Paul Scholefield prepares for the torch relay.

Easter Seals BC / The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is excited that past and present BC Easter Seals Campers were Torchbearers in 2010 Paralympics Torch Relay in Vancouver.

Paul Gauthier, past Easter Seals ‘Timmy’, Easter Seals Camper and gold medalist Paralympian was given the honour of being the first Paralympic Torchbearer to run the first leg of the 24 Hour Paralympics Torch Relay in downtown Vancouver. Paul was not the only Easter Seals Camper to participate in the 24 Hour Torch Relay.

Sarah Cheung, newly named Easter Seals Ambassador and Easter Seals Camper, also carried the torch down Robson Street in Vancouver. For Sarah, being a Paralympic Torchbearer was a proud accomplishment that she got to share with her friends, family and some of her counsellors from BC Easter Seals Camp Squamish.

Eighteen year old Easter Seal Camper and past Easter Seals Ambassador, Paul Scholfield also ran with the Paralympic torch. His mother, Alison Scholfield will always remember this as a “priceless experience” for Paul because it gave her son a newfound sense of confidence.

Best friends Grace Brulotte and Katie Gibbs, who attend Easter Seals Camp Winfield, had the opportunity to share their experience as Paralympic Torchbearers together. Their torches ‘kissed’ as they passed the flame to one another. They will always remember this unique experience and special day that they shared.

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is proud of all our Paralympic Torchbearers; we hope that this experience will continue to empower them for years to come.

Natasha Kaweski, 2009 Easter Seals BC Ambassador

Natasha Kaweski

Natasha Kaweski of Delta, BC is 13 years old and no stranger to Easter Seals Camp – she’s been attending for the past seven years! She lives in Delta with her mom, dad, brother, two sisters and six cats. Natasha was born with Morquio syndrome, which occurs when the body is unable to produce specific enzymes, causing dwarfism. Her brother Damien also has Morquio’s and is an Easter Seals Camper as well.

Natasha is very excited to begin her tenure as an Easter Seals Ambassador. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up and is looking forward to perfecting her public speaking skills, which she will put to good use as she shares her love for Easter Seals Camp with everyone. She likes reading, sewing, arts and crafts and swimming, and of course, just hanging out with her friends.

Nathan Bragg, 2009 Easter Seals BC Ambassador

Nathan Bragg

Nathan Bragg is a veteran Easter Seals Camper, and his outgoing personality, boundless enthusiasm and sincere dedication to the Easter Seals cause made him the perfect representative.

Nathan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of three. He doesn’t let CP slow him down, though – Nathan is an active, energetic kid and he has made Camp Squamish his summer destination for the past 8 years.

“Camp is his life,” Nathan’s mom says. “He would go every day if he could!” Nathan cites Camp Squamish as “one of my favourite places in the world…it never gets dull.”

At camp his favourite activities include hanging out with his many friends (he’s the life of the party!), swinging on the big swing (“The big swing is amazing – going up 60 feet in the air is as exhilarating as it is scary,” he proclaims) and swimming. Nathan is also a bit of a prankster – look out for practical jokes whenever he’s around! When he’s not having a blast at camp, Nathan resides in Maple Ridge, BC, with his family and two dogs. You might find him reading, playing video games, spending time with his friends or tearing up the local basketball court. When he grows up he wants to be a journalist, sports commentator or lawyer.

Nathan is an incredible example of the positive impact the Easter Seals Camping Program has had on children with disabilities across the province.

“Camp means a lot to me and it has helped in many ways,” Nathan says. “It has given me friends! It has given me laughs. It has given me a sense of belonging, but most of all it has given me the advice to focus on ability instead of disability, and has taught me that I can do anything.”

Watch for Nathan as he represents BC’s Easter Seals Kids at various Easter Seals events, including the 24 Hour Relay for the Kids and the Easter Seals Regatta and Festival.