SUE'S BLOG...
April 3, 2009
Truly Inspirational
I’m sure everyone has had a moment or an event happen in their life that really inspires you. Well I just had it happen to me when I read about Scott MacHattie and his accomplishments.
After five weeks and over 35,000 online votes from across the country, the title of Canada’s Best Speed Skating Story was awarded to Meadowvale’s Scott MacHattie for his video, “Speed Skating — The Inclusive Sport.”
Scott is a 16-year-old speed skater with Down Syndrome and was presented with his award at Calgary’s Olympic Oval from Canadian speed skating Olympian, Catriona Le May Doan, who hosted the gala evening in March. Scott also received a $5,000 cheque for the Oakville Speed Skating Club where he trains.
What a great story! I am extremely proud of Scott, as I’m sure his entire family, his friends and his skating club are as well.
Scott’s video will now go on to inspire other speed skaters (and non-speed skaters like me) in achieving their dreams and goals just like Scott did.
I think what Catriona Le May Doan said sums up it up best……
“When we began the search for Canada’s best speed skating story, the goal was to provide young skaters from across the country with a voice — a way of building a speed skating community by sharing their love for the sport. I can see why Scott’s story resonated with Canadians — he’s an inspiring young athlete with Down Syndrome who has become a real trail blazer in the sport of speed skating.”
Thank you Scott for providing us with an inspiring story that leaves us with a feeling that anything is possible when you are dedicated and work hard.
I look forward to reading about your future success in speed skating.