walking . is . overrated

I for one certainly didn’t, and I was shocked/amazed/inspired (yes, all three at once) to discover that one of the world’s most prominent cities, and a previous host of the Olympics and Paralympics, has a man at the helm who is in fact disabled! His name is Sam Sullivan, and he was elected the Mayor of Vancouver in 2005, after serving 12 years as a City Councillor. He is a quadriplegic after breaking his neck when he was aged just 19, during a tragic skiing accident. And now he’s the city’s Mayor. Astounding.

I certainly don’t mean that to come across in an incredulous tone, but more in one of wonder that perhaps attitudes are finally beginning to shift. Perhaps we, the disabled community, will not forever be confined to the sidelines of society, content with work behind the scenes. I hope Mr Sam Sullivan can act as an inspiration for all disabled people, and in particular disabled youth, by showing everyone that nothing’s beyond the realm of possibility if you want it bad enough.

He’s certainly renewed my vigour and determination to exceed others’ expectations, and I would like to thank him for that, whether he reads this or not. Hats off to you Mr Sullivan, may you preside over you wonderful city for many years to come