Participants had a full programme on Friday, at Rehabilitation Day presented in the framework of the Défi sportif.
Among others, the participants were able to meet two athletes who took medals at the last Paralympic Games: wheelchair basketball player David Eng and swimmer Benoit Huot. “We still have their accomplishments at the last Paralympic Games fresh in our memory and it was really interesting to hear their testimonies. But mainly, it was to see that they outdid themselves and succeeded. It is a great source of motivation to pass on”, said Sylvie Thibault from Centre Marie-Enfant in Montréal.
They all very much appreciated the performance by break dancer Luca Lazylegz Patuelli, suffering from arthrogryposis, which limits movement in his legs. “I was deeply touched by his testimony. I told myself that we could bring a bit of the Défi sportif back home now by inviting him to meet with our members” added Mrs Thibault, a regular at Rehabilitation Day.
During the afternoon, under the guidance of activity leaders, the participants were invited to try out various sports such as wheelchair fencing, goalball, boccia, hand-cycling and wheelchair basketball at Zone d’essais Loto-Québec.
For Kelly Di Domenico, from Constance-Lethbridge Centre, it was her first presence at the Défi sportif and at Rehabilitation Day. “I am astounded to see all the sports. I really loved my experience” said she, after trying out boccia. “It’s fascinating that this sport is accessible, regardless of the disability.”
“I had tried wheelchair basketball and volleyball previously, but I was happy to have a go at tennis and rugby”, declared Julie Lafontaine from Centre de réadaptation Le Parcours.
After visiting the various Défi sportif competition platforms in the morning, the kinesiologist showed a lot of interest in the different avenues offered by hockey. “I have a client who is newly amputated and who played hockey before. I’m anxious to talk about this with him.”
“I believe that many youngsters will surely be interested in this sport. We have to make it more accessible and show them it exists”, Sylvie Thibault believes.
One thing is certain for all participants; they are headed back to their centres twice as motivated. “We see that there are so many things to do in rehabilitation. Having tried different sports, heard testimonies and having traded thoughts with interveners from other centres lets us go forward in our milieu. And our patients will be better served.”
Written by Sportcom