Championing Difference Makers

Volleyball is a sport my whole family has been passionate about. My wife Amanda played it as a student at Queen's and all three of my daughters played when they were growing up. Over the last 40 years, I have played, coached and supported the sport in different ways.

This past weekend, it was wonderful to be able to give out a Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award in Women's Volleyball at UBC from the fund that I helped to create to recognize young athletes who go above and beyond, overcoming adversity and who demonstrate a positive attitude.

Anna Price is this year's Difference Maker recipient. She's a fifth year UBC student and the Captain of her team. Anna helped lead her team to a national championship win. Through her leadership and example, I know Anna will continue to contribute and be a difference maker to her team and her community.

While at the award ceremonies, I also had an opportunity to reconnect with Bob Hindmarch, my former Physical Education professor, and mentor at UBC. Bob was instrumental in helping me become the first person with a disability to get accepted in UBC's Physical Education program.

If it wasn't for Bob's kindness and encouragement, I doubt I would have pursued an education at UBC. Attending UBC eventually led me down the path to start my Man In Motion World Tour. This changed the course of my life and has now put me in a position to facilitate the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award in the very gym where I studied at the School of Human Kinetics. In moments like these, you realize that life comes full circle!