejected by other children, mostly due to his “oddness”. In these circumstances his ego gets battered, whereas in the sports programs a combination of qualified instruction, honest feedback and most important an intrinsic awareness of accomplishment, is of enormous benefit.” Barbra Beckley, Parent
“Adaptive sports have allowed James to show both his peers (who he often gets teased by) and mostly himself that he is able and can be good at different sports and activities just like any other kid. Because James is more aware than maybe a lot of kids on the spectrum, he now feels more like other regular kids because he knows he’s doing the same stuff as them.” Joy Wilson, Parent
“I signed Connor up for the adaptive ski program at Sunshine, my expectation was that he would be safe on the hill with a qualified instructor — allowing the rest of our family a two hour time period to ski on more advanced hills. Well, this program met and exceeded our expectations. Connor, who has Down syndrome and is 15 years-old is now skiing to the top of the peaks at most ski resorts in Canada; right along side us. The added bonus of this program is that it has improved Connor’s thinking skills, especially in the areas of planning and problem solving. But above all, he loves to ski!” Lee Tasker, Parent
“For the past five years we have been coming to Canada for our skiing holiday with our son Harry that has downs syndrome. Harry has come on in leaps and bounds and this year was skiing independently and enjoying every minute!………..Thanks to Harry and his instructor he has surpassed all of our expectations, and what Harry achieved on our last trip in April 2010, has shown us all what he is capable of when he is approached in the right way. It is so rewarding for us all to see what he has achieved and to be able to share such a great holiday together.” Elaine Catmull, Parent
“being involved in adaptive sports has enabled me to enjoy a sport along with my family and friends, to the point where some of them can’t keep up with me. Through my involvement in adaptive sports I have meet some amazing people, participants, volunteers and instructors, who have been inspirational and supportive, and have become great friends.”Alisha McLennan, Adaptive participant, Cerebral Palsy
“Ocean is 6 years old, and though he has not been officially diagnosed, he is severely delayed in many areas, primarily speech, but also his muscle development……. Being outside is also a stimulant for Ocean, and he opens up in ways that he never would at home. Over the course of the ten weeks, Ocean became physically stronger and more confident in his abilities. His therapist has already noticed the added strength in his lower body, and flexibility in his hips. We would wake up on Saturday mornings, and tell him that we were going skiing, he would do his little “ski dance” and give us the biggest smile. The cost of running such a program, because Ocean has to be taught one on one, is extensive. We were so grateful for the work of Jamie and PSST for all of the funds they were able to raise to help us. We would never have been able to do it otherwise. Thank you to everyone who has brought so much joy into our little boys life.” Debbie Falkner, Parent
“….the development of your new program (RMASC), is highly desirable and we believe, needs to be supported and promoted to allow as many children as possible, to participate.” Wayne McRoberts, Parent
