LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO
Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): Each of us was elected with a vision of making a difference for our family, our community and our province, in hopes that future generations live a life that's better than ours today. As elected officials, we are granted a certain stature, at least in the minds of some, that gives us an added ability to better the world that surrounds us and fulfill visions that don't necessarily fall into the mandate to which we were elected. I rise today to congratulate two such individuals for their dedication, hard work and commitment in making our world a better place through the actions of their vision that allowed for a groundbreaking ceremony to take place Friday last.
Christine Elliott and Jim Flaherty, through their personal vision, dedication, planning, and fundraising, broke the ground on the Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ontario. The Abilities Centre is a world-class recreation, athletic and performing arts centre that is fully accessible to persons with varying degrees of abilities and challenges.
The Abilities Centre is partnering with the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby and will build on their existing facilities and services. This new, barrier-free facility will include a field house which will contain walking trails; track; full-sized courts; fitness facilities; therapy rooms; life skills; art and music programs; performing arts components and much more. In addition, the centre is intended to be an international centre of excellence for the development and implementation of inclusionary practices for people with special needs.
The overall goal of the Abilities Centre is to shift the paradigm: Instead of seeing disabilities, our focus will be on the abilities of each person.
Good job-no, great job, Christine and Jim, and thank you for making our world a better place. |
