Athletes know it takes determination, sacrifice, and unshakable faith to get to competition. They seldom walk alone, as the people in their lives play an important part. Many athletes aspire to better outcomes. The pursuit of excellence, for recreational and professional athletes, is just one more event away.
My visual impairment does not prevent me from conquering the CN Tower's 1776 stairs. My commitment to a healthy life style results in my being physically fit - maybe even fitter than the average 47-year-old.
Stair climbing, starting as a dare from my sister Colleen, has evolved into a lifestyle choice. It's said that the average fit person can complete the climb in 30 minutes--my goal was to get it done in 20 or less. Along with a healthy diet, I am a regular participant at the Dovercourt Recreation Center in a variety of classes. Recently, a new aerobics program for blind/visually-impaired people began at the Jack Purcell Community Center. Our instructor provides verbal cues, and with volunteers' help, everyone gets a great workout.
Last December, Ottawa was plunged into a vicious 51-day transit strike. Both sides argued over Ottawa's airwaves with the phrase "maximum inconvenience" being used while Ottawa's bus riders were held hostage. "Maximum inconvenience, HUH!" I often walked the 6½ k from my place to Dovercourt, and built walking into my exercise plan. In hard times, people can be exceptionally kind. A fellow classmate, Poovai, drove me to and from class. That made all the difference! Oftentimes, our trips home usually meant a stop at a local produce store for some healthy fruit and veggies.
We stay with our friend Diane and her son Ian in Scarborough, our home away from home when we climb. We were joined by our friend Maria who fed body and soul with delicious bean pie, and came to help Diane hold our stuff and cheer us on. This would be my fifteenth race, Colleen's sixth and Ian's fourth.
The atrium was filled with participants, supporting the World Wildlife Federation. At Registration we were almost shut out. The event was almost full! Fortunately, they took pity as we were from out of town. We were "banded" like birds, and sent on our way.
As we waited for our time cards to be stamped, signaling our start, I told Ian and Colleen that we would do well. While climbing, we constantly encouraged each other onward and upward, giving it our best effort. By floor 100 I felt as though my legs were made of lead. The clock was ticking. By floor 120 my ability to breathe and think straight was fading. In the distance, we could hear clapping and cheering and knew that the end was near. I knew that I was not going to make my 20 minute goal. Suddenly Ian sailed past us to complete his race in 21 minutes 07 seconds. Colleen and I staggered in at 21:45 and 21:36 respectively. I was so proud of my running mates!
This time was not my best but it was not my worst. I know that I have better finish times to come. I feel he drive, passion and sheer desire that burns within every athlete's soul. I know that I will reach my goal if those important people will continue down the road to victory with me.
About the Author
Born and raised in Ottawa, Shelley Ann Morris has more than ten years of professional experience within the social service field. Currently, Shelley Ann is a member of the Recruitment and Referral Services team at Volunteer Ottawa. In 2004, she joined Dovercourt's Board of Directors. One of her roles on the Board has been to help ensure that the organization continues in its efforts to be accessible to all, including those who have disabilities. Shelley Ann is a passionate advocate for inclusive active living and has brought a number of people with a disability from the community to Dovercourt. In as much as All Abilities Welcome is committed to encouraging and supporting community recreation facilities to adopt an attitude of inclusion, this becomes somewhat redundant if there are no people with a disability coming out to these centres in the first place. As such, Shelley Ann's work in bringing people with a disability to Dovercourt is helping to meet this challenge, and we commend both Dovercourt and Shelley Ann for their efforts to draw people with a disability into a place where they are welcomed and fit in.
