Able & Active

refereeing and playing hockey, working and a heck of a lot of playing. All members of the family have chosen to work in places that match their need to share time with dynamic individuals who challenge yet play with them. The introduction of many types of role models is a constant staple of the family diet. Fifteen years ago, when few women were running, Chris would ride his bike with one child on the back, while Val ran. Later on, Chris’ parents would pick up the boys while Val went running. It was a gift for which she is ever grateful.

Val has shared in many events over the years, but as with all of us, there are always some favorites. The Cabot Trail Relay in Nova Scotia is a beloved occasion. As a founding member of the Ice Girls team, she has helped organize 17 women to run Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail in May during a 24-hour period, while wearing ridiculous costumes (a different colour theme each year). It builds team spirit and takes the competitiveness out of running. You run for fun. The course is such that friendship and participation are what’s really important.

Being the 1:50 Pace Bunny for the National Capital Half-Marathon a couple of years ago is another fond memory. She felt privileged getting to share in the group’s success and goals in an actual race situation.

In the past, she has worked extensively with young single parents to help them get through their tough times. That, in itself, has been extremely self-motivating. These days you will find Val working at Bustukah where she takes great pleasure in meeting and working with people who enjoy the o u t d o o r l i f e s t y l e . From the participatory to the competitive, the junior to the senior, she continues to thrive in being surrounded by those who, like her, think life is an adventure.

This section of Ottawa Outdoors is dedicated to persons with disabilities who are keen to live an active outdoors lifestyle. Attitude is Everything!

By Chris Bourne

SO YOU’RE SITTING in front of your television and thinking that getting into some sort of physical activity program may be a great way to meet some new people. It might add some variety to your life and strengthen your self-concept. It would likely be a lot of fun. Heck, it’s probably even good for your health.

Well right you are! Getting physically active can provide all of these benefits and many more. And now that you’re thinking about doing it, you’ve taken the first step to making it happen.

Now that you have decided that you want to get out there and get active, it’s time to think about what it is that you’d like to do. Gardening? Mall walking? Join a gym or a youth centre? Cycling? Square dancing? Scuba diving? The possibilities are endless. Remember that tomorrow’s limits are today’s doubts, and that in the end you will only accomplish things if you view them as possible. Use your imagination and think about some of the physical activities that you used to enjoy or that you’ve heard about others with a disability doing. No doubt you’ve seen some attractive options on TV or in magazines. Make a list of the possibilities and start to think about the ones that you’ll follow up on. Challenge yourself by setting some goals for the amount of time you will spend being physically active or the number of activities you will try over the next couple of months.

At this point you’ll start searching for information. Regardless of your interests or your level of ability, there are bound to be appropriate opportunities in your community for you to get involved. The first step is to find out about them. So where do you look for answers? Your local parks and recreation department is one place to enquire. Contact an

Independent Living Centre in your area. Organizations such as the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the National Network for Mental Health and many other consumer organizations that serve those with a disability have offices all over the country. They can put you in touch with others who may have the same interests and needs as you. Chat with your friends. Chances are they will be able to give you some insight to the adaptations that they’ve made to different activities and introduce you to some of the things that they are involved in. The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a disability can connect you with its provincial or territorial representatives who have an excellent idea of what is available at the regional and local levels.

Once you’ve identified some options, get out there and do it! If you enjoy the new activity, commit to taking part on a regular basis and set up a schedule to ensure that you remain involved. If not, try some of the other alternatives that interest you. Once you’ve found something that you like doing, it is likely that your interest will grow and being active will become an important part of your life.

As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” It all starts with a positive attitude toward becoming and remaining physically active. Next is a proactive approach to letting others know what you’d like to do and finding the information. While it may be necessary to have a friend help you out as you do your research or as you take part in an activity, it’s up to you to initiate things. Once you start, you’ll find it hard to stop! Have fun with your newfound activities.

About the author: Practicing what he preaches, Chris is an accomplished athlete. His sport of focus is triathlon. In 2001 he won a gold medal at the World Triathlon Championships and in 2002 a silver at the World Duathlon Championships. In addition to these multi-sport events, Chris is an avid downhill skier, water skier, and loves to take part in any activity that lets him enjoy the great outdoors. Find out more at the www.ala.ca.